News

Tue, 05/13/2025

Federal funding plays a vital role in advancing academic research that can spark innovation and economic impact, as seen in Professor Beth Kolko’s journey from researcher to founder of the medical device startup Shift Labs. Through a decade of federally and philanthropically funded work in global health and technology design, Kolko built a company that developed an intuitive infusion device used in both low-resource settings and US healthcare. 

Mon, 04/28/2025

The SECURE Center, led by HCDE Professor Mark Haselkorn and supported by the National Science Foundation, is uniting the US research community to address critical security challenges while preserving the openness that drives scientific progress. By coordinating with regional centers and industry partners, SECURE ensures that US research remains protected, fostering both national security and economic competitiveness.

Thu, 04/24/2025

For over a decade, HCDE has brought human-centered design to K–12 classrooms across Washington state through hands-on, community-driven outreach. Led by students and faculty, the program inspires young learners to see themselves as designers and problem-solvers—especially in communities with limited access to STEM. Since relaunching in 2023, the program has reached over 350 students with age-appropriate, culturally responsive workshops. 

Wed, 04/23/2025

UW HCDE has strong presence at the 2025 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), the premier international conference on Human-Computer Interaction. HCDE researchers contributed to 36 papers, including one selected for the Best Paper Award recognition and six selected for Best Paper Honorable Mention recognition.

Mon, 04/21/2025

HCDE students Grace Carina Bunarto, Mishti Dhawan, Damini Sheth, and Mina Zavary have been named to the University of Washington’s 2025 Husky 100. This annual recognition honors 100 students across the UW’s three campuses who demonstrate a commitment to leadership, community engagement, and applying their education to make a meaningful impact.

Mon, 04/14/2025

The University of Washington has named HCDE PhD candidate Sourojit "G" Ghosh a recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the University’s highest honors for teaching. The award, presented by UW President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio, recognizes Ghosh’s extraordinary commitment to teaching and mentorship.

Thu, 04/10/2025

Renewable marine energy—power generated from ocean waves and tides—could play a big role in boosting coastal economies and reducing US dependence on fossil fuels. HCDE Assistant Research Professor Shana Lee Hirsch works with the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC) to make sure this clean energy benefits local communities by creating jobs and supporting long-term economic stability. But recent federal funding cuts are putting that progress at risk. To keep the US competitive in the global clean energy race, continued investment in marine energy is essential.

Sat, 03/15/2025

HCDE Professor Kate Starbird is joining the esteemed ranks of the ACM SIGCHI Academy, and Professors Cecilia Aragon and Nadya Peek are honored with ACM SIGCHI Special Recognition. These awards celebrate their remarkable contributions to Human-Computer Interaction, recognizing their excellence in research, teaching, practice, and service. 

Sat, 03/01/2025

HCDE Professor Kate Starbird delivered the University Faculty Lecture in February 2025. She presented insights from over a decade of research on how online rumors, misinformation, and disinformation are created and shared during uncertain times.

Tue, 02/25/2025

As AI makes its way into filmmaking, industry workers are grappling with its impact. During the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Brett Halperin, a PhD student in HCDE, interviewed picketing film workers about AI’s role in the industry — from job security to artistic authenticity. Halperin's research, now published in ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, sheds light on these emerging concerns.