Thien-Y T. Le
4203 11th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
EDUCATION
B.S., B.A. The University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Biology (Plant), Mathematics major
(360) 292-3031
thieny@uw.edu
06/12
FIELD EXPERIENCES
Student Participant
08/11 – 09/11
University of Washington Exploration Seminar in Kosrae, Micronesia
Assisted in collection of core samples of mangrove mud and water samples for Sachs paleoclimatology
research; assembled data for analysis of physical characteristics (pH level, carbon dioxide, salinity, etc.) of
differing water systems in order to study climate change effects on the ocean; hiked in mangrove habitats to
gather data on salinity and speciation.
Student Field Assistant
06/11 – 07/11
Strömberg Paleobotany and Paleoecology Lab Montana Project
Worked with a team of scientists to collect paleosol in pre-determined sites of Montana for Burke Museum
Collection; maintained a video and photographic record of events for outreach communication; collected
native Montana specimens from herbarium sheets (University of Montana) for modern phytolith collection.
WORK EXPERIENCES
Undergraduate Student Researcher
10/11 – 03/12
Sachs Paleoclimatology and Organic Geochemistry Lab, University of Washington
Collect daily data on environmental factors affecting mangrove specimens; provide maintenance in growth
room, advised graduate student on plant-related issues.
Boeing Scholarship Research Program
09/10 – 06/11
Early Identification Program, University of Washington
Completed research on the effects of sunlight on grass epidermal cell by finishing data collection and using
R Programming to complete data statistics, interpreted data, learned foundations of scientific research on
multi-disciplinary fields with Boeing Research peers and advisors.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Integrative Research Intern
01/10 – 10/10
Strömberg Paleobotany and Paleoecology Lab, University of Washington
Conducted a three-quarter long research project in paleobotany investigating the effects of sunlight ton
epidermal cell structure in grasses, learned how to plan, develop, and execute a large-scale research project,
analyze and critique works of peers and professionals, lead discussions, and effectively communicate in
science.
Lab Assistant
06/09 – 09/09
Strömberg Paleobotany and Paleoecology Lab, University of Washington
Contributed to the development of a modern reference collection of phytoliths (siliceous plant cells) by
creating a database, collecting and processing herbarium specimens, gained insights into the nuances of
scientific method, how to work independently, and how to process samples successfully.
PRESENTATIONS
“The Effects of Sunlight on Grass Epidermal Cell Shape,” Emerging Researchers National Conference in
STEM, poster presentation, Atlanta, GA
02/12
“The Effects of Sunlight on Grass Epidermal Cell Shape,” Botany 2011 – Healing the Planet National
Conference, oral presentation, St. Louis, MO
07/11
“The Effects of Sunlight on Grass Epidermal Cell Shape,” Ronald E. McNair Research Conference/Mary
Gates Undergraduate Symposium, oral presentation, Seattle, WA
05/11
“The Effects of Sunlight on Grass Epidermal Cell Shape,” UW-HHMI Biology Undergraduate Research
Symposium, poster presentation (preliminary results), Seattle, WA
10/10
“What makes the shape of grass cells change?” Research presentation for grade teachers in HHMI Summer
Institute in Life Science, Seattle, WA
07/10
TEACHING
Biology 317: Plant Identification and Classification, Peer TA, Seattle, WA
04/09-06/09
“Climate Change – And How it Affects Mangroves,” Guest co-lecturer, Micronesia
09/11
GRANTS /AWARDS
ERN Conference, Second Place in Plant Sciences Undergraduate Poster
UW Biology Department Frye-Hotson-Rigg Award
GO! Global Scholarship
UW Undergraduate Research Conference Travel Award
BSA Women in Science Travel Grant
Best poster presentation, UW – HHMI Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium
EIP Boeing Research Scholarship
UW – HHMI Undergraduate Research Scholarship
Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship
02/12
11/11
09/11
01/12
07/11
10/10
09/10
01/10
09/07 – 09/10
VOLUNTEER
Dino Day Volunteer
03/10 –11
Burke Museum, Seattle, WA
Talked with younger children and parents about fossilized plants, answered questions about paleobotany
research and fossil displays.
Burke Museum Herbarium and Hyde Herbarium Volunteer
08/07 – 06/08
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Prepared dried specimens for shipping, worked with others to file, mount, glue, strap, and label specimens
for museum collection and use in herbarium.