College of Arts and Sciences

Recent awards celebrate Arts & Sciences faculty for their research, publications, and more. 

"I try to ensure that students never feel embarrassment at not knowing something. Learning should be a fun and exciting experience, unhindered by fears of not knowing the social rules of the college experience." – Rebakah Daro Minarchek, Associate Teaching Professor

The entrepreneur turned fraudster is the subject of an Oscar-tipped new documentary that takes an unusual look at her strange legacy. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Come curious. Leave inspired. The UW offers an exciting lineup of in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University. And you don’t have to wait until November: Take a look at everything still happening in October. Go directly to the week you’d like to view: Week 1: November 2 – 8 Week 2: November 9 – 15...

Across campus, first-year students beginning their college art classes face new and familiar scenes: the scratching of charcoal against thick, white paper; the tap-tap of dance shoes taking flight; and images flickering across a projector screen. College introduces plenty of unfamiliar routines, from finding classrooms to deciding how to spend free time. For some first-year students, though, the transition brings a chance to return to the familiar process of creating art. 

Washington state officials have made it harder for immigration agents to access driving records during deportation raids, but keep getting played by Trumps deportation goons. Angelina Godoy, professor of law, societies, and justice and of international studies, as well as director of the Center for Human Rights at the UW, is quoted.

Immigration arrests linked to a search of Washington driver information have jumped at least fivefold since July, according to new data from the University of Washingtons Center for Human Rights. Angelina Godoy, professor of law, societies, and justice and of international studies, as well as director of the Center for Human Rights at the UW, is quoted.

UW astronomer Emily Levesque will soon add a new role as editor-in-chief of the prestigious American Astronomical Society Journals to her ongoing work studying red supergiants and other stellar oddities.

The Port Townsend Paper Co. stands by its original assessment, said spokesperson Randy Cot, senior vice president at a Seattle-based public relations firm. If its report is insufficient and the companys not saying it is then the blame lies with Tippins and others who responded to the spill. The UW's Marissa Baker, associate professor of occupational health, and Michael Brett, professor of civil and environmental engineering, are quoted. Christopher Bretherton, professor emeritus of applied mathematics and of atmospheric sciences, is referenced.

A new University of Washington study shows that plunge-diving birds such as gannets and boobies have unique morphological adaptations that allow them to survive high speed, headfirst impact.

Willapa Bay is the nations most prolific estuary for oyster production, responsible for 10% to 20% of all U.S. oysters. But these landings dont come easy. The UW's Jennifer Ruesink, professor of biology; and Emma Guerrini Romano, doctoral student of biology, are quoted.

"Investigations and prosecutions must happen but thats not how we keep todays undergraduates safe. The issue of sexual assault on campus will not be solved by outing and punishing a small set of bad men," writes Nicole McNichols, associate professor of psychology at the UW.

When walking through a gallery, most viewers are drawn towards the walls.The new exhibition at The Jacob Lawrence Gallery, however, defies the typical arrangements. While the walls hold placards with information about the art, audiences are encouraged to inspect a piece from every angle, move around, listen, and even touch. “I will carry you over on my back,” the 2026 MFA cohort’s fall show, doesn’t use traditional means to convey itself to viewers, yet it leaves an impact all the same. 

"These chilling details (of the assault) are obviously shocking. However, as a sex educator, I worry the underlying group dynamics that made them possible arent receiving nearly enough attention," writes Nicole McNichols, associate teaching professor of psychology at the UW.

Meany Center for the Performing Arts kicked off its 2026-27 season in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Seattle with an Oct. 2 performance from three-time Grammy winner and Padma Shree Awardee Ricky Kej.