Psychology Names 12 James Steele Scholars

This spring quarter, twelve students were named 2024-2025 James Steel Scholars. Thanks to the generous support of the James Steele Endowed Scholarship, the Psychology Department is able to provide financial support to students who have shown a strong interest in clinical psychology. This year’s James Steele Scholars are: Zain Al Neema, Shirin Ardehaly, Hannah Bunford, Vanessa Carvalho, Minkyoung Cha, Abraham Guo, Lindsey Hinthorne, Hayley Solorzano, Nicole Subba, Yuheng Tan, Kaylee Yokoyama, Molly Zsigmondovics.

Read about how receiving the James Steele Scholarship has made a difference in several recipients' academic journeys.

Shirin Ardehaly

I am currently pursuing a BS in psychology and a degree in informatics. I plan to graduate in two years, June 2027. Being a double major in these fields has shown me how powerful interdisciplinary research can be in understanding and treating mental health. I am deeply honored to receive the James Steele Scholarship, as this support has given me the freedom to fully pursue my goals in psychology. I am inspired by the many great researchers here at UW, and this scholarship brings me one step closer to hopefully following in their footsteps.

Hannah Bunford

It is such an incredible honor to have been selected to receive this scholarship. After years of balancing a full-time job and pursuing a BA degree in psychology, this scholarship has helped enable me to focus on academics and being more involved as a UW psychology student. It’s truly helped me to invest in my journey of pursuing a future career as a licensed mental health therapist. After earning my BA, I’m hoping to work toward a PhD.

Vanessa Carvalho

As I approach my senior year majoring in Psychology and Education Studies, I am deeply grateful for the support of the James Steele Scholarship. This scholarship has helped alleviate some of the financial challenges that I, like many others, face in pursuing higher education. It brings me one step closer to my goal of a career in school psychology, where I hope to assess, diagnose, and support students with mental health needs and disabilities within the education system we all share. Beyond the financial relief, this scholarship is an important recognition of my commitment to this path, and I am incredibly honored to receive it.

Minkyoung Cha

Minkyoung Cha is a third-year Psychology major with a minor in Education, Learning, and Society, graduating in Spring 2025. As a Psychology Honors student, her research examines how rare genetic risk factors are associated with within-family IQ differences in individuals with schizophrenia. She’s especially interested in how neurobiological and environmental factors shape cognitive outcomes in schizophrenia and contribute to the development of broader psychopathology and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality. After graduation, she hopes to continue her research journey and become a clinical psychologist who integrates research and practice to better support individuals affected by severe mental illness.

“I’m honored to receive the James Steele Scholarship. It provided the support and space I needed to focus on completing my honors thesis, preparing for my research presentation, and planning for life after graduation. More importantly, it reaffirmed my commitment to clinical psychology and the impact I hope to make through both research and practice.”

Abraham Guo

My name is Abraham, and I am a rising Senior doubling Psychology BA and Philosophy. I plan to integrate both fields in clinical practice. I believe that medicine, albeit essential, is mostly a supplement in mental health treatment whereas the majority of the progress is made through the therapeutic relationship. With both fields, I aim to provide unique perspectives and practices that may benefit a lot of people who might have hard times dissecting their world views.

Receiving the James Steele Scholarship not only gave me an important confidence boost but also showed me the faith and trust the University of Washington holds for me! It is with this sentiment that I have devoted much of my energy into professional developments to further my advance into the field of clinical psychology. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and encouragement to continue pursuing a future in Philosophical Counseling.

Lindsey Hinthorne

The James Steele Scholarship has been extremely impactful, allowing me to advance my research in mindfulness and psychological well-being as a psychology honors student with minors in data science and nutrition. This support enabled me to continue my work as a trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness teacher, helping individuals in eating disorder recovery while pursuing my academic goals. The scholarship provided essential flexibility to combine research with community service, strengthening my commitment to integrating science with compassionate care. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology to specialize in therapy for children and adolescents with trauma and mental health challenges, with goals of contributing as both a clinician and researcher. I am deeply grateful that I have the opportunity to continue being a part of the UW community, who have shown me genuine care and support as I pursue my journey in helping young people heal from mental health challenges and trauma.

Haley Solorzano

The James Steele Scholarship has had a profound impact on both my academic journey and my professional development. As a first-generation college student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, financial challenges have always been a significant concern. This scholarship has not only helped relieve some of that burden but has also allowed me to fully focus on my studies and involvement in opportunities that strengthen my future in clinical psychology. With the support of this scholarship, I’ve been able to explore my passion for mental health and deepen my commitment to helping others—especially fellow Latinx students who, like me, may face unique challenges navigating higher education and accessing mental health resources. The James Steele Scholarship has empowered me to continue pushing forward with purpose, knowing that there are people who believe in my potential and in the importance of the work I hope to do.

Thank you for helping make this dream more possible.

Nicole Subba

My name is Nicole Subba, and I am currently a student majoring in Psychology at UW. Throughout my academic journey, I have remained committed to personal growth, academic excellence, and preparing for a meaningful future career in Law.

Receiving the James Steele Scholarship has been a significant support in reaching my academic and professional goals. It has not only helped ease the financial burden of higher education but also allowed me to fully focus on my studies. The scholarship has affirmed my dedication to my field and has motivated me to continue striving toward making a positive impact in my community and future profession.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity and the generosity of those who make scholarships like this possible.

Kaylee Yokoyama

Kaylee Yokoyama will graduate this June with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Education & Learning Systems. Following graduation, she plans to apply to Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs and will continue her research at Seattle Children’s in the Pediatric Pain and Sleep Innovations Lab. Her research has centered on digital health interventions, with a particular focus on addressing chronic pain and enhancing psychological treatments for adolescents. Through this research, Kaylee has developed a deep interest in the potential of digital tools to deliver accessible, personalized mental health support for youth facing barriers to traditional care. She aspires to become a child clinical psychologist and is passionate about exploring the intersection of adolescent mental health, chronic illness, and psychosocial support.

Molly Zsigmondovics

Molly has returned to UW to complete her degree in Psychology and is honored to receive the James Steele Scholarship which will support her long term goal of pursuing a career in clinical psychology. The scholarship has allowed her to continue volunteering at Crisis Connections; a local non-profit call center that provides over-the-phone support for those in mental or physical crisis.

From the Seattle area originally, Molly will be the third generation of women to graduate from UW and hopes she can contribute to the well-being of her community through her focus on mental health and by eventually opening her own practice.