2019 Mary Gates Research Scholarships

2019 UW Bothell Recipients of Mary Gates Research Scholarships

Mary Gates Research Scholarships are competitive scholarships intended to enhance the educational experiences of undergraduate students at the University of Washington while they are engaged in research guided by faculty. We hope that with research scholarships, students may focus more attention and time, deepening their inquiry into a discipline or project with a reduced financial burden. Learn more about the Mary Gates Research scholarship.

Winter 2019

Kiana Imani, Senior, Biology
Portrait of Kiana Imani

Title: Epigenetic Regulation of the Maize BTF3 Transcription Factor under Drought Stress
Description: Transcription factor proteins play important roles in regulating the expression of many genes involved in plant responses to environmental stress factors such as drought, cold and salinity.
We are interested in understanding how these transcription factor proteins are themselves regulated, through DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a type of epigenetic modification in which methyl groups are added to the cytosine bases of a DNA molecule. In her research, Kiana is characterizing the epigenetic regulation of the maize BTF3 transcription factor and measuring the expression of this gene under environmental stress conditions.
Mentor: Dr. Thelma Madzima

Andrew McDonald, Senior, Interactive Media Design
Portrait of Andew McDonald

Title: ECOnomy GO
Description: ECOnomy GO is a mobile game that allow players to explore environmental concepts in an experience that blends real world images taken from the user's mobile device with 3D graphics. The game includes mechanics such as collecting, combat, puzzles and exploration in a way that is easily accessible to everyone. We built this application from scratch using the power of Unity3D game engine, augmented reality technology and mobile GPS location. With this technology we can immerse users by placing a fantastical world into the real one and incorporating environmental narratives.
Mentor: Dargan Frierson