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This Master’s in AI Program Is a Cross-University Collaboration. Here’s How Students Will Learn.
Elke Rundensteiner, the William Smith Dean's Professor of Computer Science and founding head of the WPI data science program, spoke with BestColleges about the university's new master's degree in artificial intelligence.
IndiaWest newspaper reported on a new liquid biopsy chip developed by Balaji Panchapakesan, professor of mechanical engineering. The chip was designed to capture circulating tumor cells, making it possible for early-stage cancer detection.
The Worcester Business Journal announced that Casey Wall assistant dean/director of the Housing & Residential Experience Center, was named to its annual “40 Under 40” list.
In this front-page article, the Telegram & Gazette interviewed and photographed English Professor and internationally renowned Hendrix expert Joel Brattin. “When Hendrix’s guitar sings ‘bombs bursting in air,’ you hear not only the bombs, but you hear the cries of agony of the people on the ground who are experiencing those bombs,” Brattin told the T&G. “There’s a strong amount of political content, even if it’s nonverbal.”
An academic paper by Eleanor Loiacono, a professor in the Foisie Business School, and Data Science PhD student Huimin Ren was cited in a World Economic Forum article. (See link to paper below the video under header “Empowering neurodiversity in the digital workplace.”)
Mike Timko, associate professor of chemical engineering, did a Q&A with Advanced Science News about his renewable fuels research. The article also sites Mike's video, "A World Without Waste," which was submitted to the NSF's 2026 Idea Machine competition earlier this year.
WBZ Radio interviewed Balaji Panchapakesan, professor of mechanical engineering, on the chip he designed to capture circulating tumor cells, making it possible for early-stage cancer detection. “He says the chip could be revolutionary,” WBZ reported. “If we can detect it using this chip early detection, which is actually the key, we could actually save lives,” Panchapakesan said.
Ted Clancy, professor of electrical and computer engineering, Ziling Zhu, WPI PhD student, and Debra Latour, an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Western New England University, spoke with Worcester News Tonight about developing wireless sensors to improve the performance of prosthetics for individuals with upper limb amputations.
The Worcester Business Journal is the latest to report on how Ted Clancy, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Xinming Huang, professor of electrical and computer engineering, are developing wireless sensors to improve the performance of prosthetics for individuals with upper limb amputations.
NBC Louisville reported on a new liquid biopsy chip developed by Balaji Panchapakesan, professor of mechanical engineering. The chip was designed to capture circulating tumor cells, making it possible for early-stage cancer detection.
An op-ed by Neil Heffernan, professor of computer science and director of Learning Sciences & Technologies, published by The 74 Million, discusses how sharing data can inform researchers whether education technology is actually working.
New England Cable News interviewed President Leshin about WPI alum Robert Goddard, known as the father of modern rocketry. “He was driven, he was a visionary, and he was not going to stop until he figured out how to get us beyond Earth,” Leshin told NECN, which aired a retrospective Saturday morning and evening, noting Goddard’s link to the university. The piece also included footage of the campus building where Goddard worked.
In an interview that aired on WBZ radio (1030 AM) five times on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, WPI mechanical engineering PhD student Alex Castaneda discusses his upcoming reduced gravity research flight as well as the Apollo 11 mission’s influence on him. “It was the driving force for not only my interest in space research, but also for the interest to conduct space research as a country and as a planet,” he said.
NBC Boston 10 interviewed President Leshin as part of its look at alum Robert Goddard’s links to Worcester and the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. “When you’re visionary and when you really believe in an idea, you’ve got to keep working at it and see it through. I’m only sad that he didn’t live to see the Apollo astronauts walk on the moon,” Leshin told Boston 10 about Goddard, considered the father of modern rocketry.
Michael Ahern, director of power systems and program director in Academic and Corporate Engagement, wrote an article in T&D World detailing what he sees as the seven issues facing the modernization of the nation’s power delivery system. Spoiler alert: the top challenge is people: utility companies and related organizations face difficulty in attracting and retaining the highly skilled talent they need to meet the growing demands of the grid.
In an interview aired on Boston 25 news, President Leshin said more discoveries await on the moon’s surface. “Imagine exploring the Earth by only touching six different places on its surface,” she said. “We wouldn’t really have a full understanding of our own planet. The most important thing we’ll learn by going back to the moon is how to live permanently off our planet.” This month marks 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing.
For this article, The Boston Globe interviewed President Leshin who recounted how Sally Ride was the impetus behind her realizing that she, too, could have a job in the U.S. space program. Ride was the first American woman in space. “Now it’s really important to know about all the hands and minds that made Apollo successful,” Leshin also told The Globe. “We need that diversity, and we need people to see themselves in space exploration because we’re going to need all of them to succeed in the future.”
The New York Times quoted Albert Simeoni, professor, interim department head, fire protection engineering, in in this article. (see: Precious Time Lost subhead) “The only thing that surprised me is that this disaster didn’t happen sooner,” Simeoni told The Times.
