Home / Stories / IHDD Early Career Researcher Spotlight: Grace Mattson

Photo: Grace Mattson, Early Career Researcher at the UW IHDDGrace earned her BS in Public Health-Global Health from the University of Washington in Spring 2023. She is now a Research Coordinator in the Kleinhans Lab, contributing to two large, multi-site projects: the Autism Biomarkers Consortium Clinical Trial (ABC-CT) and the Gender Exploration of Neurogenetics and Development to Advance Autism Research (GENDAAR). Working at The Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) has helped enhance her understanding of autism spectrum disorder and fulfill her passion of working with children.

With her background in public health and aspirations of becoming a pediatrician, Grace is motivated to become a physician who practices medicine using comprehensive healthcare strategies. Shadowing a physician at the Child Development Clinic at IHDD reinforced her commitment to this approach.

Being a part of IHDD has allowed Grace to make connections with a multidisciplinary team involved in research and medicine at the University of Washington and has made a valuable contribution to her journey towards medical school.

More About Grace

Background: Grace was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington.

Why IHDD?: Following her recent graduation from UW, Grace was motivated to pursue a role that integrated her enthusiasm of working with children and families while also contributing to research, broadening her experiences in preparation for medical school.

Interests/Hobbies: In her free time, Grace enjoys running, spending time with her friends and family, and being outdoors. She also finds joy in exploring new restaurants around Seattle and taking naps with her cat, Louie.

Photo: Collage of students from the Haring Center wearing University of Washington clothing and holding a football.Image of The American Academy of Pediatrics logo.