UW News
The latest news from the UW
June 16, 2021
UW Ocean Voices program, seeking equity in ocean science, gets key approval from United Nations
Ocean Voices, a program of the UW Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center to advance equity in ocean science, has been named among the first group of actions taken in a United Nations-sponsored, decade-long program of ocean science for sustainable development.
Tag(s): Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center • Ocean Voices • School of Marine and Environmental Affairs • Yoshitaka OtaJune 15, 2021
Video: Mobile health van student volunteers collaborate in service to the community
This summer a UW mobile health outreach van will hit the road, bringing some basic health care services to people without housing who might have a hard time getting to a doctor’s office.
Tag(s): Leonora Clarke • population health • School of Medicine • Tracy Brazg • UW Health Sciences Interprofessional Education Program
Drug rebates for insurers tied to higher costs for patients, especially the uninsured
Federal agencies that regulate drug pricing and healthcare insurance are concerned that an industry practice of using rebates to lower drug costs for insurers has led to increases in list prices and out-of-pockets costs for patients. To investigate whether patients with or without insurance were paying more because of rebates to insurers, researchers led by…
Tag(s): Anirban Basu • CHOICE Institute • Kai Yeung • School of Pharmacy
ArtSci Roundup: Elaine Cameron-Weir: STAR CLUB REDEMPTION BOOTH, Cruisin’ Around Washington, and More
Through public events and exhibitions, connect with the UW community every week! In addition to celebrating our graduates this week, attend several museum exhibitions, watch recorded events through ArtsUW On Demand, and more. While you’re enjoying summer break, connect with campus through UW live webcams of Red Square and the quad. Many of these online…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of English • Henry Art Gallery • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Music
Video: UW commencement 2021 highlights
The University of Washington’s second virtual commencement was held June 12, 2021. The online ceremony, the second in the school’s 161-year history, celebrated the Class of 2021 with graduates and their families and friends watching the ceremony from more than 30 countries with translations in nine languages.
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • Jane Lubchenco
UW astronomer redefines the scientific hero as part of The Great Courses
Prof. Emily Levesque’s course “Great Heroes and Discoveries of Astronomy” — part of The Great Courses, a popular online learning platform — takes viewers on a tour of the biggest advancements in one of humanity’s oldest sciences and the people behind them.
Tag(s): astronomy & astrophysics • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Astronomy • Emily LevesqueJune 14, 2021
Communication technology, study of collective behavior must be ‘crisis discipline,’ researchers argue
Our ability to confront global crises, from pandemics to climate change, depends on how we interact and share information.
Social media and other forms of communication technology restructure these interactions in ways that have consequences. Unfortunately, we have little insight into whether these changes will bring about a healthy, sustainable and equitable world. As a result, researchers now say that the study of collective behavior must rise to a “crisis discipline,” just like medicine, conservation and climate science have done, according to a new paper published June 14 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Tag(s): Carl Bergstrom • Center for an Informed Public • Joe Bak-Coleman
UW researchers can turn a single photo into a video
UW researchers have developed a deep learning method that can animate any flowing material, including waterfalls, smoke or clouds.
Tag(s): Aleksander Hołyński • Brian Curless • College of Engineering • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Steven Seitz
Faculty/staff honors: Humanitarian award, early career research support, literary journal guest editor
Recent honors and achievements for UW faculty include an award for humanitarian contributions to computer science, early career research recognition and support, and the guest-editing of a new anthology of Black American literature.
Tag(s): Charles Johnson • Department of Chemistry • Department of English • Dianne Xiao • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Richard AndersonJune 11, 2021
Edge of Pine Island Glacier’s ice shelf is ripping apart, causing key Antarctic glacier to gain speed
Satellite images show that from 2017 to 2020, Pine Island Glacier’s ice shelf lost about one-fifth of its area, mostly in three dramatic breaks. This caused the glacier to speed up by 12%, hastening its downward motion and boosting its contribution to rising seas.
Tag(s): Applied Physics Laboratory • climate change • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Ian Joughin • polar science • Polar Science Center
Smartphone camera can illuminate bacteria causing acne, dental plaques
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method that uses smartphone-derived images to reveal potentially harmful bacteria on skin and in oral cavities. Their approach can visually identify microbes on skin contributing to acne and slow wound healing, as well as bacteria in the oral cavity that can cause gingivitis and dental plaques.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Bioengineering • Department of Ophthalmology • Ruikang Wang • School of MedicineJune 10, 2021
B-roll: Preparations for UW Commencement 2021
Purple night time lighting on Drumheller Fountain is just one of many features the UW is adding to its already beautiful campus to provide graduates opportunities to pose for photos with family and friends.
Cause, scope determined for deadly winter debris flow in Uttarakhand, India
On Feb. 7, 2021, a wall of debris and water barreled down river valleys in India, destroyed two hydropower facilities and left more than 200 people dead or missing. A self-organized coalition of 53 scientists from 14 countries, including researchers from the University of Washington, worked nonstop following the disaster to investigate the cause, scope and impacts.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • David Shean • Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering • glaciers • Shashank BhushanJune 9, 2021
Endangered blue whales recorded off southwest coast of India
Endangered blue whales are present and singing off the southwest coast of India. The results provide insight into a poorly studied population and suggest conservation measures should include this region.
Tag(s): Applied Physics Laboratory • Kate Stafford • oceanography • whales
‘Our democracy is fundamentally at stake’ — UW’s Jake Grumbach on limits to voter access
As Congress considers expanding voting rights legislation and some Republican-led states restrict access to voting, the University of Washington’s Jake Grumbach is among a group of faculty from institutions around the country calling for national election standards.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Political Science • Jake GrumbachJune 8, 2021
English professor, author Shawn Wong honored by Association of University Presses
Shawn Wong, UW English professor and longtime advocate for Asian American literature, has received the 2021 Stand UP Award from the Association of University Presses.
Tag(s): Association of University Presses • Department of English • Shawn Wong • University of Washington PressJune 7, 2021
ArtSci Roundup: Author Carol Anderson discusses her book, ‘The Second,’ with Prof. Christopher Parker, The Engine Room Residencies: Ishmael Butler of Shabazz Palaces and Digable Planets, and more
Through public events and exhibitions, connect with the UW community every week! This week, attend a conversation with a UW political science professor and author, a gallery exhibition, and more. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. Carol Anderson, “The Second”…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of English • Department of Political Science • Henry Art Gallery • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Music
Simon Neame named dean of UW Libraries
Simon Neame was appointed the new dean of University Libraries, University of Washington Provost Mark Richards announced today. The appointment, pending approval by the UW Board of Regents, is set to begin Sept. 1.
Tag(s): Betsy Wilson • Simon Neame • UW LibrariesJune 3, 2021
Anticipation builds for UW’s 146th commencement, to be held virtually
Drumheller Fountain is turning purple.
The iconic University of Washington landmark will be illuminated in the school’s signature color from dusk to dawn as the anticipation builds for the June 12 commencement ceremonies.
The special accent lighting is just one of many features the UW is adding to its already beautiful campus to provide graduates opportunities to pose for photos with family and friends. Special banners will hang on Suzzallo Library and the HUB, among other locations. Sidewalks in the Quad and along Rainier Vista will be decorated and 4-foot-tall block Ws will be strategically placed making already terrific photo ops even better.
Tag(s): Commencement
Renowned marine scientist and former NOAA chief Jane Lubchenco to speak at 2021 commencement
Renowned marine scientist, University of Washington alumna and former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Jane Lubchenco will deliver the 2021 UW virtual commencement address on June 12.
Tag(s): Commencement • Jane Lubchenco
UW announces COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all employees
The University of Washington on Thursday announced it will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by autumn quarter. The UW recently announced that all students must also be vaccinated before fall classes begin.
Tag(s): Ana Mari Cauce • COVID-19 • Mark Richards
South Pole and East Antarctica warmer than previously thought during last ice age, two studies show
University of Washington glaciologists are co-authors on two papers that analyzed Antarctic ice cores to understand the continent’s air temperatures during the most recent glacial period. The results help understand how the region behaves during a major climate transition.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Eric Steig • polar science • T.J. FudgeJune 2, 2021
Maya Tolstoy named dean of the UW College of the Environment
Maya Tolstoy has been named the Maggie Walker Dean of the College of the Environment, University of Washington Provost Mark Richards announced today. Tolstoy’s appointment as dean, set to begin Jan. 1, 2022, is subject to approval by the UW Board of Regents.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Lisa Graumlich • Maya Tolstoy
ArtSci Roundup: Queer Imagination, Cruisin’ Around Washington, and More
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. A…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of English • Henry Art Gallery • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + DesignJune 1, 2021
Faculty/staff honors: Allen School’s Shyam Gollakota, Anna Karlin honored by Association for Computing Machinery
Two professors with the UW Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering — Shyam Gollakota and Anna Karlin — have received 2020 honors from the Association for Computing Machinery.
Tag(s): Anna Karlin • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Shyam Gollakota
Regional survey reveals work, leisure habits during the pandemic
The COVID-19 Mobility Survey, a partnership of the University of Washington and the Puget Sound Regional Council, showed how remote workers’ transportation, work and other lifestyle habits changed over the first several months of the pandemic.
Tag(s): Anne Vernez Moudon • College of Built Environments • College of Engineering • Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering • Department of Urban Design and Planning • Jeff Ban • Qing ShenMay 27, 2021
‘Quarantining while Black’: Conference examines twin pandemics through radical listening
The University of Washington’s Center for Communication, Difference and Equity 2021 conference will examine “Quarantining while Black.” The two-day virtual event, scheduled for the morning of June 1 and the afternoon of June 2, is an invitation to radically listen to the ways in which Black Americans in Seattle and beyond have experienced the dual pandemics: COVID-19, with its disproportionate impact on Black communities, and the worldwide racial reckoning that emerged after the murder of George Floyd.
Tag(s): Center for Communication Difference and Equity • Department of Communication • Ralina Joseph
Video: Suzzallo bonsai a symbol of peace, resilience and inclusiveness
The potted junipers on the steps of Suzzallo Library are undergoing a transformation. Flanking the entrance to one of UW’s most beloved buildings, they are viewed by hundreds of people walking through Red Square each week. Bioengineering postdoctoral researcher Le Zhen is transforming these shrubs into bonsai — miniature trees that are pruned, nurtured and trained with wire to look like their much older, full-sized counterparts living in nature. He hopes this prominent display of bonsai will signal to members of the AAPI community that UW is safe and welcoming.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Bioengineering • Le Zhen • School of Medicine • UW Medicine
Seabirds face dire threats from climate change, human activity — especially in Northern Hemisphere
Many seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere are struggling to breed — and in the Southern Hemisphere, they may not be far behind. These are the conclusions of a study, published May 28 in Science, analyzing more than 50 years of breeding records for 67 seabird species worldwide.
Tag(s): Center for Ecosystem Sentinels • climate change • College of Arts & Sciences • conservation • Dee Boersma • Department of BiologyMay 26, 2021
Faculty/staff honors: Theoretical computer science award, early career faculty innovator in environmental studies, fellowship in Jewish history
Recent honors for UW faculty include the 2021 Presburger award for theoretical computer science, an Early Career Faculty Innovator research grant for a collaboration in environmental studies with the Karuk Tribe in California, and a fellowship to explore war regulations and raiding norms among early Arabian Jewish communities.
Tag(s): Anna Karlin • Cleo Woelfle-Erskine • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Engineering • Hamza Zafer • Jackson School of International Studies • Nathan Klein • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • School of Marine and Environmental Affairs • Shayan Oveis Gharan • Sofi Courtney • Stroum Center for Jewish StudiesMay 25, 2021
UW’s León Center in Spain renews lease through 2025
The UW’s connection to León, Spain, has been extended through 2025, with an option to renew it an additional four years to 2029.
President Ana Mari Cauce signed the new agreement earlier this month and city leaders in Spain celebrated the decade-old relationship last week.
Tag(s): Anthony Geist • UW Study Center in LeónMay 24, 2021
ArtSci Roundup: Vikram Prakash: “One Continuous Line: Art, Architecture and Urbanism of Aditya Prakash,” Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity Annual Conference: Quarantining While Black, and More
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. Spring…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • Center for Communication Difference and Equity • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Architecture • Ethnomusicology Program • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Music • South Asia Center • UW Alumni Association
Fast food, supermarkets, other aspects of built environments don’t play expected role in weight gain
People don’t gain or lose weight because they live near a fast-food restaurant or supermarket, according to a new study led by the University of Washington. And, living in a more “walkable,” dense neighborhood likely only has a small impact on weight. These “built-environment” amenities have been seen in past research as essential contributors to…
Tag(s): Adam Drewnowski • Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology • Department of Epidemiology • James Buszkiewicz • School of Public Health • Urban Form LabMay 21, 2021
Pandemic-era paleontology: A wayward skull, at-home fossil analyses and a first for Antarctic amphibians
Researchers at the University of Washington and its Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture have discovered the first fossil evidence of an ancient amphibian, Micropholis stowi, from Antarctica. Micropholis lived in the Early Triassic, shortly after Earth’s largest mass extinction. It was previously known only from fossils in South Africa, and its presence in Antarctica has implications for how amphibians adapted to high-latitude regions in this dynamic period of Earth’s history.
Tag(s): Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • Christian Sidor • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of BiologyMay 20, 2021
Scott Radnitz explores post-Soviet conspiracy theories in new book ‘Revealing Schemes’
Scott Radnitz, associate professor in the Jackson School of International Studies, discusses his new book, “Revealing Schemes: The Politics of Conspiracy in Russia and the Post-Soviet Region,” published by Oxford University Press.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Political Science • Jackson School of International Studies • James Long • Scott Radnitz
Creative Destruction Lab joins UW Foster School of Business, establishing CDL-Seattle
Creative Destruction Lab, a nonprofit organization for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies, will launch its third U.S.-based location, CDL-Seattle, this fall. Based at the UW’s Foster School of Business, CDL-Seattle will be a partnership with Microsoft Corporation, the UW College of Engineering, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and CoMotion, UW’s collaborative innovation hub. The initial area of focus for CDL-Seattle is computational health.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • CoMotion • Emer Dooley • Foster School of Business • Francois Baneyx • Microsoft • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & EngineeringMay 19, 2021
ArtSci Roundup: Rage by B. Dance, MFA Dance Concert, and More
During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT. Reading…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of American Ethnic Studies • Department of Cinema & Media Studies • Department of Dance • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design • Southeast Asia Center • Stroum Center for Jewish StudiesMay 18, 2021
Ascend program at UW’s Foster School of Business expands to further support diverse-owned small businesses thanks to $8 million investment from JPMorgan Chase
In 2016, the Consulting and Business Development Center at the UW’s Foster School of Business partnered with global financial services firm JPMorgan Chase to launch Ascend, a national network of business schools, non-profit lenders and suppliers focused on a goal of accelerating growth of businesses owned by people of color, women and military veterans, especially those operating in inner cities.
Tag(s): Consulting and Business Development Center • Foster School of Business • Frank HodgeMay 17, 2021
UW’s Dr. Catherine Karr: ‘Major chronic health problems facing children today’ linked to air pollution
With evidence of the health hazards facing children from air pollution growing, The American Academy of Pediatrics on Monday published a policy statement meant to bring those hazards to light and to encourage and direct policy to improve children’s health. Policy co-author Dr. Catherine Karr, a professor in the University of Washington’s School of Public…
Tag(s): Catherine Karr • Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences • School of Medicine • School of Public HealthMay 14, 2021
$38M set of gifts from Ballmer Group to address behavioral health crisis aims to bolster workforce, resources across Washington through UW-led programs
The University of Washington today announced that the School of Social Work and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and the Behavioral Health Institute at Harborview Medical Center are part of a transformational $38 million set of gifts from Ballmer Group to support a broad, collaborative response to the state’s behavioral health crisis. The gifts aim to address the state of Washington’s serious workforce shortage in the community behavioral health system, in large part by supporting statewide education and training innovations at partner institutions developed through the University of Washington.
« Previous Page Next Page »