The Department of Architecture congratulates, Ebubechi Abonyi, Davien Khail Graham and Johann Gael Castro-Salgado for being honored as part of the 2026 Husky 100!
Since 2015, the University of Washington has honored 100 extraordinary undergraduate, graduate and professional Huskies from among the nearly 64,000 students on the three UW campuses, who have made the most of their time at the UW and have made significant contributions on campus and beyond.
“I’m delighted, but not surprised, that these three students have been recognized. As leaders of NOMAS UW, Davien and Johann organized dozens of events each year that celebrate cultural diversity and foster a welcoming community within CBE.
Davien’s master’s thesis explores the adaptive reuse of an abandoned high school in Detroit for senior housing and community services while addressing climate-induced flooding. Johann, as NOMAS UW’s professional liaison, connects students with the Professional Advisory Council and broader community, bringing a level of organization and professionalism that is rare among undergraduates. Their impact on CBE and beyond has been significant.
What most impresses me about Ebubechi is the breadth of her work across design, research and community engagement. From architecture studio to fashion design through MESH to materials science research in the AIMS Lab, she consistently connects diverse interests in meaningful ways.”
Ebubechi Chiemezie Abonyi, B.A. Arch Design ‘26
My journey at the University of Washington has been deeply shaped by sustainability and climate awareness. From teaching classes and leading workshops with AVELA and Hip Hop is Green to designing adaptive, sustainability-focused architectural studio projects, I’ve explored how creativity and environmental responsibility intersect, while also pursuing passions in sustainable fashion and working in a research lab focused on water filtration systems. Through these experiences, I’ve grown as a designer, educator and advocate for a more resilient and sustainable future.
Ebubechi Abonyi, is an undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design. She has fostered a sense of inclusion and belonging in various capacities at the UW. Through her role as UW Alumni Association Student Ambassador, she helped current and prospective students feel welcomed and connected with alumni and university officials. Ebubechi served as an instructor for the African Student Association and A Vision for Engineering Literacy & Access (AVELA), where she taught K-12 students about college opportunities, computing and engineering through leading courses, workshops, and other forms of community outreach.
Davien Khail Graham, M Arch / MLA ‘26
Henry David Thoreau once said, ‘If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; they are where they should be, now put foundations under them.’
When I first joined the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments (CBE), I longed for a connection with something larger than myself; I longed for like-minded people of diverse backgrounds to reflect my own lived experiences. I longed for a castle in the air. The University of Washington chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS UW) became this castle, and over the course of my two years as president, I laid the foundation for this amazing organization to serve our college and the larger Seattle community. I am a proud Husky 100, a proud president and a proud member of the city that has adopted me!
Davien Khail Graham, is a graduate student in a concurrent masters degree program in the departments of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He is an actively engaged member of the CBE and greater built environments community. As president of the UW Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS UW), Davien plays a pivotal role in helping create a meaningful, equitable and inclusive experience on campus. In 2025, under his leadership, NOMAS UW was named Chapter of the Year from among nearly 120 chapters across the country for its commitment to create a better environment for all within architectural education while advocating for diversity and equity across the industry.
Johann Gael Castro-Salgado, B.A. Arch Design ‘26
Leadership rooted in equity, mentorship and community-driven design has helped me bridge students and professionals to expand belonging within the architectural field. As a first-generation college student, these experiences carry personal meaning, shaping how I advocate for underrepresented voices to feel empowered through the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at UW, the National Organization of Minority Architects Northwest, the UW American Institute of Architecture Students and community-centered course studios. My journey reflects a sustained commitment to resilience, service and designing with communities in ways that honor their stories and strengthen their futures.
Johann Gael Castro-Salgado, is another undergraduate student from the department, who is graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design and a minor in Urban Ecological Design. Johann has made a considerable impact while at the UW. Along with fellow Husky 100 and built environments student Davien Graham, his work as Co-Professional Liaison in NOMAS UW helped earn the club the Chapter of the Year award. Additionally, through the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), he mentors prospective architecture students as they navigate the College of Built Environments.
Congratulations to these three outstanding students on being honored as part of the Husky 100!
Read more about fellow students from the College named to the 2026 Husky 100 cohort.