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Expert Featured in National and International Coverage of Chemical Tank Emergencies
Stephen Kmiotek, professor of practice in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Explosion Protection Engineering program, was featured in national, international, and regional media coverage following recent chemical tank emergencies at industrial facilities on the West Coast. As investigators work to determine the causes of these incidents, expert insight helps the public understand the complex safety systems, engineering standards, and risk assessment practices designed to prevent industrial accidents and protect workers.
A senior-level major qualifying project conducted by environmental engineering majors to study and propose improvements to green infrastructure in Worcester was included in a Telegram & Gazette article on the ways the city is looking to prevent and mitigate the effects of flooding during intense rainfall events. Through mapping data analysis, site visits, and collaboration with project sponsors—the City of Worcester and Weston & Sampson, an engineering and environmental consulting firm—the team proposed natural solutions to handle runoff around a school.
Popular Mechanics cited research conducted by Jamie Monat, teaching professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in an article exploring consciousness beyond humans. Monat studies self-awareness in living and non-living systems and suggests that based on the number of points of connection, there may be many self-aware plant-based ecosystems on Earth.
"We educate our students purposely on the human skills… the skills to work in a team, communicate effectively, critical thinking, dealing with the pace, ambiguity, and complexity of this world.” President Grace Wang spoke with the Boston Globe for an article about how universities are preparing students for a new era in technology.
What happens when a product you enjoy goes away? Often it generates “nostalgic brand love,” says Purvi Shah, associate professor of marketing in The Business School. Her research on brand deletion is cited in an article in TheStreet on a return of Sprite Cherry that’s tapping into consumers’ nostalgia.
President Grace Wang was selected by Worcester Business Journal as an honoree in its 2026 Power 100. The list recognizes people in Central Massachusetts who leverage their leadership positions to have outsized influence on the region.
Class of 2026 biomedical engineering major and biology minor Paula Gibbons is driven to use her degree to seek solutions to health challenges. The lifelong Worcester resident was interviewed by Worcester Magazine about her academic journey and plans to pursue a PhD in biomedical sciences.
After a meteor entered the atmosphere and created a sonic boom over New England, Rudra Kafle, associate professor of physics, helped explain the phenomenon for an article in Worcester Magazine.
Max Mobley, a computer science student and project manager and driver for the university's Formula SAE team, is featured in an Inside Higher Ed column examining how WPI students design, build, and race an electric race car. He explains how the student team, which combines senior capstone project experience with student organization activity, earns valuable hands-on educational experience by applying theory learned in the classroom to real-world motorsports challenges.
Professor and department head of materials and mechanical engineering, Robert Hyers, speaks with NBC Boston about 5 ways drivers can increase fuel efficiency as they hit the road this summer.
With a $5 million award from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the university will establish the Central Massachusetts Climatetech Hub Incubator. The initiative is designed to accelerate the commercialization of emerging clean energy, materials, and sustainable technologies.
Richard Lopez, assistant professor of neuroscience and psychology in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, was the guest on an episode of AI Explained, a digital show produced by WPRI television in Providence, Rhode Island. Lopez discussed the effects of rapidly developing digital technology and artificial intelligence, including attention fragmentation. Lopez explained his lab's research exploring how our emotions are affected and how the brain processes stimuli during exposure to social media content.
Boston 25 News reported on a senior Major Qualifying Project conducted by students in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering seeking to develop a quieter ball for the sport of pickleball without sacrificing performance. The students explored potential geometric and materials changes in the design of balls and tested their prototypes for the decibel level produced and mechanical properties.
Recent biochemistry graduate Jackson Nguyen was recognized by Worcester Magazine for his volunteerism. From academic projects to volunteer work in the community and his own podcast series, Nguyen, who participated in the university's pre-health program, is focused on shining a light on dementia, raising awareness, and supporting those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Multiple media outlets reported on Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026. The Telegram & Gazette and the Worcester Guardian wrote articles recapping the proud moments. The Telegram & Gazette also published a photo gallery.
NBC Boston highlighted the undergraduate commencement address delivered by multiplatinum, Grammy Award-winning artist, tech founder, philanthropist, and STEAM education advocate will.i.am.
The Boston Globe and area TV and radio stations reported on Kerry Lynn, a member of the Class of 2026, who completed his WPI undergraduate degree in computer science this year, more than 50 years after he first began working on it.
Nikolaos Gatsonis, professor and head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, provided analysis for a Forbes article about emerging plans to deploy data centers in orbit using the upper stage of a rocket. Gatsonis explained the potential advantages and challenges to this approach.
WBUR, one of Boston's NPR affiliates, reported on research being led by Jeffrey Bourgeois, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, which seeks to study role of human genes in inflammatory responses to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Bourgeois is investigating why some people suffer severe symptoms from Lyme disease, even after receiving treatment.
An article exploring a recent decision to bring back Mountain Dew White Out soda cited research conducted by Purvi Shah, associate professor in The Business School. Shah studies brand deletion and the public backlash and brand nostalgia those decisions can sometimes generate.
The two main newspapers in Mallorca, Spain reported on a lecture delivered by Mimi Sheller, Dean of the Global School, at the University of the Balearic Islands. Sheller spoke of the pressure generated by mass tourism on housing, mobility, and natural resources and advocated moving towards more sustainable models of tourism.
TRINITAS TV in Romania aired a 22-minute video news story on the collaborative relationship between WPI students, faculty, and communities in the country. The piece featured several recent academic projects done, as part of the university's Global Projects Program, by students at the university's Bucharest, Romania project center in partnership with community-based organizations.
Rodica Neamtu, professor of teaching in the Department of Computer Science, was interviewed by Information Week about how bias can creep into AI systems used for a variety of corporate functions.
