Note: Some media outlets require users to log-in. The Gordon Library offers the WPI community free access to a number of newspapers. Visit newspaper database for details.
Several media outlets including WCVB-TV covered an annual demonstration on fire safety conducted by WPI's student chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. The organization burned two live Christmas trees, with decorations, in the laboratory to raise awareness about how quickly the trees can burn if exposed to fire, provide guidance on proper tree care and fire prevention, and to study the dynamics of these types of fires.
Stacy Shaw, assistant professor in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, authored a piece in The Conversation about the importance of rest. The article also suggests people reconsider what they define as rest. The piece has been republished by more than 25 news outlets.
Joel J. Brattin, a Charles Dickens scholar and professor in the Department of Humanities and Arts, was featured in a Telegram & Gazette article that outlines some of the famed author's connections to Worcester. Brattin shares details of Dickens' two visits to Worcester and describes the unique, historic, and expensive Dickens works housed in the George C. Gordon Library's Archives & Special Collections.
Fanglin Che, associate professor of chemical engineering, is using artificial intelligence and computational modeling to optimize hydrogen fuel production, in an effort to advance clean energy innovation. Her research team's work was published in Nature Chemical Engineering and reported on by Hydrogen Fuel News.
The Boston Business Journal has named two WPI faculty researchers as Innovators in Healthcare. Emmanuel Agu and Ulkuhan Guler are among 14 honorees this year. Agu, Harold L. Jurist ’61 and Heather E. Jurist Dean’s Professor of Computer Science, leads research that combines data, imaging, and artificial intelligence for early disease detection and improved care. Guler, associate professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, conducts research to develop wearable sensors for at-home and improved patient monitoring.
WPI is highlighted in this article that addresses the need for more fire protection engineers. The university's fire protection engineering department offers one of the top academic programs to help fill the critical void in this field.
WPI has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program to prepare students to design, analyze, and secure modern computing systems across industries.
Rosanna Garcia, Paul R. Beswick ’57 Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in The Business School, authored an opinion piece, published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, which seeks to explain OpenAI's move to become a public benefit corporation by offering an analogy to the characters and plot of KPop Demon Hunters.
Multiple media outlets reported on research that has created a new carbon-negative building material with the goal of contributing to sustainable construction. The team led by Nima Rahbar, the Ralph H. White Family Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, engineered the enzymatic structural material using an enzyme that helps convert carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. The research was recently published in the journal Matter.
Albert Simeoni, professor and head of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, spoke with Scientific American about the potential of using sound waves to suppress fires and the challenge of scaling up sound-based technology systems to fight fires.
Albert Simeoni, professor and head of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, provided analysis for a multimedia article in the New York Times about a deadly fire in Hong Kong apartment towers. Simeoni described the dynamics of the fire and how the presence of certain construction materials contributed to the spread of flames between buildings.
Boston 25 News reported on Engineering Ambassadors, a program that connects dozens of WPI students with hundreds of middle school students every year. Through hands-on activities, WPI students strengthen their professional skills, give children the opportunity to learn about fun applications of science, technology, engineering, and math, and offer K-12 students a glimpse into college life and work in STEM.
Albert Simeoni, professor and head of the Fire Protection Engineering Department, provided analysis for a New York Times article about a deadly fire in several Hong Kong apartment towers and the "domino effect" fire spread that appeared to play a factor and created an especially challenging environment for firefighters.
The Telegram & Gazette reported on how WPI's student chapter of A Moment of Magic is making a difference in the community. Student members recently shared joy and connection with children and families for National Adoption Day in Worcester.
Purvi Shah, associate professor in The Business School, researches the nostalgic brand love that drives consumers to organize to resurrect deleted brands. Her research is cited in this report in TheStreet about the upcoming return of Diet Cherry Coke. The article was republished in Yahoo News and by more than two dozen newspapers around the U.S.
While many colleges and universities offer study abroad programs, few provide international experiential learning opportunities to the extent WPI does. The Open Doors 2025 Report on International Educational Exchange found WPI has the fifth highest rate of U.S. undergraduate student participation in study abroad programs among leading U.S. doctoral universities. The Worcester Guardian reported on the finding and the university's distinctive Global Projects Program that allows students to engage in hands-on project-based learning experiences off campus at more than 50 project centers on six continents.
The Worcester Business Journal reported on a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation that will support the university's effort to develop hands-on training, internships, and mentorship with the goal of expanding the hydrogen energy workforce.
Regan Krizan, a PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, recently experienced weightlessness to conduct an experiment in zero-gravity. Krizan recently flew on a parabolic flight over France as part of a WPI research project to study molten metals and fluid flow with the goal of improving manufacturing processes and optimizing 3D printing.
The state has selected WPI to lead a regional partnership to establish the "BioHub", an initiative designed to power growth in the bioindustrial manufacturing sector in Central Massachusetts and advance sustainable biomanufacturing, applied research, and workforce development.
When search and rescue efforts get difficult, call in the bat-inspired drones! The Associated Press published an article and video about research from the lab of Robotics Engineering Department Assistant Professor Nitin Sanket. His team is creating tiny aerial robots designed to navigate through darkness, smoke, dust, and fog using the power of sound, just like bats do, to fly in low visibility. The goal is to improve search and rescue to save lives. The Associated Press article was republished by other news outlets including ABC News, Daily Mail, Washington Post, and Yahoo! News. The research was also covered by CBS News Radio, NPR, NBC Boston, and CBS Boston. Several other media organizations, including WBUR, TechCrunch, Telegram & Gazette, DroneLife, The Robot Report, and the HELLO FUTURE with Kevin Cirilli podcast also interviewed Sanket and produced their own reports on the National Science Foundation-funded project.
News outlets in Nantucket reported on an Interactive Qualifying Project students are working on with community groups and leaders on the island to seek to identify long-term solutions to litter problems. The students are using research methods including surveys during this experience, which is one of three required projects for graduation that are part of WPI's project-based learning curriculum.
