UW News
The latest news from the UW
March 29, 2021
New course examines Jacob Lawrence’s impact on American art, Seattle and the UW
Juliet Sperling, an assistant professor of art history, talks about Jacob Lawrence and her new course “Art and Seattle: Jacob Lawrence,” the first UW course to examine his legacy at the UW and beyond.
Tag(s): Juliet Sperling • School of Art + Art History + DesignMarch 25, 2021
ArtSci Roundup: Fighting Visibility: Unpaid Gendered & Racialized Labor for the UFC, Beverly Guy-Sheftall – Say Her Name: The Urgency of Black Feminism Now, 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. Fighting…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of American Ethnic Studies • Department of Communication • Department of English • Department of Gender Women and Sexuality Studies • Department of History • Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilization • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • Simpson Center for the Humanities • South Asia Center • South Asia Studies Program • Stroum Center for Jewish Studies
Video: Tasty options as researchers tap a new forestry product
Scientists from the University of Washington are testing the viability of making maple syrup in the Pacific Northwest. Long associated with Canada or Vermont, this sweet forest product that has graced many a breakfast table may be part of this region’s future.
Tag(s): Center for Sustainable Forestry • College of the Environment • Gregory Ettl • Indroneil Ganguly • Pack Forest • School of Environmental and Forest SciencesMarch 24, 2021
Faculty/staff honors: Energy-efficient computing, Cottrell Scholar, Google Inclusion Awards
An Intel Corporation award for work to make computers more energy-efficient, a Research Corporation for Science award for chemistry research and education, and two Google inclusion awards to create technology for underrepresented populations.
Tag(s): Alexandra Velian • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Engineering • Department of Chemistry • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Information School • Jacob Wobbrock • Karen Fisher • Visvesh Sathe
‘Reservoir of disease’ within young population shows challenge for Washington’s reopening plans
An analysis of Washington state Department of Health data — published after peer review March 24 — has found that people under 40 years old have continued to become infected by the coronavirus at increasing rates even as the incidence of infection among older populations declines. The publication was available previously in preprint form on…
Tag(s): COVID-19 • COVID-19 studies • Department of Epidemiology • Judith Malmgren • population health • preprintMarch 22, 2021
Warming temperatures tripled Arctic lightning strikes over the past decade
Lightning strikes in the Arctic tripled from 2010 to 2020, a finding University of Washington researchers attribute to rising temperatures due to human-caused climate change. The results, researchers say, suggest Arctic residents in northern Russia, Canada, Europe and Alaska need to prepare for the danger of more frequent lightning strikes.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • lightning • polar science • Robert Holzworth • weatherMarch 19, 2021
‘A turning point’: UW Population Health Initiative’s pandemic grants changed how the university works
A year ago, seemingly overnight, streets emptied, shops boarded up, grocery shelves were cleared, schools closed and the University of Washington led universities nationwide in moving all instruction online. Nearly all of us disappeared inside, stunned and staring out at a world suddenly paralyzed by something we’d only seen in movies or read about in books:…
Tag(s): Ali Mokdad • COVID-19 studies • population health • Population Health Initiative
How white supremacy, racist myths fuel anti-Asian violence
Linh Thủy Nguyễn, an assistant professor of American ethnic studies at the University of Washington, discusses the recent wave of violence against Asians and Asian Americans, and the history behind it.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of American Ethnic Studies • Linh NguyenMarch 18, 2021
‘By-the-wind sailor’ jellies wash ashore in massive numbers after warmer winters
Thanks to 20 years of observations from thousands of citizen scientists, University of Washington researchers have discovered distinct patterns in the mass strandings of by-the-wind sailor jellies. Specifically, large strandings happened simultaneously from the northwest tip of Washington south to the Mendocino coast in California, and in years when winters were warmer than usual.
Tag(s): COASST • College of the Environment • Julia Parrish • School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesMarch 17, 2021
How five global regions could achieve a successful, equitable ‘Blue Economy’
The future of an equitable and sustainable global ocean, or “Blue Economy,” depends on more than natural or technological resources. A new study finds that socioeconomic and governance conditions such as national stability, corruption and human rights greatly affect different regions’ ability to achieve a Blue Economy — one that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • EarthLab • Ocean Nexus Center • School of Marine and Environmental Affairs • Yoshitaka Ota
ArtSci Roundup: Joff Hanauer Honors Lecture Series, Museums on a Mission?, 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. Joff…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Baltic Studies Program • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of History • Department of Political Science • Department of Scandinavian Studies • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • School of Art + Art History + Design
‘Forgetting Nature’: Peter Kahn offers warning in short documentary film
The message of “Forgetting Nature,” a new documentary film featuring Peter Kahn, is short but powerful: We humans are losing our connection to the natural world, at our great peril.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Psychology • Peter Kahn • School of Environmental and Forest SciencesMarch 16, 2021
‘Telling Stories’: Imagined tales of artificial intelligence presented by the UW Tech Policy Lab
Tales of artificial intelligence and its effects on future life are gathered in “Telling Stories: On Culturally Responsive Artificial Intelligence,” presented by the UW Tech Policy Lab.
Tag(s): Batya Friedman • College of Engineering • Darren Byler • Hannah Almeter • Information School • Nicholas Logler • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Ryan Calo • School of Law
Relearning normalcy, focusing on the positive: UW psychologist on the vaccine phase of the pandemic
University of Washington psychology professor Jane Simoni discusses how COVID-19 vaccines are gradually spurring the return to normal life, and the role of positive public health messaging.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • COVID-19 • Department of Psychology • Jane SimoniMarch 15, 2021
New Stroum Center podcast series ‘Jewish Questions’ explores anti-Semitism, features UW faculty
“Jewish Questions,” a podcast from the Stroum Center for Jewish Studies, explores issues of Jewish life, politics, history and culture
Tag(s): Ana Gómez-Bravo • College of Arts & Sciences • Devin Naar • Jackson School of International Studies • Jewish Questions • Laurie Marhoefer • Liora Halperin • Noam Pianko • Stroum Center for Jewish Studies • Susan GlennMarch 12, 2021
Soundbites & B-roll: UW arborist on cherry blossom viewing tips
UW arborist Sara Shores recommends looking for cherry blossoms in your local parks and neighborhood streets. There are dozens of different varieties of blossoming cherry and plum trees in the Seattle area, with blooms visible from early February until May, for some species.
Tag(s): Sara Shores
Role of solvent molecules in light-driven electron transfer revealed
In a study published Feb. 15 in Nature Chemistry, a research team led by Munira Khalil, professor and chair of chemistry at the University of Washington, has captured the rapid motions of solvent molecules that impact light-driven electron transfer in a molecular complex for the first time. This information could help researchers learn how to control energy flow in molecules, potentially leading to more efficient clean energy sources.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Chemistry • Munira KhalilMarch 11, 2021
Mindfulness program in campus dorms, groups improved students’ mental health
Amid a growing mental health crisis among teens and young adults nationwide, a pilot program teaching mindfulness and coping techniques to students at the University of Washington has helped lower stress and improve emotional well-being.
Tag(s): Center for Child and Family Well-Being • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Psychology • Liliana Lengua • Robyn LongMarch 10, 2021
Helpful behavior during pandemic tied to recognizing common humanity
A new University of Washington study finds that an identification with all humanity, as opposed to identification with a geographic area like a country or town, predicts whether someone will engage in “prosocial” behaviors particular to the pandemic, such as donating extra masks or coming to the aid of a sick person.
Tag(s): Andrew Meltzoff • Center for Neurotechnology • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Engineering • Department of Psychology • Katharina Reinecke • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Rajesh Rao • Rodolfo Cortes Barragan
Large computer language models carry environmental, social risks
Computer engineers at the world’s largest companies and universities are using machines to scan through tomes of written material. The goal? Teach these machines the gift of language. Do that, some even claim, and computers will be able to mimic the human brain.
Tag(s): Department of Linguistics • Emily M. BenderMarch 9, 2021
ArtSci Roundup: Bambitchell: Dolphins, ships and other vessels, Illustrating Injustice: The Power of Print, 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. Protest,…
Tag(s): African Studies Program • ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Comparative History of Ideas Program • Department of Dance • Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilization • Henry Art Gallery • Jackson School of International Studies • Law Societies & Justice Department • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Music • Simpson Center for the Humanities
Dr. Anne McTiernan releases memoir, ‘Cured: A Doctor’s Journey from Panic to Peace’
Balancing motherhood and medical school is a challenge, but panic attacks and memories of childhood trauma make the path all the more difficult. With therapy, Dr. Anne McTiernan found her way through. Now she discusses her experiences in an intimate memoir, “Cured: A Doctor’s Journey from Panic to Peace.”
Tag(s): Anne McTiernan • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center • School of Public Health
Alexa, do I have an irregular heart rhythm? First AI system for contactless monitoring of heart rhythm using smart speakers
UW researchers have developed a new skill for a smart speaker that for the first time monitors both regular and irregular heartbeats without physical contact.
Tag(s): Arun Sridhar • College of Engineering • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • School of Medicine • Shyam GollakotaMarch 8, 2021
Watch the UW cherry blossoms virtually this year and avoid coming to campus due to COVID-19
The University of Washington once again is asking people to enjoy the iconic campus cherry blossoms virtually this year to promote physical distancing and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Tag(s): cherry blossoms • Sara Shores • UW FacilitiesMarch 4, 2021
A year with COVID-19: A chronology of how the UW adapted — and responded — to the pandemic
On March 6, 2020, the University of Washington became the first university in the U.S. to announce a move to remote instruction and work in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Here’s a look back at the past year, from the perspectives of how the UW community adapted and the impact the…
Tag(s): COVID-19 • COVID-19 studies
Video: UW students join the front lines of the vaccination effort
By the end of February, around 350 UW students had signed up to be volunteer vaccinators in clinics from Tacoma to Marysville.
Tag(s): COVID-19 • Jane Jacobson • Jocelyn Ludlow • School of Dentistry • School of Medicine • School of Nursing • School of Pharmacy • School of Public Health • School of Social Work
Can’t solve a riddle? The answer might lie in knowing what doesn’t work
With the help of about 200 human puzzle-takers, a computer model and functional MRI images, University of Washington researchers have learned more about the processes of reasoning and decision making, pinpointing the brain pathway that springs into action when problem-solving goes south.
Tag(s): Andrea Stocco • Chantel Prat • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Psychology • Lauren GrahamMarch 3, 2021
The UW is a Fulbright top producer
The University of Washington is proud to be included on the list of U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2020-2021 Fulbright students.
Tag(s): Fulbright ProgramMarch 2, 2021
UW Center for an Informed Public co-authors report on mis- and disinformation surrounding the 2020 U.S. election
The Election Integrity Partnership, a nonpartisan coalition of research institutions, including the University of Washington, that identified, tracked and responded to voting-related mis- and disinformation during the 2020 U.S. elections, released its final report, “The Long Fuse: Misinformation and the 2020 Elections” on Tuesday, March 2. The report is the culmination of months of collaboration among approximately 120 people working across four organizations: the UW Center for an Informed Public, Stanford Internet Observatory , Graphika and the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab.
Tag(s): Center for an Informed Public • College of Engineering • Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering • Kate Starbird
ArtSci Roundup: UW Museums Reopen, Uncharted Waters, UW Dance Presents, 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. 2021…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Communication • Department of Dance • Department of History • Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • Meany Hall for the Performing Arts • School of Drama • School of Music • UW Drama
Rating tornado warnings charts a path to improve forecasts
A new method to rate tornado warnings shows that nighttime tornadoes in the U.S. have a lower probability of detection and a higher false-alarm rate than other events. Summertime tornadoes, occurring in June, July or August, also are more likely to evade warning.
Tag(s): Alexandra Anderson-Frey • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • weather
Faculty/staff honors: Field research grant, staffer’s play streams, cartoon remembrance
Recent honors and achievements by UW faculty and staff include a grant for field research in the Middle East, a staffer’s play being streamed by a Seattle theater and a professor’s cartoon remembrance of a relative lost to COVID-19.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Cinema & Media Studies • Department of Slavic Languages and Literature • Holly Arsenault • Jackson School of International Studies • Jose Alaniz • School of Drama • Stroum Center for Jewish StudiesFebruary 26, 2021
Video: You’ve heard of garage bands — now you can hear the ‘UW garage chorale’
The University of Washington Chorale has found an unlikely place to practice. Once a week, 8 of the 60 member singing group meets, standing 6 feet apart, in a campus parking garage for 30 precious minutes. Despite the sounds of passing cars and some machinery whirring nearby, the sound they can make together – in person – is wonderful.
Tag(s): Giselle Wyers • School of Music • University of Washington ChoraleFebruary 25, 2021
Q&A: Race, medicine and the future power of genetic ancestry
Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine that they “do not believe that ignoring race will reduce health disparities” but rather that “such an approach is a form of naive ‘color blindness’ that is more likely to perpetuate and potentially exacerbate disparities,” five Black geneticists set out to explain the pitfalls of leaving race…
Tag(s): COVID-19 • Department of Biostatistics • population health • School of Public Health • Timothy ThorntonFebruary 24, 2021
Record-high Arctic freshwater will flow through Canadian waters, affecting marine environment and Atlantic ocean currents
The Arctic Ocean’s Beaufort Sea has increased its freshwater content by 40% over the past two decades. When conditions change this freshwater will travel to the Labrador Sea off Canada, rather than through the wider marine passageways that connect to seas in Northern Europe. This has implications for local marine environments and global ocean circulation.
Tag(s): Applied Physics Laboratory • College of the Environment • Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies • oceanography • polar science • Polar Science Center
Scientists describe earliest primate fossils
A new study published Feb. 24 in the journal Royal Society Open Science documents the earliest-known fossil evidence of primates. These creatures lived less than 150,000 years after the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event that killed off non-avian dinosaurs and saw the rise of mammals.
Tag(s): Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • evolution • Gregory Wilson Mantilla • paleontologyFebruary 23, 2021
ArtSci Roundup: Fermented Face with Candice Lin, After Democracy: A Conversation with Zizi Papacharissi, 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. Fermented…
Tag(s): African Studies Program • ArtsUW • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Asian Languages & Literature • Department of Communication • Department of History • Department of Political Science • Environmental Studies • 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 Drama • Simpson Center for the Humanities
Logging change in Puget Sound: Researchers use UW vessel logbooks to reconstruct historical groundfish populations
To understand how Puget Sound has changed, we first must understand how it used to be. But unlike most major estuaries in the U.S., long-term monitoring of Puget Sound fish populations did not exist until 1990. Now researchers have discovered an unconventional method to help fill in gaps in the data: old vessel logbooks.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Puget Sound Institute • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences • Tessa Francis • Tim Essington • UW Tacoma • Washington Sea GrantFebruary 22, 2021
UW launches Faculty Diversity Initiative
The University of Washington today announced an initiative to further the UW’s goals for diversity, equity and inclusion, including $5 million in funding for faculty hiring in the next two years. The initiative builds upon and supports efforts University wide and aims to accelerate and benchmark progress on an annual basis.
Tag(s): Ed Taylor • Mark Richards • Mary Lidstrom • Race • Robin Angotti
Effective treatment for insomnia delivered in a few short phone calls
Insomnia — trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early — is a common condition in older adults. Sleeplessness can be exacerbated by osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis causing joint pain. While there are effective therapies for treating insomnia in older adults, many people cannot get the treatment they need because…
Tag(s): Michael V Vitiello • School of Medicine • School of Nursing • Susan M. McCurry« Previous Page Next Page »
