January 27, 2025
Winter Updates from 2024-25 Magnuson Scholars
On behalf of the University of Washington’s six Health Science Schools and the Magnuson Scholar Program, here are updates from our scholars since their announcement in May of 2024. In November the scholars were recognized by their colleagues, mentors, deans and the Magnuson Family at a luncheon on South Campus. At the beginning of Winter Quarter all seven received their second and final payment totaling the $34,000 scholarship. This Winter Update is an opportunity to convey how being recipients of this honor has helped them to pursue and achieve both their research and personal goals.
We appreciate your support of these scholars and our efforts to fully recognize their achievements while acknowledging Warren G. Magnuson’s extraordinary public service career.
The 2024-25 Magnuson Scholars are:
| Claire Mills School of Dentistry |
Justin Lo School of Medicine |
Elizabeth Frazier School of Nursing |
| Yue (Winnie) Wen School of Pharmacy |
Amanda Brumwell School of Public Health |
Miriana Duran School of Public Health |
| Hannah Scheuer School of Social Work |
Scholar Profiles
Claire Mills, School of Dentistry
I first want to sincerely thank the Magnuson Family for this incredible opportunity. The scholarship has had a significant impact on my life and ability to conduct research studying the impact of systemic health on oral cancer susceptibility and outcomes, with a focus on the influence of patient systemic factors, including diabetes.
Since receiving the award, I have begun my fourth year of my PhD in Dr. Slobodan Beronja’s lab at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. For my thesis project, I am studying the role of field cancerization in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development and progression. I am collecting and profiling UW patient samples to explore early cellular changes occurring in normal cells that may predispose these cells to becoming cancerous.
It has been previously found that metabolic syndrome and diabetes contribute to HNSCC risk and worsen patient outcomes. I hypothesize these “cancerized” normal cells in the “fields” around tumors have genetic changes that predispose them to transformation and may contribute to the very high recurrence rate of HNSCC. I am exploring this relevance in the context of my project.
In the last year, I have generated comprehensive datasets that profile 10 patient tumors and normal-adjacent samples looking at mutations, transcriptomic changes, and modifications to the chromatin. I also have collected metadata for each patient including systemic disease status, smoking status, etc. I am actively analyzing this data right now to determine what changes in the normal “field” overlap with the tumor. My long-term goal is to help identify biomarkers to predict patients’ risk of recurrence.
Because of the Magnuson Scholarship, I have been able to fully dedicate my time to answering these research questions. I have had the privilege to cut back on my Saturday job so that I can really prioritize research to the full extent. It was a really great opportunity to meet the family, fellow scholars, and Health Science deans at the recent award lunch. I cannot thank the Magnuson Family enough for their incredible care and support!
Justin Lo, School of Medicine
It is a great honor to be a recipient of the Magnuson Scholarship. I am thankful for the Magnuson family and friends who support the scholarship each year and those who continue to be inspired by Senator Magnuson’s legacy.
I am currently a third-year medical student undergoing my clinical rotations. Since receiving the scholarship, I have had the opportunity to disseminate and formalize research on hypothalamic gliosis (a central nervous system inflammatory process) and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Working with Dr. Ellen Schur and the Brain, Body, and Appetite Research Collaborative, we have investigated hypothalamic gliosis and cardiovascular disease risk factors using data from over 800 individuals in the Framingham Heart Study. We found that brain images representing hypothalamic gliosis were associated with elevated BMI, low HDL-C, high triglycerides, the presence of hypertension, and the presence of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, ultimately striving for evidence-based approaches to ameliorate the significant burden of diabetes on individuals and communities.
This past summer, I presented our findings at the American Diabetes Association in Florida, and I recently submitted our research to an academic journal. The scholarship helped with traveling to the conference and allowing me to devote time to my research while also continuing my clinical education. I hope that this research can motivate future studies to explore how the central nervous system affects the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Elizabeth Frazier, School of Nursing
Being selected as a 2024–2025 Magnuson Scholar has been a highlight of my academic journey, and I am incredibly grateful to Senator Magnuson’s family and friends for this honor. This scholarship has not only made it possible for me to dedicate focused time to my research on differences in atrial fibrillation symptoms in women and men, but also enjoy the journey along the way.
Atrial fibrillation is a common irregular heart rhythm that can present with bothersome and at times debilitating symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath which can significantly impact quality of life. Women and individuals with diabetes often experience a greater symptom burden, yet the underlying contributors remain unclear. My study investigates how biological markers, including epicardial adipose tissue and adipokines, along with social support, influence symptoms and quality of life in those living with AF. By identifying these mechanisms, I hope to contribute to more effective, personalized management strategies to advance understanding of the links between cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Since receiving the award, I have made significant progress in my research and academic goals. I have successfully enrolled over 40 participants with AF into my study and collected data on patient-reported outcomes, cardiac imaging biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, and qualitative interviews. Additionally, I have collaborated on multiple manuscripts, with two currently under peer review: one focusing on social determinants of health outcomes following implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation and another evaluating a pilot intervention to reduce PTSD in patients who receive an ICD shock. I have also initiated a systematic review on sex differences in key biological variables in AF, which will serve as my initial first-author publication.
The scholarship has also supported my ongoing participation in professional organizations, and I look forward to using the support to attend conferences, connect with other researchers, and pursue professional development opportunities this year. These achievements and experiences have been so valuable as I work toward completing my PhD and prepare for a career in nursing science. Thank you for selecting me to be part of Senator Magnuson’s legacy. I am inspired to continue advancing this important research and enriching my personal and professional growth through the support of the Magnuson Scholarship.
Winnie Wen, School of Pharmacy
Being named a Magnuson Scholar is an immense honor and a validation of my efforts and dedication to advancing national health. This recognition highlights the significance of my work and inspires me to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. The Magnuson Scholarship provides invaluable resources, motivation, and confidence as I address pressing challenges in drug disposition and disease states.
Currently enrolled in a PhD program, my research focuses on understanding the role of binding proteins in drug metabolism and their implications for disease states. My work integrates experimental laboratory techniques with computational approaches, leveraging big data and advanced modeling to unravel the complexities of drug interactions within the body. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work on exciting side projects, such as elucidating adipose tissue proteomes and their relationships with insulin resistance in pre-diabetic populations. These efforts aim to contribute to the development of more precise and effective treatments. Support from the Magnuson Scholarship enables me to dedicate my full attention to this critical research, paving the way for discoveries with a lasting impact on public health.
This award also allows me to purchase specialized software and expand my knowledge through training, workshops, and conferences. Recently I attended a population pharmacokinetics modeling course led by industry scientists as well as machine learning and computer science online classes that enhanced my understanding of computational tools. This summer I plan to register for the biostatistics institute to deepen my expertise in clinical study design and rigorous data analysis. These interdisciplinary experiences enable me to approach my research with greater versatility and better prepare for my future career. The scholarship alleviates financial constraints, empowering me to focus on these enriching opportunities and grow as both a scientist and mentor.
Beyond its tangible benefits, the Magnuson Scholarship inspires me to uphold its legacy of excellence by advancing scientific understanding and serving as a role model for future scholars. I am committed to developing innovative strategies to address critical health challenges and making a meaningful impact on public health and scientific progress.
Amanda Brumwell, School of Public Health
It is a privilege to be among this cohort of Magnuson Scholars. I would like to thank the Magnuson family for generously supporting my academic growth and research.
I am in the third year of my PhD in Global Health Metrics and Implementation Science. I completed my preliminary exam Fall Quarter of 2024. As I work towards completing my long proposal, I have finalized my dissertation committee, comprising of Dr. Sarah Gimbel, Dr. Kenny Sherr, Dr. Stephanie Page, and Dr. Marian Neuhouser. I am grateful to have these experts in global health, systems engineering, diabetes and endocrinology, and nutrition to contribute to my work.
The Magnuson Scholarship enabled me to dig deeper in my dissertation research. For my doctoral dissertation, I plan to investigate the barriers and facilitators for integrating diabetes care with an existing HIV and hypertension care platform and to evaluate whether nutritional education can change dietary habits in Mozambique. Thanks to the Magnuson Scholarship, I’m able to pursue not only these two questions about diabetes care and prevention in Mozambique, but also a broader scoping review of what existing evidence might exist elsewhere of effective strategies for integrating diabetes care with other infectious disease platforms. In short, I can conduct richer, more meaningful research with the support of this scholarship.
My dissertation work will hinge on a diabetes intervention in Mozambique, where at two sites we are collecting baseline data to understand the standard of care for diabetes. Excitingly, our intervention will begin its implementation phase this month, conducting continuous quality improvement and audit-and-feedback loops with frontline healthcare workers to prompt innovations in diabetes care delivery. Separately, we will soon begin a food environment assessment, rolling out health education materials in a community-based setting to establish formative knowledge around the behaviors and determinants that contribute to diabetes risk.
Thanks to the Magnuson Scholarship, I have been able to begin sharing my research, presenting my methods at the NIH National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s Center for Translational Research and Implementation Science 10th Anniversary event after the Dissemination and Implementation Conference in December. I’m eager to share my findings and continue to look for ways to maximize the opportunities to present my research. Thanks to the Magnuson Scholarship, I am able to launch my investigative career with exciting momentum, and I’m eager to see where the next steps in my journey takes me.
Miriana Duran, School of Public Health
I am truly honored to have been selected as a 2024-2025 Magnuson Scholar. This recognition came at a time of self-doubt during my PhD program and has provided motivation and reaffirmed that I should continue working on research that can help prevent chronic diseases. The support provided by this award has allowed me to formalize my dissertation committee, take courses to prepare me to finalize my dissertation proposal, and apply for funding that will support my dissertation work. In addition, this generous award has helped alleviate some of the economic burden of being a student and a parent, living in Seattle.
Currently, I am in the third year of my PhD in Health Services in the Department of Health Systems and Population Health. My dissertation will focus on understanding potential ways a fruit and vegetable incentive program can impact mental health and to determine if the social context of individuals might affect the programs effectiveness on food insecurity and fruit and vegetable consumption, both important factors related to diabetes.
This research can provide evidence that informs policies aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. In addition, understanding the impact of the social context on this program can address existing disparities to promote health equity.
With the generous support from the Magnuson family, I’m getting ready to submit my dissertation proposal and go through my written and oral exams to advance to PhD candidacy. This will allow me to fulfill my long-term career goals of becoming an independent health services researcher focused on nutrition policy.
I am deeply grateful for this award and the opportunity it gives me to advance my research and contribute to the remarkable legacy of the late Senator Magnuson.
Hannah Scheuer, School of Social Work
I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been selected as a Magnuson Scholar. My research aims to center the lived-expertise of youth and families impacted by child welfare and juvenile legal systems, developing program and policy initiatives to disrupt the foster care to prison pipeline. Thanks to the Magnuson Family Scholarship, I have been able to pursue this work as my dissertation. The scholarship has allowed me the time and space to intentionally collaborate and partner with youth and families impacted by both these systems.
Thus far, I have completed all my data collection including 6 focus groups: 2 with parents whose children have been in the child welfare system, 2 with young adults who have experienced child welfare involvement themselves, and 2 with social workers who work within these systems. I have also completed data analysis, a systematic literature review synthesizing the consequences associated with law enforcement involvement in child welfare, and am now working on writing and disseminating the findings from the focus groups.
Preliminary findings suggest that disrupting the foster care to prison pipeline will require a significant reduction in police presence within child welfare. Parents, young adults, and social workers partnering in this research are advocating for a formal policy initiative in Washington State that will build and require an alternative emergency response system for child welfare concerns that will set families up for long-term success, instead of incarceration and family separation. This emergency response system would include family advocates with lived experience who can provide concrete and culturally relevant resources and support. I am now working to prepare a policy advocacy initiative that would support the creation of this new emergency response system.
The generous support from this scholarship has allowed me to focus on the completion of my dissertation, spend dedicated time applying for Tenure-Track Assistant Professor positions so I may continue this research agenda after this year, continue to pursue my clinical work at a pace that feels sustainable, and focus on my most important role: being a mother. Thank you to the Magnuson family for this extremely meaningful support.