Past Dean's Medalists
2011 Medalists
Alfred (Johnny) Deichsel
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Johnny chose to study civil engineering to solve problems, not only study them and because he wants to work outside, in a variety of locations. Johnny says his studies have proven both useful and interesting. "My fellow students have been awesome; I can't imagine a better group. I am glad to have gone through this program, and hope to give back to it in the future."
More about Alfred (Johnny) Deichsel
Johnny was born in Washington and loves the rain. He grew up in Longview, Washington, where he fondly remembers shooting hoops, riding a bike on the quiet suburban streets, raising tadpoles, fishing in Lake Sacajawea, and playing video games.
Johnny went to Gonzaga University in Spokane his freshman year, transferring to UW looking to "engage in a broader scope of society, and for anonymity." He says the UW has been an excellent setting for his academic and personal learning. "I love the trees, the fountain, Red Square, and the variety present in both student body and faculty. I've found some fascinating friends and encouraging colleagues. Being a student here has also led me to multiple travel opportunities and life lessons that have further shaped my personalities."
Melanie Drake
Chemical Engineering
Melanie is graduating with a BS in chemical engineering. Some of her favorite experiences from her time at UW include being a proud member of the Dawg Pack all four years, studying abroad in Rome with the Honors Program, and teaching a general chemistry workshop through the Minority Scholars Engineering Program.
As a freshman, Melanie was inspired by her general chemistry courses; her interest in energy applications drew her to chemical engineering. Melanie did undergraduate research with Professor Stuart Adler, working on solid oxide fuel cells. This research has been published, and was awarded a Mary Gates Undergraduate Research Scholarship.
Melanie is also a member of Tau Beta Pi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. She was recently awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and will be starting a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of California Berkeley in the fall. She hopes to do research in an energy-related field such as fuel cells or batteries.
Melanie's family has been living in Kent, Washington, for the past ten years. She comes from a long line of Huskies; her father, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, and other extended family were all Huskies before her.
2010 Medalists
Eric Arendt
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
Eric was born in California but lived in a number of places while growing up. His family moved to Ethiopia when he was ten, living there for the next four years. On their return to the U.S., his family spent one more year in California before moving to Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Mead High School in 2004.
When he moved to Seattle to begin studying at the University of Washington, Eric originally intended to major in the humanities, specifically in English literature. After taking introductory courses in mathematics and computer science, however, he discovered a passion for engineering. He decided to pursue a degree in electrical engineering as a sophomore, and as a junior decided to add an additional degree in computer science and an African studies minor.
During his junior and senior year, Eric served as activities coordinator and president of the HKN Electrical Engineering Honor Society. He also spent three years working as a teaching assistant in the Computer Science Department, teaching classes and assisting in managing the undergraduate teaching assistant staff.
During his senior year, Eric was awarded the Bonderman Travel Fellowship by the University Honors Program. Over the 2008-2009 academic year, Eric spent nine months traveling solo through Turkey, Eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, China, India, Ethiopia, Israel, and Italy to study indigenous Christian churches, returning in Autumn 2009 to finish his studies.
While he has not made any concrete plans following his graduation, Eric plans to go into the computer software industry and hopes to return to school for graduate studies in the future.
Shan (Susie) Lu
Industrial & Systems Engineering
Susie is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Painting and Drawing. She believes the combination of art and engineering has nurtured an essential balance within her life.
Through engineering, Susie has had the opportunity to work with many students, faculty, staff, as well as several companies including, the Boeing Company, Avanade Inc., and Starbucks Coffee Company. One of her favorite experiences at UW was the Honors Rome Program; she highly recommends students to pursue study abroad. In the fall Susie will be heading to California to work as a Consultant in Accenture's Technology Labs. She attributes much of her success to her parents' support and sense of humor.