The latest news from the UW

June 29, 2016

UW statement on investigation into the conduct of professor Michael Katze

“When the sexual harassment complaints were made, Dr. Katze was removed from his lab and put on home assignment. A thorough investigation was commenced through UCIRO, the University’s complaint, investigation and resolution office. The investigation found that Dr. Katze had violated University sexual harassment policies. “His conduct was inappropriate and not in any way reflective of the University’s values. This is why the matter is now in the faculty disciplinary process, through which an appropriate outcome will be adjudicated.” —…

Environment | Research | Science | UW News blog

June 28, 2016

UW geologist wins early career award from American Geophysical Union

Alison Duvall, a UW assistant professor of Earth and space sciences, was selected for the Luna B. Leopold Award for early-career scientists.

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

Statements from UW and KUOW leadership on the sale of KPLU to Friends of 88.5

UW President Ana Mari Cauce: “Congratulations to the Friends of 88.5 on their agreement with Pacific Lutheran University to purchase KPLU, and on the unprecedented fundraising effort that made it possible. We are delighted they were able to make it happen.” KUOW General Manager Caryn Mathes: “The generosity of KPLU’s listeners is a testament both to the excellence of the station’s programming and to the deep affection that Puget Sound listeners hold for public radio. “Through the Northwest News Network,…

Engineering | Research | Science | Technology | UW News blog

June 24, 2016

UW’s Clean Energy Institute to participate in national smart manufacturing initiative

The University of Washington’s Clean Energy Institute will partner with regional industry and academic institutions as part of the new Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute, according to an announcement June 20 by the White House.

Environment | Honors and awards | Research | UW News blog

June 23, 2016

UW is top producer of earth and environment research

The University of Washington published the most earth and environmental science research last year, outpacing all other universities worldwide, according to a new report from Nature Index.

Engineering | News releases | Research | Technology

How well do facial recognition algorithms cope with a million strangers?

University of Washington computer scientists have launched the “MegaFace Challenge,” the world’s first competition aimed at evaluating and improving the performance of face recognition algorithms at the million person scale.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

June 22, 2016

Ocean forecast offers seasonal outlook for Pacific Northwest waters

A new study evaluates the performance of a seasonal forecast, developed by researchers at the UW and NOAA, that predicts conditions over the coming months in the Pacific Northwest marine environment.

News releases | Politics and government | Research | UW News blog

Harry Bridges Labor Center report explores effects of job outsourcing at Portland International Airport

The outsourcing of workers at Portland International Airport has increased in recent years while those workers serve ever-more passengers and their wages remain low, according to a recent report from the UW’s Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies.

June 21, 2016

UW-led team awarded $1M bioelectronics innovation prize

An international team led by researchers at the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering (CSNE) based at the University of Washington is one of three finalists in a race to produce an implantable wireless device that can assess, stimulate and block the activity of nerves that control organs.

Administrative affairs | For UW employees | UW and the community

June 16, 2016

Former UW administrator Jack Keating dies

John P. (Jack) Keating, former University of Washington psychology professor, dean of the UW branch campuses and vice provost at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, died May 10 in Palm Springs, California. He is being remembered by colleagues as a dedicated and engaging teacher, strong researcher and inspired administrator. A San Francisco native and former Jesuit priest, Keating joined the UW in 1972 after earning his doctorate in social psychology at the Ohio State University. His earlier studies in philosophy and…

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

UW’s large research vessel, R/V Thomas G. Thompson, gets a midlife overhaul

The R/V Thomas G. Thompson, the 274-foot-long research vessel operated by the University of Washington, has spent 25 years carrying researchers, students and teachers out to sea. The ship has collected material from the bottom of the deepest ocean trenches and braved storms near Antarctica. This week, the ship will begin a yearlong stay in protected waters and dry dock near Seattle’s Harbor Island for a complete overhaul of its propulsion system, navigation and many core engineering systems. The $34.5…

Learning | News releases | Politics and government | Technology | UW and the community

June 15, 2016

Evans School’s Justin Marlowe addresses public-private partnerships in third financial guide

Public-private partnerships can be important financing tools, but public officials overseeing them must understand the risks well, says the Evans School’s Justin Marlowe, author of a multivolume Guide to Financial Literacy.

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

Adam Summers advises Pixar on fish movements in new ‘Finding Dory’ film

University of Washington fish biomechanist Adam Summers advised Pixar on animal movement for the animation company’s second movie about life under the sea.

Falling fish catches could mean malnutrition in the developing world

The world won’t be able to fish its way to feeding 10 billion people by midcentury, but a shift in management practices could save hundreds of millions of fish-dependent poor from malnutrition, according to a new analysis by researchers at Harvard, the University of Washington and other universities.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

‘Bright spots’ shine light on the future of coral reefs

Researchers have discovered a handful of “bright spots” among the world’s embattled coral reefs, offering the promise of a radical new approach to conservation.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

June 13, 2016

Arc volcano releases mix of material from Earth’s mantle and crust

Rock from a common type of volcano shows surprising evidence of the descending tectonic plate. Analyses show that magnesium atoms are somehow drawn out of the crust, deep below the surface.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

Eastern U.S. needs ‘connectivity’ to help species escape climate change

A new study has found that only 2 percent of the eastern U.S. provides the kind of climate connectivity required by species that will likely need to migrate, compared to 51 percent of the western U.S.

June 10, 2016

Jackson School Space Security Initiative capstone event gathers students, area stakeholders

What are the policies of global rising powers regarding the use of orbital and outer space, and what are the implications of those policies for international cooperation? A capstone event for junior fellows of the Jackson School’s Space Security Initiative explored such questions in a recently with space industry, media and government representatives also on hand.

Administrative affairs | Honors and awards | News releases | Profiles | UW and the community

June 9, 2016

2016 Awards of Excellence recognize campus, community contributions

The University of Washington recognized and honored faculty, staff, students and alumni for their passion and dedication to the UW, the local community, the state and the world. The 46th-annual Awards of Excellence ceremony took place at Meany Hall on Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Jerry Franklin named 2016’s ‘Eminent Ecologist’ by leading ecological group

The Ecological Society of America has named University of Washington professor Jerry Franklin its “Eminent Ecologist” of 2016. The award, considered the organization’s most prestigious accolade, honors a senior ecologist who has made significant, long-standing contributions to the field of ecology.

Arts and entertainment

June 8, 2016

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, Wild Nearby – and Design Graduation Exhibition

Spring quarter is drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of arts events on campus. Swing by the Henry Art Gallery to see giant wood sculptures by Paul McCarthy and artwork by the 2016 graduating class of MFA and MDes students — or bring the whole family for an ArtVenture. Explore the beauty of the North Cascades at the Burke Museum or visit the Jacob Lawrence Gallery for an exhibition by graduating design students. Graduation Exhibition: Design June…

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

US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell to speak at UW’s 141st Commencement Saturday

More than 5,600 graduates, along with 40,000-plus family members, friends, faculty and other observers, are expected to attend the 141st University of Washington commencement ceremonies June 11 at Husky Stadium. UW President Ana Mari Cauce will preside as more than 12,500 degrees are conferred, including more than 7,700 bachelor’s degrees, more than 3,500 master’s degrees, more than 500 professional degrees, 11 educational specialist degrees and more than 740 doctoral degrees. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, a 1978 graduate of the UW…

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

Harry Partch instruments, now at UW, featured on new Paul Simon album

Singer-songwriter Paul Simon recorded with instruments created by composer and inventor for a song on his well-received album, “Stranger to Stranger.” The instruments are now in residence at the UW.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science | Technology

June 6, 2016

See, hear and study the deep sea: Ocean Observatories Initiative data now live

Data is now streaming from the deep sea, thanks to an observatory installed in this region by the University of Washington as part of a larger National Science Foundation initiative to usher in a new age of oceanographic research.

Environment | Research | Science | Social science | UW News blog

June 3, 2016

Q&A: Peter Kahn on nature interaction, wildness in cities

University of Washington professor Peter Kahn recently co-authored an opinion piece in the journal Science about the importance of interacting with nature in urban areas. UW Today asked Kahn a few more questions about the broader implications of his work.

Environment | News releases | Research | Science | Social science

Finding connections to nature in cities is key to healthy urban living

The authors of a Science perspective piece discuss the growing tension between an arguably necessary role urban areas play in society and the numbing, even debilitating, aspects of cities that disconnect humans from the natural world.

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

June 2, 2016

Art, design — and a ‘coffin-cradle’ for storytelling: Graduate student work intrigues at annual Henry Art Gallery show

A look at the annual exhibit of thesis work by students graduating from the UW School of Art + Art History + Design’s Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design programs, on display at the Henry Art Gallery.

Environment | Science | UW News blog

June 1, 2016

UW researchers attend sea ice conference — above the Arctic Circle

University of Washington polar scientists are on Alaska’s North Slope this week for the 2016 Barrow Sea Ice Camp. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the event brings together U.S.-based sea ice observers, satellite experts and modelers at various career stages to collect data and discuss issues related to measuring and modeling sea ice. The goal is to integrate the research community in order to better observe and understand the changes in Arctic sea ice. Check out the group’s blog,…

Arts and entertainment

Arts Roundup: IMPFest, Counterculture Comics – and Skies Over Seattle

UW Drama wraps up the 2015-2016 season with “Skies Over Seattle,” and UW Symphony gives its last performance of the year. Hear the music of Indonesia at Meany Theater, or explore jazz and improvised music at IMPFest. Visit the Henry Art Gallery for a workshop about counterculture comics. Ade Suparman & Sundanese Music of Indonesia 7:30 p.m., June 2 | Meany Theater Ethnomusicology visiting artist Ade Suparman and his students perform music from West Java, Indonesia. The performance will include traditional…

News releases

UW to host June 14 conference on marijuana policy

City and state officials, entrepreneurs, attorneys and others will come together June 14 for a daylong conference at the University of Washington on the future of marijuana policy in the state. The event, co-hosted by the Cannabis Law and Policy Project and UW Professional & Continuing Education, will be held at the UW School of Law and feature 30-plus speakers. The day aims to provide a comprehensive look at current and future regulations governing the retail and medical marijuana industries…

Administrative affairs | News releases | Politics and government | UW and the community

May 31, 2016

Gov. Inslee appoints UW undergrad Austin Wright-Pettibone as new student regent

Gov. Jay Inslee named Austin Wright-Pettibone as the next student member of the University of Washington Board of Regents for the 2016-17 school year. Wright-Pettibone, a Kirkland native, is an undergraduate studying chemical engineering and becomes the first undergraduate since 2008 to be selected as the UW’s student regent. He graduated from Inglemoor High School in 2012. In 2015, through his role as director of ASUW’s office of government relations, he lobbied state lawmakers in Olympia to lower Washington’s four-year college tuition. “Austin has…

Engineering | News releases | Research | Science | Technology

Tiny probe could produce big improvements in batteries and fuel cells

A team led by University of Washington engineers has developed a new tool that could aid in the quest for better batteries and fuel cells. Although battery technology has come a long way since Alessandro Volta first stacked metal discs in a “voltaic pile” to generate electricity, major improvements are still needed to meet the energy challenges of the future, such as powering electric cars and storing renewable energy cheaply and efficiently. The key likely lies in the nanoscale, said…

Environment | News releases | Research | Science

May 30, 2016

Deep, old water explains why Antarctic Ocean hasn’t warmed

The waters surrounding Antarctica may be one of the last places on Earth to experience human-driven climate change, because of its unique ocean currents.

Engineering | News releases | Research | Science | Technology

May 27, 2016

UW researchers illuminate ways to heal defects in solar cells

Electrical energy fuels our modern lives, from the computer screen that keeps us up after sunset to the coffee maker that greets us at sunrise. But the electricity underlying our 21st century world, by and large, is generated at a cost — through the unsustainable expenditure of fossil fuels. For decades this demand for cheap, fast and non-renewable electricity has promoted pollution and global warming. The key to reversing this downward spiral is deleting the “non” in “non-renewable electricity.” In…