UW News
The latest news from the UW
May 18, 2018
Memorial Day events focus on veteran mental health, suicide
For the past three years, a striking visual statement has marked Memorial Day on the University of Washington campus: thousands of miniature flags dotting the HUB lawn. The first year, student veterans placed hundreds of flags as a solemn gesture to underscore the significance of the holiday. The next year, the office of…
Tag(s): Forefront • Sam Powers • Student Veteran LifeMay 17, 2018
Want to help your child succeed in school? Add language to the math, reading mix
Research shows that the more skills children bring with them to kindergarten – in basic math, reading, even friendship and cooperation – the more likely they will succeed in those same areas in school. Hence, “kindergarten readiness” is the goal of many preschool programs, and a motivator for many parents. Now it’s time…
Tag(s): Amy Pace • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
Washington Research Foundation grant brings on four new biology faculty just in time for new Life Sciences Building
With the grand opening of the new $171 million Life Sciences Building just months away, it’s time to fill the building with faculty. That was the idea behind a $3 million Washington Research Foundation (WRF) grant to hire four biology professors. It’s called a cluster hire and will help maintain the University of Washington’s leading reputation in primary research and life sciences.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • Toby Bradshaw • University of Washington • Washington Research FoundationMay 16, 2018
Arts Roundup: Percussion Ensemble, UW Sings, and more
This week in the arts, attend a hilarious and surprising play, join in on the Percussion Studio’s and Choir’s end of year performances, and attend a Seattle-based ensemble’s innovative chamber music concert. Goldie, Max and Milk May 22 – May 27 | Glen Hughes Penthouse Theater Max, a single lesbian, just gave birth. She’s unemployed,…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • College of Arts & Sciences • Ethnomusicology Program • School of Drama • School of MusicMay 15, 2018
Forest loss in one part of US can harm trees on the opposite coast
If an entire forest dies, new research shows, it has ricocheting effects in the atmosphere that can affect vegetation on the other side of the country.
Tag(s): Abigail Swann • climate • College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • Department of Biology
Chemist Karen Goldberg elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Karen Goldberg, an affiliate professor of chemistry at the University of Washington, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Chemistry • Karen Goldberg
Born of protest: Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity celebrates a half-century
It was spring 1968. A group of students occupied the University of Washington administration building calling for change: justice, diversity, agency for Blacks on campus.
Tag(s): Alexes Harris • Emile Pitre • Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity • Rickey Hall • University of Washington
STEM for All Video Showcase features six UW projects
Family-focused science lessons, robotics for young children and touch-based programming for the visually impaired are among the University of Washington research videos featured in the STEM for All Video Showcase, funded by the National Science Foundation. The weeklong online event, in its fourth year, highlights more than 200 projects from universities around the country…
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • College of Education • College of Engineering • Department of Psychology • I-LABS • Information School • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
The first wireless flying robotic insect takes off
Engineers at the University of Washington have created RoboFly, the first wireless flying robotic insect. This might be one small flap for a robot, but it’s one giant leap for robot-kind.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Department of Mechanical Engineering • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Sawyer Fuller • Shyam Gollakota • Vikram IyerMay 14, 2018
UW statement regarding ongoing negotiations with academic student employees – May 14, 2018
ASEs have called on the University of Washington to address trans-affirming medical procedures, mental health coverage, sexual harassment prevention training and wages – and the latest proposal the UW offered Monday addresses each outstanding issue.
Orbital variations can trigger ‘snowball’ states in habitable zones around sunlike stars
Aspects of an otherwise Earthlike planet’s tilt and orbital dynamics can severely affect its potential habitability — even triggering abrupt “snowball states” where oceans freeze and surface life is impossible, according to new research from UW astronomers.
Tag(s): astronomy & astrophysics • Benjamin Charnay • Cecilia Bitz • College of Arts & Sciences • David Fleming • Department of Astronomy • Rory Barnes • Russell Deitrick • Thomas Quinn • Victoria Meadows • Virtual Planetary Laboratory
Seattle-area universities and colleges declare Affordable Housing Week, May 14-18
The presidents of four Seattle-area universities and colleges have joined forces to declare May 14-18, 2018 as Affordable Housing Week on their campuses. Dr. Jeff Wagnitz, interim president of Highline College; Dr. Daniel J. Martin of Seattle Pacific University; Steven V. Sundborg, S.J., president of Seattle University; and Ana Mari Cauce, president of University of Washington, have signed proclamations or otherwise affirmed the importance of safe, healthy, affordable homes in communities of opportunity. The higher-education institutions join King County and 20 King County cities, including Seattle, in recognizing the benefits of affordable housing to everyone in the community.
Tag(s): Highline College • Seattle Pacific University • Seattle University • University of Washington
Jackson School’s Taso Lagos pens ‘American Zeus,’ biography of theater mogul Alexander Pantages
It’s a challenge to write a biography of a man who was functionally illiterate and whose papers were mostly destroyed, but UW lecturer Taso Lagos has achieved it with his new book, “American Zeus: The Life of Alexander Pantages, Theater Mogul.”
Tag(s): books • College of Arts & Sciences • Jackson School of International Studies • Taso LagosMay 10, 2018
New UW vessel, RV Rachel Carson, will explore regional waters
The UW School of Oceanography has a new vessel, named after marine biologist, author and conservationist Rachel Carson. It will explore Puget Sound and nearby coasts.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • oceanography • RV Rachel Carson • School of OceanographyMay 9, 2018
Arts Roundup: A Conversation with artist Shirin Neshat, Gospel Choir, Photomedia Exhibit Reception, and more
This week in the arts, six MFA candidates in dance invite you to see the premiere of their work, attend a conversation with contemporary Iranian visual artist Shirin Neshat, listen to a 100-voice gospel choir, and more. MFA Dance Concert May 16 – 20 | Meany Studio Theater Six MFA candidates in dance invite you…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Dance • Henry Art Gallery • MFA Dance Concert • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Drama • School of MusicMay 8, 2018
UW researchers will survey Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier as part of major international effort
UW glaciologist Knut Christianson is part of a massive collaboration that will collect on-the-ground data about a key Antarctic glacier that shows signs it could be collapsing into the sea.
Tag(s): climate change • College of the Environment • Department of Earth and Space Sciences • Knut Christianson • polar scienceMay 7, 2018
Stomata — the plant pores that give us life — arise thanks to a gene called MUTE, scientists report
New research in plants shows that a gene called MUTE is required for the formation of stomata — the tiny pores that are critical for gas exchange, including releasing the oxygen gas that we breathe.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Biology • genetics & DNA • Keiko Torii • plant science
Author Charles Johnson — with new story collection ‘Night Hawks’ out — discusses the anatomy of a short story
Charles Johnson, UW professor emeritus of English, has released his fourth book of short stories, “Night Hawks.” He discusses his creative process for short story-writing.
Tag(s): books • Charles Johnson • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of EnglishMay 3, 2018
UW welcomes Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary
Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary is scheduled to visit the University of Washington on Friday morning.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Scandinavian Studies • Jackson School of International Studies • University of Washington
Atomically thin magnetic device could lead to new memory technologies
In a study published online May 3 in the journal Science, a University of Washington-led team announced that it has discovered a method to encode information using magnets that are just a few layers of atoms in thickness. This breakthrough may revolutionize both cloud computing technologies and consumer electronics by enabling data storage at a greater density and improved energy efficiency.
Tag(s): Clean Energy Institute • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Engineering • Department of Materials Science & Engineering • Department of Physics • Xiaodong XuMay 2, 2018
Hilary Godwin named dean of the School of Public Health
Hilary Godwin has been named the next dean of the University of Washington’s School of Public Health, President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Jerry Baldasty announced today. Her appointment, set to begin July 15, 2018, is subject to approval by the UW Board of Regents.
Tag(s): Hilary Godwin • School of Public Health • University of Washington
UW, plaintiffs reach agreement on ADA lawsuit regarding parking facilities on campus
The University of Washington announced today it has reached agreement with a group of three plaintiffs in an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit alleging violations in the University’s parking facilities on the Seattle campus.
Tag(s): University of Washington
Researchers develop an app for crowdsourced exercise plans, which rival personal trainers in effectiveness
Researchers at the University of Washington and Seattle University have created CrowdFit, a platform for exercise planning that relies on crowdsourcing from nonexperts to create workout regimens guided by national exercise recommendations and tailored around user schedules and interests.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering • Gary Hsieh • Sean Munson
Center for Communication, Difference and Equity to explore issues of race and media in conference May 10-12
Issues of race and racism permeate American culture and media more than ever. The UW’s Center for Communication, Difference and Equity will hold a three-day conference May 10-12 to explore these issues and foster engagement and support among academics.
Tag(s): Center for Communication Difference and Equity • Department of Communication • Negin Dahya • Ralina Joseph • Sareeta Amrute • Sonnet RetmanMay 1, 2018
UW statement regarding ongoing negotiations with academic student employees
The UW has proposed a three-year contract which includes annual wage increases over the next three years, a continuation of high-quality health insurance fully paid by the university and the continuation of waivers on many student-approved fees. The UW has also agreed to pay for two 50 percent ASE employees to partner with SafeCampus to develop and conduct a sexual harassment and prevention training program to address ASE-specific issues.
Arts Roundup: Artist Talk with Sharon Lockhart, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, MFA Dance Concert, and more
This week in the arts, experience a rock-opera-style ballet that pays homage to David Bowie’s iconic and chameleonic spirit, attend a lecture with American artist Sharon Lockhart, see the premiere of six conceptually diverse dance pieces, and more. Harry Partch Festival 7:30 p.m., May 11 – 13 | Meany Theater Twentieth century American composer Harry…
Tag(s): Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Dance • Harry Partch • Henry Art Gallery • Meany Center for the Performing Arts • MFA Dance Concert • School of Music
UW astrobiologist Victoria Meadows receives SETI Institute’s Frank Drake Award
Victoria Meadows, University of Washington astrobiologist, professor of astronomy and leader of NASA’s UW-based Virtual Planetary Laboratory, has been named recipient of the 2018 Frank Drake Award from the SETI Institute. She is the first woman to receive the award.
Tag(s): astrobiology • awards • College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Astronomy • NASA Astrobiology Institute • Victoria Meadows • Virtual Planetary Laboratory
Apps for children should emphasize parent and child choice, researchers say
Parents don’t need to fear their children playing with iPads and other devices, researchers say. Mindful play with an adult, combined with thoughtful design features, can prove beneficial to young developing minds. New research shows that thoughtfully designed content that intentionally supports parent-child interactions facilitated the same kind of play and development as analog toys.
Tag(s): Alexis Hiniker • College of Engineering • Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering • Information School • Julie Kientz • Microsoft • University of WashingtonApril 30, 2018
Q&A: Washington Sea Grant’s Penny Dalton a leader, mentor in ocean policy field
A Q&A with retiring Washington Sea Grant director Penny Dalton on her drive to serve the public, and the ways in which she has helped young marine policy experts get started in the field.
Tag(s): College of the Environment • Penny Dalton • Q&A • Washington Sea GrantApril 27, 2018
UW researcher, Fulbright Scholar, spent winter above the Arctic Circle
Oceanographer Cecilia Peralta Ferriz is spending the academic year in Tromsø, Norway, to collaborate with colleagues who study flow out of the Arctic Ocean.
Tag(s): Applied Physics Laboratory • polar science • School of Oceanography
UW ranks No. 5 on Forbes’ Best Value Colleges 2018
The University of Washington this week ranked No. 5 on the Forbes list of Best Value Colleges 2018. The UW rose from 23rd place in the 2016 ranking.
Tag(s): University of WashingtonApril 26, 2018
Community efforts to prevent teen problems have lasting benefits
Want to prevent kids from using drugs and make it stick into young adulthood? Get the community involved and intervene before they’re teens, say researchers from the University of Washington. A new, longitudinal study from the UW Social Development Research Group shows that young adults who grew up in communities that used a coordinated,…
Tag(s): David Hawkins • Richard Catalano • Sabrina Oesterle • School of Social Work • Social Development Research GroupApril 25, 2018
Arts Roundup: Stroum Lectures with Gary Shteyngart, Harry Partch Festival, and more
This week in the arts, visit a graduation exhibit featuring the works of Interdisciplinary Visual Arts students, see Tony Kushner’s epic tale of AIDS in the 1980s, attend a lecture by award-winning author and frequent New Yorker contributor Gary Shteyngart, learn about themes related to Seattle Art Museum’s exhibition ‘Figuring History’ with Catharina Manchanda, and…
Tag(s): ArtsUW • College of Arts & Sciences • Jackson School of International Studies • Jacob Lawrence Gallery • School of Art + Art History + Design • School of Drama • School of Music • Stroum Center for Jewish Studies
UW breaks ground on new Population Health building
A crowd of dignitaries gathered Wednesday for the official groundbreaking of the university’s new 290,000-square-foot Population Health Building, a facility that will house the Population Health Initiative launched by the UW in 2016.
Tag(s): Department of Global Health • Gates Foundation • Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation • Population Health Initiative • School of Medicine • School of Public Health • University of Washington
UW faculty selected as authors, editors of international report on climate change
About twice each decade, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, looks at what is known about the science of climate change, the extent to which human activities are changing the Earth’s climate, and what risks these changes pose to human and natural systems. Organized into three working groups, each assessment is…
Tag(s): climate change • College of the Environment • Department of Atmospheric Sciences • Department of Global Health • Jeremy Hess • Kristie Ebi • Kyle Armour • School of Medicine • School of Public Health
Breaking bottlenecks to the electronic-photonic information technology revolution
Researchers at the University of Washington, working with researchers from the ETH-Zurich, Purdue University and Virginia Commonwealth University, have achieved an optical communications breakthrough that could revolutionize information technology. They created a tiny device, smaller than a human hair, that translates electrical bits (0s and 1s of the digital language) into light, or photonic bits, at speeds 10s of times faster than current technologies.
Tag(s): College of Arts & Sciences • Department of Chemistry • Larry Dalton
World’s deepest fish named to 10 ‘remarkable new species’ list for 2017
The World Register of Marine Species has named the Mariana snailfish one of its 10 “remarkable new species” discovered in 2017. The team that discovered and named the small fish includes Mackenzie Gerringer, a postdoctoral researcher at the UW’s Friday Harbor Laboratories.
Tag(s): Friday Harbor LaboratoriesApril 24, 2018
Washington Research Foundation awards fellowships to UW researchers
Seven University of Washington researchers have been selected as Washington Research Foundation fellows. This fellowship funds 10 researchers who work in STEM fields to perform mentored research projects over the next three years.
Tag(s): Washington Research FoundationApril 19, 2018
Vikram Prakash’s ‘ArchitectureTalk’ podcast explores topics ‘at the edge of the known’
Vikram Prakash says his weekly “ArchitectureTalk” podcast got its start, as many things do, from a student’s idea.
Tag(s): College of Built Environments • Department of Architecture • podcasts • Vikram Prakash
Researchers achieve HD video streaming at 10,000 times lower power
Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a new HD video streaming method that doesn’t need to be plugged in. Their prototype skips the power-hungry components and has something else, like a smartphone, process the video instead.
Tag(s): College of Engineering • Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering • Joshua Smith • Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering • Shyam Gollakota« Previous Page Next Page »
