Two BBI Staff Receive UW ‘Together We Will’ Honors

BBI Administrative Director Nola Klemfuss and Research Coordinator Peter Han received the University’s “Together We Will” award for their outstanding contributions during “the extraordinary challenges of 2020.”

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Nola Peter Award

Two BBI staff have received UW Awards of Excellence for their outstanding contributions during “the extraordinary challenges of 2020.”

Research Coordinator Peter Han and Administrative Director Nola Klemfuss were recognized June 10 with “Together We Will” awards by UW President Ana Mari Cauce. They were among several alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, and students who “contribute to the richness and diversity of the University community.”

Klemfuss played a pivotal role in managing the development of the COVID-19 WA Notify smartphone alert system.

“Her leadership and guidance helped the Brotman Baty Institute demonstrate the effectiveness of this important technology,” according to the award announcement. “Nola organized and ran pilot programs that ultimately involved thousands of participants, and thanks to her extraordinary efforts, our state was able to implement a mobile notification program that was activated over one million times within a week of release. Her commitment and focus made this huge undertaking a success.”

Han oversaw the expansion of the work of BBI’s lab on the Seattle Flu Study to from the Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network, which involved operating nights and weekends, and provides free COVID-19 testing to the Seattle community, as well as data to public health officials at the state and local level to guide policy decisions.

“In an unprecedented time under extreme pressure, Peter’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding COVID-19 testing, informing public policy and slowing the spread of the virus,” the university statement read. “His outstanding work overseeing the expansion of the Seattle Flu Study to include the Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network brought free COVID-19 testing to the

Seattle community and provided critical data to state and local health officials. His vision and adaptability helped the UW and Seattle communities respond to the pandemic.”

BBI Scientific Director Dr. Jay Shendure voiced his appreciation for their efforts.

“These awards are well deserved as Nola and Peter represent the best of our Institute,” Shendure said. “They have uncompromising commitments to the science, to serve others, and to excellence in their professions. We are fortunate to have them.”

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