Postcard from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA

For our second postcard in our "Postcards from Campus" series, we will remain in the state of Washington but will hear from someone at a very different type of institution, University of Washington, which is a large, public research university with about 28,000 undergraduates and almost 40,000 total enrollment. Shelley Stromholt is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Science and Math Education in the University of Washington's College of Education, and has been at "UDub" for 8 years.

What is your favorite thing about the school?

Right now, the cherry blossoms!

What is your favorite spot on campus?

Rainier Vista: beautiful old buildings, a big fountain, and Mt. Rainier looming large in the distance.

What is unique about this school, as opposed to other institutions where you've worked or studied?

UW is less an ivory tower than a community partner. So much of the work done across campus is grounded directly in the challenges faced by community members and groups, locally and nationally. Undergrad and graduate students will find there are a million ways to get involved in the community, gain real-world experience, and make a difference.

Any fun factoids about this institution?

UW is the site of the book Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. The airplane hangar that was built in the early 20th century and then converted into boat storage is still on campus (and it's where I store my sea kayak!).

Best pizza on/near campus?

Pagliacci

Best ice cream on/near campus?

Full Tilt