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LEND UP Opens Doors for Brian Nguyen
As a graduating senior at the University of Washington, Brian Nguyen has spent his undergraduate years exploring interests in healthcare, education, and pediatric care. A double major in biochemistry and educational studies, Brian was looking for opportunities to gain clinical exposure and learn more about developmental and interdisciplinary care when he discovered the UW Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Undergraduate Pathways (LEND UP) program.
LEND UP offers undergraduate students hands-on learning opportunities focused on developmental disabilities, interdisciplinary pediatric care, mentorship, and clinical observation experiences. The program is designed for students exploring careers in healthcare, education, and related fields who are interested in supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.
Brian first heard about LEND UP through Delta Epsilon Mu, UW’s pre-health fraternity, where he connected with students pursuing careers across healthcare and related fields. He later joined the second cohort of LEND UP, where he gained his first meaningful exposure to developmental and interdisciplinary care.
“LEND UP became my first exposure to developmental and interdisciplinary care,” Brian said. “It introduced me to perspectives and experiences I hadn’t encountered before.”
Through clinical shadowing experiences in developmental pediatrics, audiology, and physical therapy, Brian gained insight into how professionals across disciplines collaborate to support children and families. Those experiences strengthened his interest in developmental pediatrics and reinforced the importance of creating supportive, accessible environments for children with disabilities.
Brian said one of the most meaningful parts of the program was learning about the broader barriers many children and families face, including challenges related to healthcare access, education, and community support.
Brian shared that his interest in developmental pediatrics is also personal. Watching his younger brother reach important developmental milestones helped shape his passion for supporting children and families.
“One of the happiest things for me was seeing my younger brother reach milestones and grow,” Brian said. “That really shaped why I care so much about this work and supporting children in ways that help them thrive.”
Following LEND UP, Brian continued building experience through volunteer work, research, and mentorship opportunities connected to disability and education. He volunteered with programs supporting autistic youth and adults and became increasingly interested in how educational and healthcare systems can better support individuals across the lifespan.
Brian also participated in research with Dr. Yusuke Matsuura and Dr. Kate McDuffie focused on developing an AI-based tool to help children with autism prepare for dental visits using personalized social stories.
Mentorship also played an important role throughout Brian’s experience in LEND UP. He shared that mentors including Dr. Julia Mattson and former UW LEND trainee Brian Fung helped guide his growth and encouraged him to explore interdisciplinary approaches to care and advocacy.
This year, Brian was recognized as part of the 2026 Husky 100, which honors UW students making the most of their Husky Experience inside and outside the classroom. The recognition reflects Brian’s commitment to healthcare, education, and community engagement through clinical, volunteer, and research experiences across the UW community.
Looking ahead, Brian plans to pursue medical school and continue exploring work at the intersection of pediatric healthcare, education, and developmental care.
“LEND UP helped me see the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the many ways professionals can work together to support children and families,” Brian said.
Students interested in learning more about the UW Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities LEND UP program and future application opportunities can visit the program webpage for additional information. Learn more about LEND UP.
LEND UP Opens Doors for Brian Nguyen
As a graduating senior at the University of Washington, Brian Nguyen has spent his undergraduate years exploring interests in healthcare, education, and pediatric care. A double major in biochemistry and educational studies, Brian was looking for opportunities to gain clinical exposure and learn more about developmental and interdisciplinary care when he discovered the UW Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Undergraduate Pathways (LEND UP) program.
LEND UP offers undergraduate students hands-on learning opportunities focused on developmental disabilities, interdisciplinary pediatric care, mentorship, and clinical observation experiences. The program is designed for students exploring careers in healthcare, education, and related fields who are interested in supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.
Brian first heard about LEND UP through Delta Epsilon Mu, UW’s pre-health fraternity, where he connected with students pursuing careers across healthcare and related fields. He later joined the second cohort of LEND UP, where he gained his first meaningful exposure to developmental and interdisciplinary care.
“LEND UP became my first exposure to developmental and interdisciplinary care,” Brian said. “It introduced me to perspectives and experiences I hadn’t encountered before.”
Through clinical shadowing experiences in developmental pediatrics, audiology, and physical therapy, Brian gained insight into how professionals across disciplines collaborate to support children and families. Those experiences strengthened his interest in developmental pediatrics and reinforced the importance of creating supportive, accessible environments for children with disabilities.
Brian said one of the most meaningful parts of the program was learning about the broader barriers many children and families face, including challenges related to healthcare access, education, and community support.
Brian shared that his interest in developmental pediatrics is also personal. Watching his younger brother reach important developmental milestones helped shape his passion for supporting children and families.
“One of the happiest things for me was seeing my younger brother reach milestones and grow,” Brian said. “That really shaped why I care so much about this work and supporting children in ways that help them thrive.”
Following LEND UP, Brian continued building experience through volunteer work, research, and mentorship opportunities connected to disability and education. He volunteered with programs supporting autistic youth and adults and became increasingly interested in how educational and healthcare systems can better support individuals across the lifespan.
Brian also participated in research with Dr. Yusuke Matsuura and Dr. Kate McDuffie focused on developing an AI-based tool to help children with autism prepare for dental visits using personalized social stories.
Mentorship also played an important role throughout Brian’s experience in LEND UP. He shared that mentors including Dr. Julia Mattson and former UW LEND trainee Brian Fung helped guide his growth and encouraged him to explore interdisciplinary approaches to care and advocacy.
This year, Brian was recognized as part of the 2026 Husky 100, which honors UW students making the most of their Husky Experience inside and outside the classroom. The recognition reflects Brian’s commitment to healthcare, education, and community engagement through clinical, volunteer, and research experiences across the UW community.
Looking ahead, Brian plans to pursue medical school and continue exploring work at the intersection of pediatric healthcare, education, and developmental care.
“LEND UP helped me see the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the many ways professionals can work together to support children and families,” Brian said.
Students interested in learning more about the UW Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities LEND UP program and future application opportunities can visit the program webpage for additional information. Learn more about LEND UP.
