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The Independent reported on research, led by Benjamin Nephew, assistant research professor in the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, published in the journal Neuroscience. The research team used a form of artificial intelligence to analyze anatomical changes in the brain and predict Alzheimer’s disease with nearly 93% accuracy.
The Telegram & Gazette featured aerospace engineering PhD candidates Amelia Kokernak and Terrance Lee Cooper Jr and department head Nikolaos Gatsonis in an article about the 100th anniversary of alum Robert Goddard's historic rocket launch. The piece highlights the department's research work and the trio's reflections on Goddard's legacy.
Alexandra Van Gelder, a third-year student and captain of the High Power Rocketry Club, is featured in a Worcester Magazine article that marks the upcoming 100th anniversary of WPI alum Robert Goddard’s first liquid-fueled rocket launch. The article highlights Van Gelder's motivations to study aerospace engineering and astrophysics, and the work of students in the club.
Researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering are studying a new technology that seeks to increase the rate of plastics recycling by overcoming challenges that limit most plastics to a single use. The team's work was featured in an article in Plastics Engineering, a publication of the Society of Plastics Engineers.
Erica Brozovsky, a sociolinguist and adjunct professor in the Department of Humanities and Arts, provided analysis for a Popular Science article on why languages are spoken at different speeds and a theory that information is still communicated at roughly the same speed despite variances in the pace at which syllables are spoken.
Several initiatives from across campus are featured in media coverage about how the university is celebrating the centennial of Robert Goddard's launch of the first liquid-fueled rocket. The Class of 1908 alum's historic feat helped launch the Space Age.
Joseph Sarkis, a professor of management in The Business School, wrote a column that was published in the March-April issue of Supply Chain Management Review. Sarkis described how companies can implement circular supply chains, and how these supply chains can contribute to the creation of a circular economy.
The Telegram & Gazette featured a recently completed interdisciplinary student project that saw an undergraduate team work with a regional recycling center to quantify the impact of its work by measuring the amount of discarded items being kept out of landfills. The project is one of scores completed every year by student teams at locations around the world in partnership with community organizations. The Interactive Qualifying Project combines science and technology with societal needs.
William McCarthy, assistant professor of physics, spoke with Forbes about a new milestone reached in efforts to commercialize fusion power and the current landscape in the field of fusion energy.
Joseph Sarkis, professor of management in The Business School, provided analysis for an article exploring data center construction trends. He spoke about the economic and environmental factors associated with development of data centers.
President Grace Wang joined government, higher education, and local organization leaders to kick off the one-month countdown to the 100th anniversary of the first successful liquid-fueled rocket launch. The launch by Robert Goddard, Class of 1908, is credited with starting the space age on March 16, 1926.
On February 12 at an event in Boston, The Boston Business Journal formally honored Emmanuel Agu, Harold L. Jurist ’61 and Heather E. Jurist Dean’s Professor of Computer Science, as one of 14 Innovators in Healthcare. The journal also featured Agu in an online profile about his research that combines data, imaging, and artificial intelligence for early disease detection and improved care.
On February 12 at an event in Boston, The Boston Business Journal formally honored Ulkuhan Guler, associate professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, as one of 14 Innovators in Healthcare. The journal also featured Guler in an online profile about her research to develop wearable sensors for at-home and improved patient monitoring.
Christo K. Thomas, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, wrote an article in CXOTech Magazine about the future of machine intelligence and intelligent networks. The piece explores how networks capable of reasoning could transform autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and more by enabling more efficient and context-aware communication, similar to human interaction.
Peter Hansen, professor of history in the Department of Humanities and Arts, spoke live with Fredricka Whitfield on CNN Newsroom, airing on CNN and CNN International, about the newest sport in the Winter Olympics: ski mountaineering. Hansen’s research explores the intertwined histories of mountaineering and modernity.
Motorsport.com reported on an episode of The WPI Podcast, produced by the Division of Marketing Communications, which featured an interview with Phil Surgen, a class of 2004 mechanical engineering alum, about his role as director of technology for Trackhouse Racing. The article highlights some of the topics covered in the conversation, including the role of artificial intelligence and technology in competing in NASCAR.
Alexander Smith, associate professor of economics in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, was featured in a USA TODAY article about tax season. Smith encouraged people to view their tax returns as learning opportunities rather than annual chores and explained how proactive financial behavior changes can reduce future tax liability. He highlighted the importance of understanding how the tax system works and described behavioral economics concepts that prevent people from taking full advantage of tax reduction strategies.
Worcester Business Journal reported on how the university's NASA-funded research carries on the legacy of alum Robert Goddard, the Father of Modern Rocketry. The article highlights WPI as the largest recipient of NASA research funding of any university in Central Massachusetts in fiscal year 2025 and how this research, often done in coordination with local companies, supports economic growth and workforce development in the state.
Christopher Brown, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, a former All-American ski racer and former ski coach, spoke with Scientific American about the physical forces that likely contributed to the ACL injury decorated skier Lindsey Vonn suffered during a race in January, just ahead of the Winter Olympics. Brown and his students research and develop new designs for athletic equipment that seek to reduce the loads on athletes' knees that can lead to ACL injuries.
Peter Hansen, a mountaineering expert and history professor in the Department of Humanities and Arts, helped break down a new Olympic event, ski mountaineering, on Science Friday, a public radio show and podcast. Hansen explained some of the history behind mountaineering, the scientific connection to early mountain expeditions, and the historical roots of "skimo," a new event for the winter games.
In a Reuters article, Seth Tuler, associate professor in The Global School, helps explain the nuclear waste management challenges associated with proposals to expand nuclear power via the use of small modular reactors. Tuler has conducted research focused on nuclear waste management and the clean-up of nuclear weapons sites.
