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Environment | Science | UW and the community | UW News blog

March 1, 2017

Polar Science Weekend attractions range from old-fashioned ice sled to future NASA satellite

University of Washington polar scientists are holding the 12th annual Polar Science Weekend, Friday through Sunday, March 3-5, at Pacific Science Center in Seattle. This year’s lineup includes a simulation from NASA of its new ICESat-2 instrument. Visitors can get scanned by an instrument above their head that measures a person’s height using an infrared distance sensor. The real ICESat-2 satellite, scheduled for launch in 2018, will map the Earth’s ice surfaces to very high precision, from space. During the…

Engineering | News releases | Research | Science | Technology

Singing posters and talking shirts: UW engineers turn everyday objects into FM radio stations

A new technique pioneered by University of Washington engineers enables “singing” posters and “smart” clothing to send audio or data directly to your car’s radio or your smartphone by piggybacking on ambient FM radio signals.

Engineering | News releases | Research | Social science | Technology

February 28, 2017

UW security researchers show that Google’s AI platform for defeating Internet trolls can be easily deceived

UW researchers have bypassed Google’s new machine learning system that aims to curb toxic comments in online discussion forums can by simply misspelling or adding unnecessary punctuation to abusive words.

Administrative affairs | For UW employees | Honors and awards | News releases | UW and the community

UW among Peace Corps’ 2017 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges & Universities

The Peace Corps announced Tuesday that the University of Washington (UW) ranked No. 2 among large schools on the agency’s 2017 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. There are 73 Huskies currently volunteering worldwide. UW ranks No. 3 all-time for total volunteers and has achieved elite top three status in the large school category for 13 consecutive years.

Administrative affairs | For UW employees | News releases | UW and the community

Universities establish joint center to use data for social good in Cascadia region

University of British Columbia and the UW announced the establishment of the Cascadia Urban Analytics Cooperative to use data to help cities and communities address challenges from traffic to homelessness. The effort will bring faculty, students, and community stakeholders together to solve problems, and is made possible thanks to a $1-million gift from Microsoft.

Engineering | Honors and awards | News releases | Research | Technology | UW News blog

UW CSE announces the Guestrin Endowed Professorship in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

University of Washington Computer Science & Engineering announced today the establishment of the Guestrin Endowed Professorship in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This $1 million endowment will further enhance UW CSE’s ability to recruit and retain the world’s most outstanding faculty members in these burgeoning areas.

News releases | Research | Science | UW and the community | UW News blog

February 22, 2017

UW astronomer Eric Agol assists in new seven-planet NASA discovery using ‘distracted driving’ technique

UW astronomy professor Eric Agol is part of the large team of researchers that has just announced confirmation of several Earth-sized, potentially habitable planets orbiting a star about 40 light-years away.

Arts and entertainment

Arts Roundup: Wendy Red Star, Melia Watras, The Jake Legacy Residency, and Voice and Dance Exhibitions

This week in the arts, hear how Wendy Red Star explores Native American ideologies through photography, sculpture, video, fiber arts, and performance; explore a special group exhibition honoring the the 100th birthday of Jacob Lawrence at this namesake gallery; and witness UW faculty and students performing in array of forms, including classical violin, voice, and dance. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice — Wendy Red Star 7p.m., February 23| Henry Art Gallery Wendy Red Star’s work explores the intersections of Native American…

Environment | News releases | Research | Science | UW and the community

Large-scale experiment on the rural Olympic Peninsula to test innovations in forest management

Scientists at the University of Washington and the state Department of Natural Resources intend to test a management approach that mimics natural disturbance patterns and processes across a large portion of the Olympic Peninsula, an area known for having the most rainfall in the lower 48 states, high tree-growth rates and old-growth forests, part of which remain today.

Arts and entertainment | Environment | Honors and awards | Research | Science | UW and the community | UW News blog

UW’s Kristin Laidre awarded Pew marine fellowship to study effects of climate change, subsistence hunting on polar bears

A new, two-part project led by the UW’s Kristin Laidre aims to explore the interacting effects of climate change and subsistence hunting on polar bears, while also illuminating the cultural value of the species to indigenous peoples and the role they play in conservation.

Engineering | Honors and awards | News releases | Research | Science

Three UW scientists awarded Sloan Fellowships for early-career research

Three faculty members at the University of Washington have been awarded early-career fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The new Sloan Fellows, announced Feb. 21, include Ali Farhadi, assistant professor of computer science and engineering; Emily Levesque, assistant professor of astronomy; and John Tuthill, assistant professor of physiology and biophysics.

Engineering | News releases | Science | UW and the community

February 16, 2017

New clean energy facility accelerates testing of cleantech innovations and launching of companies

Cleantech Businesses and Academic Researchers can Prototype and Test Clean Energy Devices, Software and Systems at the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds A new facility for accelerating the clean energy innovation cycle opened in Seattle Feb. 16. The Clean Energy Institute, a research unit at the University of Washington, created the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds to increase the rate at which breakthrough science and engineering discoveries turn into market-adopted clean energy technologies. The state-of-the-art user facility has labs for manufacturing prototypes,…

Buildings and grounds | Engineering | News releases | Technology | UW and the community

New UW Computer Science & Engineering building receives $5M gift from Charles and Lisa Simonyi

Longtime philanthropists Charles and Lisa Simonyi have given a second Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) building on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus a major boost with a $5 million gift.

Arts and entertainment | Social science | UW and the community | UW News blog

February 15, 2017

UW affiliate faculty member in anthropology presents her book, ‘Seawomen of Iceland’

Maritime communities take various forms around the planet and through the centuries. Margaret Willson, affiliate associate professor of anthropology and Canadian Studies Arctic Program at the University of Washington, is the author of “Seawomen of Iceland: Survival on the Edge,” published in 2016 by University of Washington Press. UW Today asked Willson a few questions about the book, in advance of her talk Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats. How did you get interested in…

Science | Technology | UW and the community | UW News blog

Early Earth as exoplanet: NASA highlights just-published UW Virtual Planetary Laboratory research

Recently published research from the UW’s Virtual Planetary Laboratory (VPL) using ancient Earth as a stand-in for hypothetically habitable exoplanets has been highlighted by NASA in a feature article. Leading the research was Giada Arney, who was a UW astronomy doctoral student when doing the work and is now with NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center.

Arts and entertainment

Arts Roundup: Hannah Black, Step Afrika!, Henry Curator Talk, and Music of Today

This week in the arts, learn about the intersection of feminism, pop music, and hope with lecturer Hannah Black; celebrate the 100th birthday of Jacob Lawrence with Step Afrika!; hear from the Director of the Henry on the photography work of Chuck Close; and explore the facilities of the 3D4M: ceramics + glass + sculpture Program. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice – Hannah Black 7 p.m., February 16 | Henry Art Gallery Lecturer Hannah Black is an artist and writer living in London…

Engineering | Health and medicine | News releases | Research | Science | Technology

February 10, 2017

Laser-based camera developed at UW improves view of the carotid artery to assess stroke and heart attack risk

A unique application of a medical camera developed by a University of Washington mechanical engineer could one day help physicians know who is at risk for stroke or heart attack by providing a better view of potential problem areas.

Arts and entertainment | Learning | Research | UW and the community | UW News blog

Ralina Joseph co-edits special journal issue on race, respectability and the media

Ralina Joseph, University of Washington associate professor of communication, has guest co-edited a special triple issue of the interdisciplinary journal Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture and Society with her former mentor and dissertation adviser, Jane Rhodes of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Joseph’s own article in the issue focuses on the creator of the television show “Grey’s Anatomy,” set in Seattle. The special edition, the guest editors wrote, resulted from a panel discussion called “The Right…

Arts and entertainment

February 8, 2017

Arts Roundup: Solaris Vocal Ensemble, ArtVenture — and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor

This week in the arts, hear Solaris Vocal Ensemble join forces with Seattle Modern Orchestra, take the family on an ArtVenture at the Henry, and spend Valentine’s Day listening to the internationally recognized superstar pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Guitar Studio Recital 7:30 p.m., February 10 | Brechemin Auditorium Students of Michael Partington perform works for classical guitar. More info. Solaris Vocal Ensemble with Seattle Modern Orchestra 7:30 p.m., February 10| Meany Studio Theater Solaris Vocal Ensemble (Giselle Wyers, director) joins forces with Seattle Modern Orchestra…

Engineering | Honors and awards | News releases | UW and the community

College of Engineering’s STARS program wins $2.2M to improve access for low-income students

The STARS program, which offers engineering students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds extra academic support, will receive a one-time grant of $2.2 million from the Opportunity Expansion Fund passed by the Washington Legislature and funded by Microsoft.

Learning | News releases | Politics and government | Research | Science | Social science | Technology | UW and the community | UW News blog

February 6, 2017

‘Overwhelming’ response, global press attention for new UW Information School course, ‘Calling BS’

It’s almost unheard-of for a university class to spark global press attention — and offers of book deals — before instruction even begins. But such is the case with the UW Information School’s new course, “Calling Bullshit in the Age of Big Data.”

Environment | Science | UW News blog

February 3, 2017

New digital collection from UW Libraries: Glaciers and Landforms

Thousands of photos of glaciers, volcanoes, rivers and other natural phenomena are now easily viewed by the public through the University of Washington Libraries. UW Libraries’ Special Collections this fall released a new Glacier and Landforms Photograph Collection. The collection is designed to provide online access to photos of glaciers, geology and related subjects. At launch, the collection includes material from three photographers, and more will be added over time. Don Easterbrook, professor emeritus of geology at Bellingham’s Western Washington…

Administrative affairs | Education | Learning | News releases | Social science | UW and the community

February 1, 2017

UW introduces new master’s degree in applied child & adolescent psychology

A new UW graduate degree program – the Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment – aims to meet the growing need for mental health professionals trained to serve children, teens and families.

Arts and entertainment

Arts Roundup: Japanese drumming, Shakespeare, and a public lecture

This week in the arts, traditional Japanese music, a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic, and a lecture featuring Cameron Rowland discusses contemporary art and its place in society. KODO 8 p.m., February 3 & 4 | Meany Theater An international phenomenon since 1981, the percussion ensemble KODO explores the limitless rhythmic possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko drum. More info. As You Like It 7:30 p.m., February 7 through February 19 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change…

Engineering | News releases | Research | Technology | UW and the community

New route-finding map lets Seattle pedestrians avoid hills, construction, accessibility barriers

AccessMap – a University of Washington project spearheaded by the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology — launched a new online travel planner offering customizable suggestions for people who need accessible or pedestrian-friendly routes when getting from point A to B in Seattle.

Health and medicine | News releases | Politics and government | Social science | UW and the community

January 31, 2017

UW’s Forefront to recreate memorial, advocate for solutions at Suicide Prevention Education Day in Olympia

The UW-based Forefront will host a memorial for Washington state residents who died by suicide and join firearms dealers, veterans’ organizations, pharmacists, health care providers and suicide attempt and loss survivors to advocate for two legislative bills as part of Suicide Prevention Education Day.

Arts and entertainment | Education | News releases | Politics and government | UW and the community

Poetry, passion and social justice: Activist poets to gather at UW, perform at Seattle Public Library Feb. 3

Poet activists from around the nation will gather for daylong UW conference Feb. 3 on creativity in activism — and then give full voice to that creativity in performances 7 – 10 p.m. at the Seattle Public Library. All are welcome.

Arts and entertainment | Science | UW News blog

January 30, 2017

Artists in the lab: Talk will highlight a creative partnership between art and science

Jennifer Nemhauser leads a research laboratory of scientists, all immersed in the complex world of plant hormones. But last year, the University of Washington professor of biology boosted her lab’s roster with some unexpected talent. Claire Cowie — an artist, UW alumna and lecturer — spent three months in 2016 as a part-time artist-in-residence in Nemhauser’s lab. On Feb. 3, Cowie will deliver a talk to share her experiences and help spread the word about the benefits both she and Nemhauser see…

Arts and entertainment | Education | Learning | Profiles | UW and the community

Meany Center joins visiting Step Afrika! dance troupe to honor 100th anniversary of artist Jacob Lawrence’s birth

Meany Center for the Performing Arts and the School of Art + Art History + Design celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Jacob Lawrence along with the Seattle Art Museum.

Arts and entertainment

January 25, 2017

Arts Roundup: A trio, a quartet, and a chamber recital

It’s a musical week here at the UW!  Attend the faculty-student chamber recital and performances by the Escher String Quartet and the Evergreen Trio.   Undergraduate Theater Society: New Works Festival 7:30 p.m., January 27 through January 29 | Hutchinson Hall Cabaret Theater A long standing UTS tradition, the New Works Festival highlights work shopping new scripts, putting new work on its feet, and giving undergrads opportunities they can’t find elsewhere.  All three plays featured will have been written by, directed…