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WPI to research wildfires, from space
Astronauts on the International Space Station will perform experiments for a study led by James Urban, assistant professor in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. A spacecraft carrying materials for the experiments was launched to the space station in August. Urban studies wildfires and believes the experiments in microgravity will provide insight on non-steady flame behavior and lead to better understanding of how wildfires spread on Earth. The research was featured in Are We There Yet? - The Space Exploration Podcast, Spaceflight Now, Spectrum News 1, Industry Wired, and MassLive.
Dean of Engineering John McNeill spoke with Spectrum News 1 Worcester about the new partnership that will open additional pathways to a master’s degree at WPI.
Innovative dual degree programs will offer a 4+1 pathway for students to earn a master’s at WPI. The Worcester Business Journal reported on the announcement that degrees will be available in mechanical engineering, and electrical and computer engineering, with more offerings expected to be available in the near future.
A company created by a mechanical engineering graduate launched a prototype of its electric jet ski on Lake Quinsigamond. The event was attended by community leaders including Congressman Jim McGovern, and Rosanna Garcia, professor of innovation and entrepreneurship in The Business School. WBZ News Radio also covered the launch.
A high school robotics team from Worcester, South Africa spent more than a week on the WPI campus for a robotics competition. The teens met with and learned from WPI faculty, staff, and students. News24 South Africa reported on their visit. Articles on the team’s trip were also featured in other South African media, including CapeTownETC.com, and Independent Online.
The campus is hosting nine high school students from Worcester, South Africa. They are learning new skills in robotics and programming. Spectrum News 1 reported on the teens’ participation in an international robotics competition on campus and preparations for their next event.
Robotics engineering professor Loris Fichera is advancing research to create robots that can be used to facilitate incision-free surgery. The Worcester Business Journal profiled Fichera’s work and a National Science Foundation award supporting it.
More than 1,000 young people from around the world took part in a three-day LEGO robot competition at Harrington Auditorium, hosted by the Robotics Resource Center. Spectrum News 1 came to campus to witness the excitement and the enthusiastic participants in the Inaugural WPI Annual FIRST LEGO League Event.
The recent presence of wildfire smoke in the air has caused harmful air pollution. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering assistant professor Shichao Liu explained to MassLive why future wildfires could pose an even greater danger to air quality if the smoke arrives during hotter weather.
A group of private and educational groups, including WPI, is working to find new ways to reduce waste and recover more useable materials in metals processing. Waste and Recycling Magazine profiled the new effort and how WPI was involved in creating the partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory.
Smoke from wildfires can be dangerous, especially to people with certain health conditions. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering assistant professor Shichao Liu studies indoor air quality. He spoke with NECN about how smoke particles can get into buildings and affect health.
Assistant professor Shichao Liu, in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, warns that the thick wildfire smoke over much of the east coast is not just an outdoor air quality issue. He spoke with WBUR about how harmful particles can seep into homes and offered advice on steps people can take to protect themselves indoors.
WPI research on wildfires includes how smoke plumes affect indoor air quality. Assistant professor Shichao Liu explained to the Boston Herald why wildfire smoke does not stop at a building’s doors and windows. The story was also published in The Lowell Sun and The Sentinel & Enterprise.
WPI assistant professor Shichao Liu studies indoor air quality. As wildfire smoke blankets Worcester and much of the U.S., health officials have urged people to stay indoors. Liu explained to Spectrum News 1 how smoke particles can infiltrate buildings and how people can stay safe indoors.
An inspiration on the links and in the lab. Chronicle, which airs nightly on WCVB, featured Douglas Shirakura, WPI ’24 “Adaptive golf league provides inclusive experience for golfers facing challenges.”
For more than 20 years WPI’s Trustee Mentor Program has been connecting many of its trustees “to diverse and engaged juniors and seniors to receive professional guidance, advice and networking opportunities.” The overwhelming success of this program is the focus of an Inside Higher Ed article.
The Chronicle of Higher Ed’s weekly newsletter “Latitudes” which features a rundown of the top stories in international ed, included WPI is its article “Two colleges, two approaches to increasing study abroad.” The article credits the University of Chicago and Worcester Polytechnic Institute who “have made it an institutional priority to give students an international-education experience.”
Spectrum News One reported on the undergraduate commencement and included snippets of comments by both undergraduate speaker Susanna Oppong and Rep. Jim McGovern in its broadcast.
The Telegram & Gazette reported on WPI's undergraduate commencement and interviewed student speaker Susanna Oppong, a biology and biotechnology major. Oppong, whose mother Susan works in the provost's office, grew up in Worcester and will begin medical school in the fall.