Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship
The Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship was established by Michelle Gamboa (Computer Science & Software Engineering ’05) to honor and support dedicated faculty members at the UW Bothell School of STEM who are shaping the future through undergraduate mentorship and research.
2024-25 Recipient:
Dr. Joey Shapiro Key, associate professor, Physical Sciences Division
About the fellowship
The Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship recognizes and supports outstanding faculty members who excel in undergraduate research mentorship. This fellowship aims to:
- Create supportive environments: Foster environments where students can thrive and develop their full potential.
- Encourage research dissemination: Prepare students to effectively communicate their research findings.
- Broaden participation: Increase involvement of students from underserved communities.
- Inspire future leaders: Motivate students to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Honoring a legacy of inspiration
Michelle Gamboa endowed this fellowship in honor of her father, Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa. Born in Bacolod, Philippines, he emigrated to O’ahu, Hawai’i, with a small suitcase and a dream. After enlisting in the US Navy, he proudly served for 27 years, retiring as a Sr. Chief (E-8) on the day of his death, February 16, 2000. Despite his battle with cancer and his untimely passing just before his 48th birthday, Sr. Chief Gamboa’s legacy endures through his dedication to learning and his unwavering support for his family.
His commitment to education and his passion for mentoring were influential in shaping the philosophy of his children, including the founder of this endowment. This fellowship is a tribute to his enduring belief that with research and hard work, one can achieve anything. It extends the lessons he imparted and aims to inspire others in the same way he inspired his family and community.
I believe that someone’s path in life can change in a moment, all it takes is a person or an experience that influences that person and gives them a spark of inspiration.
Establishing the endowment
The Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship was established with the support of Elaine Scott, former Dean of the School of STEM, and first awarded under the leadership of interim Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann upon reaching the commitment. The endowment began with a generous commitment of $100,000 over five years and has been augmented by an additional $50,000 anonymous donor grant through UW Bothell, bringing the total to $150,000.
Getting involved
Is this something you’d like to do, but you don’t think you can, or you don’t know where to start? Michelle would love to talk — connect with Michelle on LinkedIn! What once started as a dream will now change the lives of students and faculty, leaving an everlasting memory for the Gamboa’s.
Read more from Michelle on how to establish an endowment.
Give to the endowment
You can make an impact now by adding to the Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship and expanding the support for faculty mentorship and research. Search “Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship” if you’d like to add to the endowment. Don’t forget to see if your company offers a gift match!
Recipients
2024-25: Dr. Joey Shapiro Key
Associate professor, Physical Sciences Division
Awarded during the 2024 STEM Symposium