College of Arts and Sciences

Basic research is critical to innovation, but to have a real impact, that innovation has to make its way out of the lab. Thats the reasoning behind the Activate Fellowship, one of the nations most prestigious awards for science-based entrepreneurship. Now Bingzhao Li, a postdoctoral scholar in electrical and computer engineering at the UW, has been named one of its latest recipients. Hes also the UWs first.Mo Li, professor of physics and of electrical and computer engineering at the UW, is quoted.

Seattles population growth has brought its own frustrations for both new and longtime residents. Housing prices, traffic congestion and overall cost of living are among the growing pains. Sara Curran, director of the UW's Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology and professor of international studies, of sociology and of public policy and governance, is quoted.

Should robots be able to cannibalize each other so they can accelerate their evolution, bringing them closer to resembling self-sufficient lifeforms capable of living independently of their human masters? Philippe Martin Wyder, a postdoctoral fellow of applied mathematics at the UW, is quoted.

The two-month patrol stopped supposedly suspicious individuals from crossing into California from other states. But its execution was uneven, and the initiative proved controversial. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Microsoft is spending $4 billion dollars on workshops, technology, and other initiatives to get artificial intelligence into the hands of millions of people around the world. So, what does it mean for all of us? Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is interviewed.

Launched in Spring of 2025, the pilot season includes seven episodes – each featuring a School of Art + Art History + Design alum in conversation with host Liz Copland.

Cannibal robots create entirely new dimension of autonomy for AI, researchers say. Philippe Martin Wyder, a postdoctoral fellow of applied mathematics at the UW, is quoted.

Lisa K. Bambach’s path to becoming a design educator has been shaped by over a decade of professional experience, a deep commitment to collaborative inquiry, and a passion for shaping the future of design.

Burke Smithers (BDes 2024) discovered a passion for typography at UW that led to award-winning work, international experience, and the launch of his own type foundry, Nightjar Type. His designs reflect personal interests in nature and climate—showing how type can be both expressive and deeply personal.

Democrats are grappling with how to up their game on social media following an election cycle where they acknowledged they were trounced by Republicans on platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube.Adrienne Russell, professor of communication and co-director of the UW Center for Journalism, Media and Democracy, is quoted.

Activists also say King County officials arent being transparent enough about the flights in and out of Boeing Field. 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.

Putting aerosols in the stratosphere to reflect sunlight could prevent the shutdown of key ocean currents, but only if it is done soon, a computer model suggests. Stephen Gardiner, professor of philosophy at the UW, is quoted.

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.