College of Arts and Sciences

Throughout history, iterations of the waterfront have propelled Seattle and reflected the citys essential character. Thats why the latest, revamped version of the space is so important, aside from its $800 million price tag. Will the new waterfront reconnect residents with the Salish Sea? Cater to selfie-taking tourists? Build Seattles global brand? The project says something about the city today and where it could be headed next. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Just the third-ever confirmed interstellar object has been detected in our solar system. Here's what we know. (Spoiler: It's not aliens.) Sarah Greenstreet, affiliate assistant professor of astronomy, is quoted.

University of Washington researchers are focused on a celestial light show with the groundbreaking Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. The observatory, featuring the largest camera ever built, now offers a new "eye on the sky" thanks in part to UW's astronomy department. James Davenport, research assistant professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

The billionaire isn't the first to decide he can do politics better than the parties. The public isn't so sure. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

"I believe that a university degree must deliver on the inextricably twinned promises of life-long personal transformation and enhanced opportunity for career success," writes Dean Dianne Harris.

Video shows a wayward penguin swimming and diving among beachgoers along Brazils most iconic shoreline. It might be following fish, a penguin expert says. P. Dee Boersma, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Inspired by her family’s journey, Kimberly Il found her voice — and her future in the field of law — at the University of Washington.

Four days before President Donald Trump ordered U.S. airstrikes of three Iranian nuclear sites, State Rep. Darya Farivar issued a notice about growing fear within Washingtons Iranian community. Her June 18 statement described families watching in anguish as loved ones faced violence abroadwords that would prove tragically prophetic when Operation Midnight Hammer struck Irans Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities on June 22. Aria Fani, assistant professor of Middle Eastern languages and culture, and Reat Kasaba, professor of international studies, are quoted.

Adrienne Fairhall and David Hertzog are among 120 new members and 30 international members elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research."

Some of the first images of space captured by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile were released earlier this week. In Seattle, researchers and students at the UW gathered to view the photos at the campus' planetarium on Monday. The university has played a big part in the development of the powerful telescope. The UW's Mario Juri, professor of astronomy, and Meredith Rawls, a research scientist of astronomy, are quoted.

"What might the virtual assistant in your phone sound like if the artificial intelligence that powered it emerged from the consciousness of a Black girl from Chicago?" writes Timeka Tounsel, associate professor of Black studies in communication at the UW. Golden M. Owens, assistant professor of cinema & media studies at the UW, is quoted.

MFA alum Brian Christian explores the tricky dynamics between human behavior and artificial intelligence. After moving to Seattle—drawn by both it’s tech and literary scenes—he decided to pursue a master’s in creative writing at the UW. He studied creative nonfiction and poetry but did not lose touch with his affinity for computer science.

From promoting punk bands to designing light festivals, Terry Morgan has shaped Seattle’s cultural landscape for over 50 years. As an African American studies major at the UW, Morgan, ’76, studied widely outside his major, learning video art from art faculty Bill Ritchie and electronic music from Glenn White.

Astronomers and skywatchers alike gathered Monday at the UW to see the first colorful images from the worlds largest digital camera, discoveries that are expected to revolutionize the field of astronomy. The UW's eljko Ivezi and Mario Juri, both professors of astronomy, and Sam Charney, a student at the UW, are quoted.

"Is AI going to take over the world? Have scientists created an artificial lifeform that can think on its own? Is it going to replace all our jobs, even creative ones, like doctors, teachers and care workers? Are we about to enter an age where computers are better than humans at everything?" writes Luke Munn research fellow at the University of Queensland. Emily M. Bender, professor of linguistics at the UW, is quoted.