Welcome Nghiem Lab Undergrad Research Assistants Scotia Ouellette & Claire Park

UW Dermatology is delighted to welcome two new undergraduate research assistants, Scotia Ouellette and Claire Park, to the Nghiem Lab!

Scotia and Claire, both current students at the University of Washington, were selected from a competitive pool of applicants for their high academic standing and praise from their work and extra-curricular colleagues. We are thrilled for Scotia and Claire to begin supporting Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, and the Nghiem Lab Research Team.

Welcome to UW Dermatology Scotia and Claire! 

Scotia Ouellette

Scotia Ouellette (she/her/hers) is a rising junior at the University of Washington, majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, with a minor in Bioethics.  She plans to pursue a PhD in molecular biology to enter the field of biomedical research, with a focus on innovative approaches to cancer research and care.

Scotia’s passion for cancer research was sparked by grandmother's complex skin cancer journey. Witnessing the positive impact of pioneering research and clinical trials sought by her grandmother deepened her desire to understand cancer cells' behavior and their translation into clinical treatment. In addition to her studies, Scotia is a member of the UW School of Music’s Campus Philharmonia Orchestra where she enjoys playing the violin. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, reading, and Pilates.

Claire Park

Claire Park (she/her/hers) is a rising junior at the University of Washington. She is on the pre-medicine track, with a major in Biochemistry and minor in Bioethics. Through her professional background and volunteer activities, she has gained substantial experience in the medical field. At present, she is a Volunteer Health Coach at the UW Medicine Valley Medical Center where she leads weekly coaching sessions to help patients with chronic illnesses achieve their lifestyle goals and manage their illness, and a medical scribe for the emergency room team at Swedish. 

Claire has also gained research experience as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the laboratory of Michelle Cabrera, MD, Professor in the UW Department of Ophthalmology, who studies the risk of Retinopathy of Prematurity (abnormal development of blood vessels in the retina) in premature infants. Outside medicine, Claire is an advocate for Korean heritage education and an accomplished violinist. She is the Concertmaster for the UW School of Music’s Campus Philharmonia Orchestra where she helps lead rehearsals for quarterly concerts. She also enjoys crocheting, playing the guitar, and spending time with her dog.