Whitman Stories

Illustrated portrait of Ashifi Gogo

A Lifesaving Purpose for a Whittie Innovator

How do you know your medication is the real thing? It’s a challenge health tech entrepreneur Ashifi Gogo ’05 set out to solve in countries where pharmaceutical counterfeiting is common. Today his tech tools are helping people around the world access safer medicines and better healthcare.

August 27, 2026

Abbey Dias underwater wearing scuba gear and blowing bubbles

Totally Immersed: Young Alums Plunge Into the Depths of Marine Science & Advocacy

Meet the ocean explorers. From the icy waters of Antarctica to the ocean’s “twilight zone,” these Whitman College graduates are diving into meaningful careers in the great blue.

August 18, 2026

Yellow question mark on blue background

The Big Q: Why Does Scientific Curiosity Matter in Today’s World?

We asked a Whitman faculty member, student and alum to share their thoughts on the role of scientific curiosity in the world today. Here are their answers.

August 05, 2026

Sofia Del Fiol stands in a laboratory in a white lab coat.

The Origins of a Neuroscientist

From the research lab to presenting at a national neuroscience conference, recent Whitman College graduate Sofia Del Fiol ’26 is learning what it means to share her research with the world.

July 08, 2026

[Alt] Portraits of Bassett Fellows Ruth Iiyambo (left) and Ishaan Swami (right).

Two Whitman Grads Will Have Global Experiences as 2026 Bassett Fellows

Congratulations to Ruth Iiyambo ’26 and Ishaan Swami ’26, this year’s recipients of Whitman’s Bassett Fellowship, as they prepare for global travel and research after graduation. Learn more about their projects and where they’re headed.

June 05, 2026

Selfies of John Bannon (left) and Keenan RiggsTurpin (right)

Two Blues Named 2026 Goldwater Scholars

Whitman College juniors John Bannon and Keenan RiggsTurpin have been named 2026 Goldwater Scholars. This national award recognizes their outstanding promise in STEM research and supports their journey toward leadership in the global scientific community.

June 01, 2026

An artistic illustration by Patchanop Boonsai of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest dinosaur discovered in Southeast Asia

Whitman Alum Discovers New Species of Dinosaur in Thailand

Biology-Geology major Thitiwoot “Perth” Sethapanichsakul ’20 identified and described a new species of dinosaur, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, in Thailand. The discovery was published in Scientific Reports and featured on NPR.

May 19, 2026

Elliot Kalauawa (right) and Luana Kalauawa (left) sit in a crowd at an outdoor banquet

The Good Doctor: Meet an Alum of Merit Making a Difference in Hawaiʻi’s Medical Community

Elliot Kalauawa, M.D., ’75 received the 2025 Alumni of Merit Award from Whitman College in recognition of his nearly 40-year career as an HIV/AIDS specialist in the same Hawaiian community where he grew up.

February 06, 2026

Ethan Parrish looks through the viewfinder of a camera set up on a bluff overlooking a river

Discovery, Creativity & Inclusivity Inspire Whittie Geologist & Filmmaker

When he discovered evidence of an ancient river as a graduate student, Whitman College alum Ethan Parrish ’14 got to choose its name. The process left him with lingering questions about how scientists name their discoveries—as well as inspiration for a career change.

January 21, 2026