College of Arts and Sciences

A decade of cancel culture and the assassination of Charlie Kirk have reinvigorated the discussion about free speech - what exactly it is, and what it isn't. James Long, professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

Interactions between academic neuroscience and industry will grow, and the neurotech sector will expand, most survey respondents predict. The current funding upheaval in the United States may accelerate this trend as the field searches for new funding models. Bing Wen Brunton, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

Over the course of two months, Bloomberg Businessweek conducted interviews with 18 people who either have experienced delusions after interactions with chatbots or are coping with a loved one who has, and analyzed hundreds of pages of chat logs from conversations that chronicle these spirals. Emily M. Bender, professor of linguistics at the UW, is quoted.

Among a slew of noteworthy firsts, the 2025 election nationwide and in Seattle featured a turn to youth young voters backing youthful candidates. Mark Alan Smith, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Looking for a fresh perspective? Check out these podcasts and radio shows from UW alumni and faculty, including Markus Dekanogisdi Teuton (Cherokee), (BM, Jazz Studies // BA, CHID, 2024) and Kara Bazzi (BA, Psychology, 2021). 

"When we tell students they can get 'answers' from a chatbot, we are failing to model or encourage the kind of sophisticated information-seeking behavior that underlies critical thinking," writes Emily M. Bender, professor of linguistics at the UW.

Ten years ago the world met in France to agree to the landmark Paris Agreement a global commitment signed by almost 300 nations to ward off catastrophic climate change. Adrian Raftery, professor emeritus of statistics and of sociology, is quoted.

The spotted ratfish is a deep-ocean cartilaginous fish, part of the Chimaera genus that diverged from sharks about400 million years ago.Theyre commonly caughtaccidentallyby fishers in the Puget Sound. Karly Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher at the UW's Friday Harbor Labs, is quoted.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of not letting the sacrifice your parents made go to waste. Fulfill their dreams. This advice has helped me when I am doubting myself and my ability to achieve my dreams. I think of my family, and every time they made a sacrifice to give me the opportunity to study." – Ashlee Senda, Student

Ashleigh Theberge, a UW professor of chemistry, pursues projects ranging from designing at-home biological sample collection kits to exploring the physics of liquid flow to investigating molecules made by filamentous fungi. Her broad-ranging interests made her a fit for the Schmidt Polymaths Program, which supports mid-career scientists pursuing interdisciplinary research.

"I decided to come to the UW after participating in the Path to UW seminar during the summer of 2023. During that experience, I met friends for life, felt truly heard and included, and realized that the UW offers the perfect environment for me to grow both personally and academically." – Francine Myles, Student

"You don’t have to have everything already figured out to belong here. You are enough just by virtue of being you. Ask for help, build community, and remember that the path you’re walking honors not just your own story, but the ancestors who made it possible." – CS W. Henry, Student

"When I met my mentors, I knew the UW was the right place for me. It felt like joining a community that not only values research and discovery but also welcomes diversity. Being here has given me the chance to grow as both a scientist and a person." – Laura Quinche, Student

"I remember strolling across the UW campus during my first quarter, treading on crisp autumn leaves, and realizing that I have built a life here that once seemed impossible. I don't say this often, but I am really grateful for how far I have come. For current and future first-gen students — remember, your background is your strength." – Anjali Yadav, Student

"I want to encourage you all to recognize the virtues that come from each of your backgrounds. There is a strength that comes from being first-gen, and I hope that you all can recognize it within yourselves." – Dan Guyer, Student