In the News

As colleges continue to grapple with the impact of COVID-19, Times Higher Ed takes a look at how schools will move forward. The article singles out WPI stating “Worcester Polytechnic Institution (sic) is likely to emerge stronger from the recession by continuing to build its core competencies.”

Martha Stewart Living cited work by Associate Chemical Engineering Professor Michael Timko in their online article. “What do you get when you mix food and yard waste? Hopefully a new eco-friendly source of biofuel. Michael Timko, a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts, is working on a project—being funded by the Department of Energy to the tune of almost $2 million—to mix food waste with municipal green waste, such as yard trimmings, leaves, and sticks. By combining the two kinds of waste, Timko is aiming to create even more energy-dense oil that can be upgraded to a liquid biofuel.”

The Hechinger Report published an opinion piece by Andrew Palumbo, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid. “If universities care about all students, they must better align admissions processes with their distinctive missions, values and goals while also eliminating the inequities that standardized test scores reinforce,” he wrote. “In March, faculty at WPI overwhelmingly adopted an eight-year test-blind pilot, transitioning from 13 years of test-optional admissions to a process that will not consider test scores for admission or financial aid. Importantly, this vote eliminated the antiquated use of SAT and ACT test scores because faculty recognize that they are poor predictors of college success, and they introduce and reinforce inequities that our university is committed to eliminating.”

The Worcester Business Journal reported on WPI creating a Master’s in Cyber Security, a new graduate program that prepares students to be leaders in the fields of cyber security and computer science. The program launches in fall 2021 and applications are currently being accepted. “We recognize that the workforce needs professionals who can combine technical expertise in security with an understanding of its impact on people and businesses,” Craig Shue, associate professor of computer science, said in a statement.

Rodica Neamtu, associate teaching professor of computer science, was quoted in a Worcester Magazine article on her students developing an iOS phone app for Worcester-based nonprofit Audio Journal. “I realized that this was going to be something bigger than creating a nice app,” Neamtu said, referring to the project the students did as part of their Major Qualifying Project (MQP).

WPI civil and environmental engineer Jeanine Dudle and global studies professor Sarah Strauss spoke with Doug Parsons, host of the popular “America Adapts” climate change podcast, about WPI’s new Community Climate Adaptation graduate program. The program will provide value for students through a unique participatory experience and generate a strong foundation for faculty research and enhanced community impacts.

The Worcester Business Journal noted WPI in their article on WPI’s move to change to fully “test-blind” admissions, which will begin with the Fall 2021 application cycle and supports WPI’s mission of expanding access to a high-quality STEM education to all students.

WPI was included in the Worcester Business Journal editorial for offering to help displaced students within Becker College’s Interactive Media program. WPI and Becker have signed an agreement that provides these students an opportunity to complete their degrees at WPI.

The Worcester Business Journal included WPI in their article, which detailed funding to area colleges and universities under the latest federal pandemic aid program.    

Provost and Senior Vice President Wole Soboyejo was quoted in the News Ghana article on a memorandum of understanding signed by WPI and Academic City University College for academic collaboration to implement an accelerated master’s degree and exchange programs.

Professor Joseph Sarkis, Foisie Business School, was quoted in an article by the New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) on WPI’s signature project-based curriculum, the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP). A group of WPI juniors teamed up to complete an IQP involving sixth-grade curriculum at the NEIA, which served as project sponsor.  “The WPI IQPs serve many purposes and were designed as such. We seek to allow the students leeway in the paths they wish to link theory and practice. As advisors, we may provide general guidance, but students need to plan the project and execute it,” Sarkis said.

The Telegram & Gazette noted WPI in an article on Becker College’s decision to close at the end of this academic year. WPI is one of the colleges and universities that announced it has developed a pathway plan for the Becker college community, including acceptance into our Interactive Media and Game Development program.

Professor Albert Simeoni, head of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, was interviewed about his being awarded $519,893 from the National Institute of Justice to evaluate the reliability of burn pattern indicators used by investigators to determine the starting point of wildfires.

A story on WPI’s move to no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in its admission process was included in The Telegram & Gazette.  The change to fully “test-blind” admissions will begin with the Fall 2021 application cycle and supports WPI’s mission of expanding access to a high-quality STEM education to all students.

WBZ-CBS Boston reported on WPI’s move to no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in its admission process. The change to fully “test-blind” admissions will begin with the Fall 2021 application cycle and supports WPI’s mission of expanding access to a high-quality STEM education to all students.  WBZ quoted President Leshin in its report appearing on the station’s website. “I’m proud that WPI is one of the very first STEM universities to fully eliminate the test score barrier,” Leshin said. “WPI’s immersive project-based approach to STEM education engages students in solving real problems around the world, and our most successful students are those with drive, curiosity, and passion—factors that no standardized test can measure. We know that a WPI education can change a person’s lifelong career trajectory, and is a highly effective engine of social mobility.

The Chronicle of Higher Education interviewed Andrew B. Palumbo, assistant vice president for enrollment management and dean of admissions and financial aid, for an article on WPI’s move to no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in its admission process.

MassLive featured WPI’s BattleBots team in their article. WPI’s Ribbot robot is a 250-pound, frog-like battle bot that can travel up to 20 mph. The team, consisting of nine members, was the underdog, with MIT’s Uppercut robot the favorite as the school was seeded fourth. (WPI ended up winning).

Mike Gennert, professor of robotics engineering, offered his thoughts on the impact of NASA’s Perseverance rover landing on Mars. “Perseverance picked its own landing spot as it got near the surface,” said Gennert, “so it was able to avoid rocks and other obstacles as it landed.” In the TV segment, Gennert added that it has “much more autonomous ability” than other rovers.

Mike Gennert, professor of robotics engineering; Carlo Pinciroli, assistant professor of robotics engineering; and Ashay Aswale, a PhD student in robotics engineering, were featured in a TV segment describing their participation in the NASA-sponsored Space Robotics Challenge. About a dozen undergraduate and graduate students have made measurable contributions in the competition.

President Laurie Leshin was interviewed by NECN about the successful landing of NASA’s Perseverance Rover on Mars. As a former NASA administrator, Leshin discussed the importance of this mission for the future of space exploration.