UW News
The latest news from the UW
October 10, 2023
“Ways of Knowing” Episode 4: Environmental Humanities
Centuries ago, writers depicted the natural world as terrifying and dangerous, no place for humans. But that fear, in the decades to come, gradually turned to appreciation, awe and joy, for poets and artists, sightseers and backpackers. Louisa Mackenzie, associate professor of comparative history of ideas at the University of Washington, describes how…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of French & Italian Studies • Louisa Mackenzie • ways of knowing
“Ways of Knowing” Episode 3: Close Reading Redux
The autobiography of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845, was a standard bearer of the abolitionist movement. Having escaped slavery as a young man, Douglass became a famous activist, orator, statesman and businessman. But it is another aspect of his story that is just as intriguing to Habiba Ibrahim, professor of English at the University…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of English • Habiba Ibrahim • ways of knowing
“Ways of Knowing” Episode 2: Close Reading
“Dover Beach,” a poem by 19th century British writer Matthew Arnold, can be read as both a romantic lament and, as many scholars have concluded, a dark, existential commentary on the loss of religious faith. Through close reading, a way of reading for insight, not information, University of Washington English Professor Charles LaPorte…
Tag(s): Charles LaPorte • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of English • ways of knowing
“Ways of Knowing” Episode 1: Reading
What marks the start of the Anthropocene – the geological epoch marked by human impact on the planet? The debate hinges, in part, on how we define “signature events,” the important information left behind as clues. But finding signature events transcends the study of the Anthropocene; it’s how we read to make meaning of a…
Tag(s): Anthropocene • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of English • Jesse Oak Taylor • ways of knowingOctober 9, 2023
Prescription opioid companies increased marketing after Purdue Pharma lawsuit, UW study shows
Public scrutiny of Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis increased sharply in the years after the state of Kentucky filed a lawsuit against the company. New research from David Tan, University of Washington associate professor of management, examines the ensuing behavior of competing prescription opioid companies.
Tag(s): David Tan • Foster School of Business
Three UW faculty members elected to National Academy of Medicine
Among the most prestigious scientific organizations in the country, the Academy recognizes excellence in the fields of health and medicine, along with a commitment to volunteer service.
Tag(s): Ali Rowhani-Rahbar • Department of Biochemistry • Department of Epidemiology • Department of Pediatrics • Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program • Hongkui Zeng • School of Medicine • School of Public Health • Seattle Children's Hospital • Tricia Serio • Tumaini Rucker CokerOctober 7, 2023
University of Washington appoints Troy Dannen as Director of Athletics
The University of Washington has appointed Troy Dannen to serve as its 16th Director of Athletics, UW President Ana Mari Cauce announced today. Dannen most recently served as the Director of Athletics at Tulane University, where during his eight-year tenure the Green Wave had 49 All-Americans and 21 conference champions, and made 41 postseason appearances,…
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • UW AthleticsOctober 5, 2023
ArtSci Roundup: A Conversation with Emily M. Bender, Dubal Memorial Lecture, and more
This week, learn why Emily Bender believes “AI” is a bad term, take part in the Dubal Memorial Lecture on ‘Race, Science, and Pregnancy Trials in the Postgenomic Era’, view the film screening of Tortoise Under the Earth, and more. October 12, 7:00 – 8:30pm | Jewish History and Jewish Memory Revisited: ‘Zakhor’ at 40,…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • College of Arts & Sciences • Comparative History of Ideas Program • Department of Linguistics • Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies • Jackson School of International Studies • Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program • School of Music • Simpson Center for the Humanities • Stroum Center for Jewish StudiesOctober 4, 2023
New UW-themed plane takes to the skies
Alaska Airlines has launched its third iteration of University of Washington-themed designs on its aircraft, with a purple and gold “Go Dawgs” Embraer E175 Horizon Air jet on a flight from Seattle to Portland on Oct. 3
October 3, 2023
Group seeks to understand how a new type of satellite will impact Earth-based astronomy
Astronomers with the International Astronomical Union are trying to understand how the brightness and transmissions of the BlueWalker3 satellite will interfere with Earth-based observations of the universe — and what can be done to minimize these effects as more of these satellites are launched.
Tag(s): astronomy & astrophysics • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Astronomy • DIRAC Institute • Meredith RawlsSeptember 28, 2023
ArtSci Roundup: Faculty Concert, The Secret Language of Art Radicals, and more
This week, explore “how to use art for resistance” with Elisheba Johnson, head to Meany Hall for an engaging performance by the Turtle Island Quartet, and more. October 2, 7:30pm | Faculty Concert: UW Faculty Brass, Meany Hall UW faculty brass instructors and Seattle Symphony members David Gordon (trumpet), John DiCesare (tuba), John Turman (French…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Center for Korea Studies • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Anthropology • Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Music • UW Alumni AssociationSeptember 27, 2023
MilliMobile is a tiny, self-driving robot powered only by light and radio waves
The robot, equipped with a solar panel–like energy harvester and four wheels, is about the size of a penny, weighs as much as a raisin and can move about the length of a bus in an hour on a cloudy day.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Kyle Johnson • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Vikram Iyer • Zachary EnglhardtSeptember 25, 2023
Q&A: Can AI in school actually help students be more creative and self-directed?
Katie Davis, a University of Washington associate professor in the Information School, discusses how generative AI might support learning, instead of detracting from it, if kids can keep their agency.
Tag(s): artificial intelligence • education • Information School • Katie DavisSeptember 24, 2023
‘From this day forward, you are a Husky’: Incoming class welcomed at New Student Convocation
The University of Washington welcomed its incoming class and families on Sunday at the University’s 40th annual New Student Convocation.
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • Tricia Serio • UW convocationSeptember 22, 2023
Q&A: How new software is changing our understanding of human brain development
A team including researchers at the University of Washington recently used new software to compare MRIs from 300 babies and discovered that myelin, a part of the brain’s so-called white matter, develops much slower after birth.
Tag(s): Ariel Rokem • Department of Psychology • eScience InstituteSeptember 21, 2023
ArtSci Roundup: Kicking the school year off with the Henry Art Gallery, Dawg Daze, and more
Through public events and exhibitions, connect with the UW community every week. This week, attend gallery exhibitions, Dawg Daze events, and more. As the UW community returns to campus, consider taking advantage of campus perks available to UW employees and students: Free admission to the Henry Art Gallery and Burke Museum Discounted tickets to performances…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Anthropology • Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Music • Simpson Center for the Humanities
NSF funds internet-connected ocean observatory through 2028
The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Washington $52.4 million over five years to continue operating the Regional Cabled Array, a cabled deep-ocean observatory about 300 miles offshore from Newport, Oregon. The grant is part of a $220 million total investment that will fund the internet-connected ocean observatory, known as the Ocean Observatories Initiative, through 2028.
Tag(s): Applied Physics Laboratory • College of the Environment • Deborah Kelley • Ocean Observatories Initiative • oceanography • RV Thomas G. Thompson • School of Oceanography
UW’s incoming class to be welcomed at New Student Convocation
The University of Washington will welcome its incoming classes and their families on Sunday, Sept. 24 at the University’s 40th annual New Student Convocation, which will be held in Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • Tricia Serio • UW convocation
UW team’s shape-changing smart speaker lets users mute different areas of a room
A team led by researchers at the University of Washington has developed system of robotic self-deploying microphones, which lets users control sound in a room, muting certain areas and creating “active zones” in others.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Malek Itani • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Shyam Gollakota • Tuochao ChenSeptember 20, 2023
Video: UW welcomes students to campus as thousands move into residence halls
About 8,500 students, including 78% of this year’s freshman class, are expected to move into UW residence halls and apartments this week.
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • Move-in day • Pamela Schreiber • UW Housing & Food ServicesSeptember 19, 2023
Five UW faculty members elected as AGU Fellows, plus more honors
The American Geophysical Union announced Sept. 13 that five University of Washington faculty members have been elected as new fellows, representing the departments of astronomy, Earth and space sciences, oceanography, global health, and environmental and occupational health sciences.
Tag(s): Baptiste Journaux • Becky Alexander • Brendan Crowell • College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • David Catling • Department of Astronomy • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences • Department of Global Health • Eric Steig • Jody Deming • Kristie Ebi • School of Medicine • School of Oceanography • School of Public Health • Victoria MeadowsSeptember 15, 2023
Polar experiments reveal seasonal cycle in Antarctic sea ice algae
The frigid ocean surrounding Antarctica is home to much of the region’s photosynthetic life. A new University of Washington study provides the first measurements of how sea-ice algae and other single-celled life handle dramatic seasonal swings, offering clues to how this ecosystem might adapt to climate change.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Jodi Young • marine microbiology • microbiology • oceanography • polar science • School of OceanographySeptember 14, 2023
Faculty/staff honors: Two professors on TIME100 AI list, UW President Ana Mari Cauce honored for contributions to León, and more
Recent recognition for the University of Washington includes Emily M. Bender and Yejin Choi on the TIME100 AI list, President Ana Mari Cauce receiving a Decrees Award and Jeff Hou’s election to the American Society of Landscape Architects’ Council of Fellows.
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Built Environments • College of Engineering • Department of Landscape Architecture • Department of Linguistics • Emily M. Bender • Jeff Hou • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Yejin ChoiSeptember 13, 2023
Battery-free robots use origami to change shape in mid-air
UW researchers developed small robotic devices that can change how they move through the air by “snapping” into a folded position during their descent.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Department of Mechanical Engineering • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Vikram IyerSeptember 12, 2023
Fall snow levels can predict a season’s total snowpack in some western states
Research led by the UW found that, in some western states, the amount of snow already on the ground by the end of December is a good predictor of how much total snow that area will get.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering • Jessica Lundquist • snowSeptember 11, 2023
Q&A: New book examines intersection between climate and information crises
Adrienne Russell, professor of communication at the University of Washington, examines in her new book how journalism, activism, corporations and Big Tech battle to influence the public about climate change.
Tag(s): Adrienne Russell • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of CommunicationSeptember 8, 2023
UW a lead partner on new NSF-funded earthquake research center
The University of Washington is a lead partner on a new multi-institution earthquake research center that will study the Cascadia subduction zone and bolster earthquake preparedness in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Tag(s): Brendan Crowell • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • earthquakes • earthquakes & seismology • Harold Tobin • population health • School of OceanographySeptember 7, 2023
Video: New hives at UW Farm welcome us to ‘bee curious’
The UW Farm welcomed an addition this spring: two bee hives in an apiary on the south side of the Center for Urban Horticulture. The hives will serve as a teaching tool for students who want to know more about agriculture and the function of pollinators in the ecosystem.
Tag(s): Center for Urban Horticulture • Kurt Sahl • Perry Acworth • UW Farm
UW claims top 3 spots on ‘Best Value’ list for Washington state; UW also ranks high on national list for educational and public impact
The University of Washington has been recognized on two lists that measure impact on students and communities. The UW placed third in the nation among public universities on the Washington Monthly 2023 National University Rankings, which ranks the school’s impact on its graduates and the nation. In a separate ranking, all three UW campuses topped the state for best value, according to SmartAsset, a financial services portal.
Tag(s): Rankings • UW Bothell • UW Tacoma
UW assessment finds fentanyl and methamphetamine smoke linger on public transit vehicles
Two years ago, as life regained its rhythm and public transit once again filled with people, train and bus operators spotted a troubling trend. Some operators reported instances of people smoking drugs on their vehicles, and worried that the haze it created could linger, potentially affecting workers’ physical and mental health. Spurred by operators’ concerns,…
Tag(s): Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences • drug use • Marissa Baker • occupational health • School of Public HealthSeptember 6, 2023
A tax on menthol cigarettes would work better than statewide bans, UW study finds
New research from Simha Mummalaneni and Ali Goli, assistant professors of marketing in the University of Washington Foster School of Business, finds that a menthol cigarette tax is a preferable policy to scattered statewide bans.
Tag(s): Ali Goli • Foster School of Business • Simha Mummalaneni
Q&A: Older adults want more say in companion robots, AI and data collection
Clara Berridge, associate professor of social work at the University of Washington, discusses her research into how older adults feel about technology that’s marketed for their safety and security, such as location trackers and companion robots.
Tag(s): Clara Berridge • School of Social WorkSeptember 5, 2023
Public Notice: UWMC-Northwest Major Institution Master Plan SEPA Draft EIS
Project Name: UWMC-Northwest Major Institution Master Plan (MIMP) Proponent & Lead Agency: University of Washington Comment Period Closes: October 5, 2023 Description of Proposal: The UW Medical Center – Northwest Major Institution Master Plan will allow for space on the campus to accommodate projected population growth and corresponding increase in healthcare demands. It would also…
UW, Stanford launch resource to help health care professionals respond to climate concerns
The case studies in Medicine for a Changing Planet, collated from clinical encounters around the world, support health professionals in recognizing and treating a variety of health-related conditions that can be traced to environmental stressors.
Tag(s): Center for One Health Research • climate change • Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences • Michael Yost • Peter Rabinowitz • Population Health Initiative • School of Public Health • UW MedicineAugust 31, 2023
Study connects greenhouse gas emissions to polar bear population declines, enabling greater protections under Endangered Species Act
A new paper from the UW and Polar Bears International quantifies the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and the survival of polar bear populations. The paper combines past research and new analysis to provide a quantitative link between greenhouse gas emissions and polar bear survival rates.
Tag(s): Cecilia Bitz • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • polar scienceAugust 29, 2023
The University of Washington’s Presidential Scholars — investing in tomorrow’s leaders
Each year, the University of Washington reviews thousands of applications from students who want to pursue their undergraduate studies at the state’s flagship university.
Researchers prefer same-gender co-authors, UW study shows
A new study from the University of Washington and Cornell University shows researchers more likely to write scientific papers with co-authors of the same gender, a pattern that can’t be explained by varying gender representations across scientific disciplines and time.
Tag(s): Carl Bergstrom • Carole Lee • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • Department of Philosophy • Department of Statistics • Elena Erosheva • Information School • Jevin West • School of Social WorkAugust 28, 2023
UW research links wildfire smoke to increased risk of emergency room visits for people of all ages
Taken together, the two papers’ findings suggest that wildfire smoke poses a risk to people of all ages, not just young children and older adults.
Tag(s): climate change • ColLABorative on Extreme Event Resilience • Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences • public health • School of Public Health • Seattle Children's Hospital • wildfiresAugust 21, 2023
Statement from UW President Ana Mari Cauce on the departure of Jen Cohen, Director of Athletics
We’re grateful to Jennifer Cohen for her 25 years of outstanding service to the University of Washington, including the last seven years as the Director of Athletics. We wish her success in her next endeavor, and we thank her for all that she has done to make Husky Athletics a thriving program for our student-athletes and our global community of alumni, fans and supporters.
REBURN: A new tool to model wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and beyond
Researchers with the University of Washington and the U.S. Forest Service have developed a new tool, REBURN, that can simulate large forest landscapes and wildfire dynamics over decades or centuries under different wildfire management strategies. The model can simulate the consequences of extinguishing all wildfires regardless of size, which was done for much of the 20th century and has contributed to a rise in large and severe wildfires, or of allowing certain fires to return to uninhabited areas to help create a more “patchwork” forest structure that can help lessen fire severity. REBURN can also simulate conditions where more benign forest landscape dynamics have fully recovered in an area.
Tag(s): climate change • College of the Environment • Paul Hessburg • School of Environmental and Forest Sciences • Susan Prichard • wildfires« Previous Page Next Page »