Note: Some media outlets require users to log-in. The Gordon Library offers the WPI community free access to a number of newspapers. Visit newspaper database for details.
Craig Shue, professor and head of the Computer Science Department, spoke to CBS MoneyWatch to help explain the root cause of the Amazon Web Services outage that affected millions of people and disrupted a variety of online applications and services. He also spoke about what the outage reveals about cloud computing.
Nitin Sanket, assistant professor in the Robotics Engineering Department, is leading a research project to create tiny flying robots that can mimic the sound-based navigational ability of bats. The goal is to facilitate life-saving search-and-rescue efforts in difficult conditions like darkness, smoke, or fog. The Telegram & Gazette reported on the project and produced a video showing the bat-inspired drone prototype developed by Sanket’s team.
News outlets in Nantucket reported on an Interactive Qualifying Project students are working on with community groups and leaders on the island to seek to identify long-term solutions to litter problems. The students are using research methods including surveys during this experience, which is one of three required projects for graduation that are part of WPI’s project-based learning curriculum.
Richard Lopez, assistant professor of neuroscience and psychology in the Department of Social Science & Policy Studies, spoke with the Washington Post for an article about how reframing certain negative experiences can be a powerful way to regulate emotions. Lopez conducts research that seeks to develop interventions to enhance health and wellbeing.
Several media outlets reported on two WPI research projects being selected as winners of the first Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge. The projects led by Michael Timko, William B. Smith Professor of Chemical Engineering and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Berk Calli, associate professor in the Robotics Engineering Department, harness artificial intelligence to advance clean technology.
James Urban, a wildfire researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, spoke to the New York Times about how some fires can smolder undetected for long periods of time before rekindling and becoming larger and more destructive fires.
The Worcester Guardian reported on an expanded academic partnership between WPI and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The new agreement creates streamlined pathways for students to pursue advanced degrees in pharmacy and biomedical engineering.
Catherine Whittington, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, spoke with Drug Discovery World about her work developing experimental models that seek greater understanding about and help patients affected by fibrosis in the pancreas, skin, and uterine fibroids.
The Great Problems Seminar is featured in IIENetworker magazine, from the Institute of International Education, in an issue focused on innovations in first-year programs in international higher education. The article, authored by The Global School Associate Dean Sarah Stanlick, showcases WPI’s two-term course that immerses first-year students in university-level research and introduces them to the university’s project-based curriculum.
Several media outlets reported on advances in battery technology from two recently published studies led by Yan Wang, William B. Smith Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The studies focused on improving the performance and stability of all-solid-state lithium batteries and advancing the safety and efficiency of methods to recycle lithium-metal batteries.
Ben Schneider, a video game writer and designer and professor of practice in the Interactive Media and Game Development program, provided analysis to the Associated Press for its reporting on the potential implications of a massive corporate acquisition deal in the video game industry. The article featuring Schneider’s insight was also re-published by more than 190 other news outlets.
Buy-now-pay-later financing is increasingly being used by consumers to pay for travel expenses. Alexander Smith, associate professor of economics in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, shared his thoughts with the New York Times on how the practice can affect long-term personal financial planning.
Michael Timko, William B. Smith Professor of Chemical Engineering and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, co-authored an opinion piece in Smart Water Magazine on the importance of addressing PFAS contamination. The article highlights the role wastewater treatment facilities can play in minimizing the spread of “forever chemicals” and discusses new technology developed at WPI that has the potential to destroy PFAS in sewage sludge while also producing renewable energy.
The Boston Globe reported on an artificial intelligence powered robot and software developed in the Robotics Engineering Department which can engage in conversation. The article highlights technological advances that can assist with caregiving for an aging population.
An article about the history and future of polystyrene features an analysis conducted by researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the University of Bath which found a process that combines pyrolysis and distillation has the potential to dramatically increase the amount of polystyrene recycled.
Melissa Kagen, assistant teaching professor in the Interactive Media and Game Development program, was mentioned in an article in The Guardian about video games that allow players to walk around and find objects. Kagen is an expert on the history and meaning of wandering in games.
Angela Incollingo Rodriguez, associate professor of psychological & cognitive sciences and neuroscience and director of the Stigma Eating & Endocrinology Dynamics Lab, provided analysis for an article in BBC Science Focus. Rodriguez discussed the cortisol response in the human body during exercise.
Carl Karlsson, Class of 1960, donated $12 million to the university. The unrestricted estate gift is one of the largest individual gifts in WPI’s history. A portion of the gift is dedicated to establishing endowed professorships for early career faculty.
Michelle Doherty, associate director of pre-award services in the Office of Sponsored Programs, has been named by the Worcester Business Journal to its 40 Under Forty, Class of 2025. The list recognizes up-and-coming Central Massachusetts business professionals for their contributions to their organizations and for service to their communities.
Catherine Whittington, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been awarded a five-year, National Science Foundation grant. She will use the award to develop laboratory models to study fibrosis in pancreas, skin, and uterine fibroids, with the goal of creating a positive impact for patients.
Peter Hansen, a mountaineering expert and professor in the Department of Humanities and Arts, provided analysis for a HISTORY.com article on the legacy of a 14th century mountain hike by Petrarch. In the article, Hansen describes how, centuries later, the Italian poet’s writings about the climb began to attract attention. Hansen further explores the impact of Petrarch’s hike in his book, “The Summits of Modern Man: Mountaineering after the Enlightenment.”
