For over a decade, the University of Washington has recognized 100 outstanding Huskies who have made a significant impact on campus and beyond.
We are pleased to share that Ebubechi Abonyi—an undergraduate student from the Department of Architecture—has been honored as part of the 2026 Husky 100! She joins three other students from the department who were nominated to the cohort this year.
About Ebubechi Abonyi, B.A. Arch Design ‘26
Ebubechi Abonyi is from Moses Lake, Washington, graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design. She is a multifaceted designer, who is able to use her skills across a variety of disciplines, “I find immense joy and fulfillment in the realm of creativity. I dabble in different creative avenues such as painting, drawing and embroidery and sewing.”
In high school, she also developed an affinity for math and discovered that architecture was a field that allowed her to use both her creative and analytical skills in ways that impact people’s lives.
“From a young age, I’ve been interested in interior design and the organization of space, which made architecture feel like a natural fit for me,” she says.
Ebubechi’s Impact at the UW
Working with Ebubechi in her role as a UW Alumni Association Student Ambassador, I was continually impressed by the quiet confidence and thoughtfulness she brought to everything she did. She has a rare gift for making people feel genuinely welcomed and connected — whether she was supporting events, helping students discover the UWAA’s resources, or engaging with our alumni community.
What struck me most was her humility in leadership. Ebubechi doesn’t seek the spotlight, but her impact is undeniable. She is intelligent, open, and grounded in a way that leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Learning more about her wide-ranging contributions across campus only deepened my admiration. The UW community is better for having her in it.
Since joining the UW, Ebubechi has been involved with numerous organizations across campus. She lives with the University Christian Union (UCU) and served as Social Chair for two years in the house, which she says has been an integral part of her experience and sense of belonging. Ebubechi is also a UW Alumni Association Ambassador, helping current and prospective students, alumni and university officials make valuable connections. “I think that it is important for students to connect with alums and the UWAA because there are a lot of resources that students can gain by doing so,” she explains. “ I also think that it is a great way of fostering community and expanding your connections.”
Bernie Liang, who nominated Ebubechi and worked with her while she was an ambassador, emphasized, “I was continually impressed by the quiet confidence and thoughtfulness she brought to everything she did,” Bernie says, “She has a rare gift for making people feel genuinely welcomed and connected — whether she was supporting events, helping students discover the UWAA’s resources, or engaging with our alumni community.”
Additionally, she is an active member of A Vision for Engineering Literacy & Access (AVELA). Through AVELA, she served as an instructor helping teach K-12 students about college opportunities, computing and engineering through classes, workshops, and other forms of community outreach.
Further Engagement On- and Off-Campus
As an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Aquatic Innovations in Materials Science (AIMS) Lab — led by Dr. Jessica Ray in the Department of Civil & Engineering, Ebubechi is working under Ph.D. Student Kaylyn Stewart to explore methods of removing PFAS chemicals from bodies of water .
Outside of the UW, she worked for the Washington State Department of Health on the Youth Advisory Council, which strives to elevate young people’s voices and perspectives related to public health programming and projects that impact their lives.
Rick Mohler, Chair of the Department of Architecture, emphasizes her impact at the UW, “Through her leadership roles as a UWAA Ambassador, as well as her work with AVELA teaching K–12 students about college opportunities, computing, and engineering, she builds meaningful bridges across campus and within the broader community. Her energy and impact are truly remarkable.”
Reflections as a Husky
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 feels grateful that she had the opportunity to explore and expand her interests while making a difference and attending the UW. In particular, she is proud that she was able to exercise her design knowledge through extracurriculars like MESH, a fashion-design focused club at the UW, where she created pieces for both the 2024 and 2025 MESH fashion shows. “UW has given me the opportunity to explore sewing and fashion design more deeply and creating a full collection for these shows was incredibly rewarding,” she says.
“What most impresses me about Ebubechi is the breadth and diversity of her creative pursuits, community service, and leadership,” expresses Rick. “From the undergraduate architecture studio to fashion design through MESH, to materials science research in the AIMS Lab, she actively forges connections across seemingly divergent interests—a hallmark of genuine innovation.”
When asked what advice she would give to prospective and new Huskies, Ebubechi says it is crucial to get involved as much as possible and take advantage of what is available at the UW, “College is only a small part of your life, so make the most of it. UW offers such a wide range of unique clubs and organizations—there’s truly something for everyone.”
Congratulations, Ebubechi, on receiving this honor as a 2026 Husky 100 student!