Husky 100 for 2025

Meet Tacoma's "Husky 100" students for 2025

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A mix of students studying biomedical sciences, accounting, social work and computer science make up this year’s UW Tacoma contribution to the Husky 100.

A total of nine UW Tacoma students are part of this year’s cohort. The tri-campus recognition celebrates the outstanding work and achievements of students who have made the most of their Husky Experience. The seven come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences, but they all actively connect what happens inside and outside the classroom and apply what they learn to make a difference on our campuses, in their communities and for the future. Through their coursework, research, volunteer and leadership efforts, internships and jobs, they have created their own unique Husky Experience.

Members of the Husky 100 are formally recognized by UW leadership and are connected to networking opportunities with UW students, alumni, faculty, staff and community leaders. A total of 75 UW Tacoma students have been named to the Husky 100 since the program launched in 2016.

You can see the entire Husky 100 here.

Cindy Jasmine Arias

Cindy Jasmine Arias

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Cindy Jasmine Arias

Cindy Jasmine Arias

Master of Arts in Community Planning

My journey at the UW centered on learning, listening and empowering underrepresented voices, shaped by my experiences as a first-gen Chicana. My courses challenged my understanding and inspired me to create spaces where these narratives could be heard. I now work to amplify these voices, ensuring that individuals in underrepresented communities feel seen, valued and empowered and will continue to do so.

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Noemi Duncan

Noemi Duncan

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Noemi Duncan

Noemi Duncan

B.A., Elementary Education; Endorsement in Special Education

During my time at UW Tacoma, I’ve thrived in leadership roles, from founding organizations like ECHO Dance and the B.E.T.T.E.R. Education Club to advocating for students as a senator in ASUWT and promoting career resources to support student success. My journey doesn’t end there — while I work to support students on campus, I also bring that same passion and advocacy into the classrooms I teach in. Moving forward, I’m excited to continue my journey in education, shaping the next generation of learners and driving positive change. I am, and will always be, boundless.

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Daniil Filienko

Daniil Filienko

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Daniil Filienko

Daniil Filienko

Ph.D., Computer Science & Systems

I have been privileged to work on problems that make an impact in the world with teams that are committed to making it a better place. Whether it be working on tools for caregivers in the U.S. or supporting tuberculosis patients in Argentina, I have seen firsthand the profound ways AI can improve lives. Motivated by these experiences, I am committed to applying AI to real issues that affect real people worldwide.

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Heiko Grant

Heiko Grant

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Heiko Grant

Heiko Grant

M.S., Accounting

I am a committed lifelong learner transitioning from 26+ years of military service into accounting, bringing experience in leadership, mentorship and financial analysis. As a Master of Science in Accounting student at UW Tacoma, I strive to support my peers, mentor aspiring professionals and contribute to my community — thriving through teamwork with my incredible study group, the Accumulated Depreciation Team. Being recognized as a Husky 100 recipient is an honor that reflects not only my commitment to lifelong learning, service and helping others grow, but also the unwavering support of my wife, children and all those who have guided me on this educational journey.

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Nathalie Hamel

Nathalie Hamel

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Nathalie Hamel

Nathalie Hamel

Master of Social Work

As an ecologist, a wife and a mother, the idea of trading in my binoculars and a stable job to go back to grad school was scary; nonetheless, the pull toward a greater sense of purpose was stronger. As part of my Master's in Social Work, I learned as much as I could in class, during my practicums at Lutheran Community Services Northwest and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and through my position with the Career Center. As a result of my Husky Experience, I worked alongside immigrants and refugees, supporting them through countless barriers, and I now better understand how I can use my newly acquired knowledge, skills and inner resilience as resources to serve others.

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Christopher Murillo

Christopher Murillo

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Christopher Murillo

Christopher Murillo

B.A., Politics, Philosophy & Economics

Following my 22 years of service in the U.S. Army, all of which were spent in the Signal Corps, including a 10-year stay at the White House Communications Agency, I came to the University of Washington to pursue an education that would feed my passions and help prepare me for the next phase of my life. While here at the UW, I was able to continue my service as a peer mentor to other student veterans through the various programs offered by the Veteran & Military Resource Center. I hope to inspire other veterans and students to always remember that it is never too late to change course and pursue your dreams!

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Fae Osborne

Fae Osborne

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Fae Osborne

Fae Osborne

B.A., Psychology (Gender and Sexuality Studies)

At UW Tacoma, I’ve established my reputation as a trusted leader, experienced researcher and fierce queer advocate. Through serving local organizations such as the Pierce County YWCA to support queer survivors of IPV, speaking at university events to educate our community on trans experiences and working on innovative research, I’ve developed the skills necessary to meet this uniquely challenging moment. I am dedicated to using these skills to continue elevating the voices of marginalized communities and providing care and support to those who need it most.

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Geetha Sitaraman

Geetha Sitaraman

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Geetha Sitaraman

Geetha Sitaraman

Ph.D., Computer Science & Systems

For the last 10 years, the UW has been an integral part of my life, giving me enriching educational experiences and a broad, diverse outlook as a first-generation American. This has not only set me up for a successful career at Boeing but also inspired me to give back through mentorships and collaborations in capstone project sponsorships. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the research in the field of secure and privacy-aware distributed learning systems that can be safely utilized to build artificial intelligence systems. After my Ph.D., I hope to teach and bring the technology to underprivileged students to help them reach their own educational goals.

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Alex Zamora

Alex Zamora

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Alex Zamora

Alex Zamora

B.S., Biomedical Sciences

Both triumphs and challenges have marked my time at the UW, each shaping my growth and perspective. I have been fortunate to be part of an undergraduate research team; serve as the secretary of the Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students; study abroad as a foreign exchange student in Tarija, Bolivia; and engage in meaningful community service. The UW has deepened my passion for discovery and diversity, strengthening my goal of becoming a physician dedicated to compassionate and inclusive care.

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Awards
Milgard School of Business
School of Education
School of Engineering & Technology
School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
School of Social Work & Criminal Justice
School of Urban Studies

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1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402-3100