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.
The Independent, the Boston Globe, and several other media outletsreported 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.
In a BBC article exploring myths and realities about how to properly handle charging cables, Robert Hyers, the George I. Alden Chair of Engineering and head of the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, helps explain why parts of charging cables are more susceptible to breaking than others and how one particular consumer behavior puts cables at heightened risk of damage.
Roger Gottlieb, the William B. Smith Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Humanities and Arts, provided analysis for an Earth Day installment of NPR's Word of the Week. The series explored the origin and evolution of the term tree-huggers.
WBUR reported on the music division's spring concert which included a world premiere performance by the WPI Philharmonic Orchestra of a piece that pays tribute to the legacy of Robert Goddard, Class of 1908 and the "Father of Modern Rocketry."
In an interview with MassLive, Richard Lopez, assistant professor of neuroscience and psychology in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, suggests increased efforts be made to educate young people on the responsible use, risks, and benefits of digital technology. Lopez studies how the rapid expansion of social media and digital technology is impacting our emotions and our brains.
A team of students completing their Interactive Qualifying Project at the university's Bucharest, Romania Project Center recently presented their work to community leaders in Calarasi, Romania. The team is working with community partners to explore possible strategies to address outmigration of young people in the city. The presentation was reported on by Online News Calarasi.
Professor Nikolaos Gatsonis, head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, shared his expertise with both the CBS and ABC affiliates in Boston for their coverage of the return of Artemis II from its lunar fly-by. Gatsonis explained the technical challenges associated with spacecraft re-entry, the science behind why a communications blackout is experienced as astronauts return to Earth, and the significance of the Artemis II mission in advancing space travel and exploration.
Robotics engineering student Jelaleddin Gylychmuhammedov represented the university and his team’s startup, BrailleBox, at WooTank, a regional intercollegiate pitch competition. The student startup, which receives mentorship and other support from the university's i3 Lab, has developed an adaptive learning tool that seeks to help more visually impaired students learn Braille and empower teachers leading Braille instruction.
Ana Caroline Santana Sakai, an industrial engineering and professional writing double major, was named one of the "100 Best and Brightest" undergraduate business school majors of 2026 by Poets&Quants, a news organization that covers business education. Sakai told the outlet, "studying business at WPI not only taught me greatly about the world, but also about myself."
Several of the university's student music groups will honor the "father of modern rocketry" through performance. Worcester Magazine and the Telegram & Gazette reported on upcoming musical tributes to Robert Goddard, class of 1908, which include premieres of two compositions.
What happens when you put marshmallow Peeps in the microwave or in a vacuum desiccator? You get a science lesson on water vapor, pressure, and expansion. Doug Petkie, professor and head of the Physics Department, conducted demonstrations for the Woo! Science column in Worcester Magazine.
Jing Xiao, professor and head of the Department of Robotics Engineering, provided analysis for an article on advances and challenges in robotics and the future of robotics technology. The article was published in Online Engineering Programs, a website that reports on and provides information about distance-based engineering education,
The Telegram & Gazette reported on national recognition of two inventions created by young STEM enthusiasts in the region, including Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science at WPI student Nichelle Thinagar. The article included perspective from Carrick Eggleston, professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, on the potential applications of each design.
Nikolaos Gatsonis, professor and head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, provided analysis for an article in Forbes about NASA’s plans for a nuclear-powered mission to Mars. He spoke about the state of nuclear electric propulsion for spacecraft and the potential advantages of and challenges associated with using this propulsion method for a Mars mission.
Nitin Sanket, assistant professor in the Department of Robotics Engineering, wrote an article for The Conversation about his research team's work developing bat-inspired aerial robots that use ultrasound and deep learning for noise reduction and processing for search and rescue applications. His team's recent publication in Science Robotics has been covered by several media outlets around the U.S. and the world, including Al Jazeera.
PC Gamer reported on a new ranking from The Princeton Review that named WPI’s Interactive Media and Game Development program among the top 15 undergraduate and graduate game design programs in the nation in 2026.
Stephen Kmiotek, professor of practice in the Department of Chemical Engineering, provided analysis for a Worcester Business Journal article on a shift toward eco-friendly manufacturing. Kmiotek explained how addressing energy and waste disposal costs can be both environmentally-friendly and beneficial from a financial perspective for businesses.
Richard Lopez, assistant professor of neuroscience and psychology in the Department of Social Science & Policy Studies, was interviewed live about the impact of AI and chatbots on children's brain development. Lopez noted that there has been a shift from an "attention economy," in which technology companies capitalize on people's attention, to an "attachment economy" in which those companies target children's need for attachment and belonging.
WBUR reported on the university's unveiling of a new site on the National Space Trail which pays tribute to Robert Goddard, class of 1908. University leaders, faculty, students, and staff gathered at the new silhouette marker on campus that honors Goddard's 1926 launch of the world's first liquid-fueled rocket.
Professor Nikolaos Gatsonis, head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, provided insight for a Boston Globe article on the significant contributions Robert Goddard, class of 1908, made to the advancement of space exploration. Gatsonis explained how many of Goddard's discoveries are critical elements of modern rockets.
The Telegram & Gazette reported on the university's announcement of two new bachelor's degree programs—the bachelor of science in marketing analytics and the bachelor of science in business analytics and applied AI. The programs are designed to equip students with data-driven and AI-enabled decision-making skills that are crucial for business leadership.
