In the News

Note: Some media outlets require users to log-in. The Gordon Library offers the WPI community free access to a number of newspapers. Visit newspaper database for details.  

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Holiday shopping: Tips for using AI to compare prices and get gift inspiration

How can AI tools help consumers find the best deals and tackle the holiday shopping list? Associate Professor of marketing Purvi Shah spoke with NBC Boston about the technology driving retail transformation. "AI can help you compare products and prices across stores. It can also give you review summaries that can help you evaluate various product options based on those review summaries," Shah said. "All of this is done very efficiently."

Worcester Business Journal

President Grace Wang spoke with the Worcester Business Journal about how a more diverse cross-section of college presidents can push progress forward in other areas of higher education. 

Lifewire

A new ChatGPT feature will let the platform remember conversations. Computer science professor Xiaozhong Liu says that could offer users a more personalized experience.

HuffPost

Humanities & arts professor David Spanagel shared his insight on the history of atomic bomb development with HuffPost. Spanagel explains how the 'father of the atomic bomb', Julius Robert Oppenheimer, failed to question whether it was the right thing to do for humanity. 

MSN

Civil, environmental, & architectural engineering professor Shichao Liu shared expertise on how to keep cool indoors during hot weather, without putting undue strain on an air conditioning system.

WBUR 90.9

Turning your thermostat to a low temperature could wear down your air conditioner and won’t cool down your home any faster. Civil, environmental, & architectural engineering professor Shichao Liu explained some best practices for staying cool to WBUR.

GBH

Fire protection engineering professor Milosh Puchovsky was interviewed by GBH News about the importance of standpipe systems. He said maintenance and inspections of these systems are essential to make sure they work when needed.

Boston Globe

Efforts to put out a fire at a MBTA station were complicated by a standpipe fire protection system malfunction. The Boston Globe spoke with fire protection engineering professor Milosh Puchovsky to understand how these types of systems are used, their purpose, and how system inspections are enforced.

Lifewire

Computer science professor Tian Guo was interviewed about the newest efforts to improve graphic quality in virtual reality headsets. She also explained why these improvements don’t come easily.

The report was also republished by Yahoo!

Worcester Business Journal

Erin Ottmar, professor of learning sciences and psychology will research ways to improve algebra comprehension. The Worcester Business Journal reported on how Ottmar will consider the use of color and spacing in the presentation of equations.

Star Tribune

Neural signaling experts from WPI are part of the research team on a project funded by the Department of Defense. The Star Tribune in Minneapolis reported on the goals of the effort.

The Washington Post

Civil, environmental, & architectural engineering professor Shichao Liu was interviewed by The Washington Post on the hot weather gripping much of the United States. He explained why setting your thermostat to a lower temperature than normal when it’s very hot outside will not provide any additional cooling.

Spectrum News 1

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.

Worcester Business Journal

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.

Mass Live

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.

 

News 24

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.

Worcester Magazine

Students from WPI helped get a new community fridge built in Worcester. The WPI team helped weatherize the shelter that houses the food resource.

Spectrum News 1

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.

Worcester Business Journal

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.

Spectrum News 1

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.

Mass Live

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.