News

Thu, 05/15/2025 | College of Engineering

HCDE senior Mishti Dhawan receives College of Engineering Dean’s Medal for Leadership & Engagement

HCDE senior Mishti Dhawan has been recognized with the 2025 Dean’s Medal for Leadership & Engagement, one of the highest student honors from the University of Washington College of Engineering. Presented by Dean Nancy Allbritton, this award recognizes Dhawan for her significant contributions to the HCDE community and her commitment to making engineering more inclusive and impactful beyond the classroom.

Two students work together testing AI Puzzlers game on a desktop computer

Thu, 05/15/2025

HCDE impact: Helping kids think critically about AI

Researchers in the CHiLL Lab, led by HCDE Professor Julie Kientz, are developing new ways to help children think critically about artificial intelligence. One such effort is AI Puzzlers, a web-based game created by PhD student Aayushi Dangol that teaches kids to recognize the limits of generative AI. With AI Puzzlers, kids solve visual puzzles and compare their solutions to those generated by AI, sparking conversations about how AI works and when it can be unreliable.

Illustration of diverse people walking toward a glowing exit door, each carrying personal belongings in boxes or bags. The scene is cast in shades of gray, with individuals illuminated by beams of light leading toward the exit, symbolizing transition, change, or departure.

Wed, 05/14/2025 | UW News

Q&A with HCDE PhD student Samuel So: the "cruel optimism" of tech industry layoffs

Over 500,000 US tech workers were laid off between 2022 and 2024 — and the cuts continue. This week, Microsoft let go of more than 6,800 employees globally, nearly 2,000 of them in Washington. HCDE PhD student Samuel So led a study of 29 laid-off tech workers to understand the impact on employees. Many felt disillusioned with tech, calling the work unfulfilling despite plans to stay in the industry.

Bronze "W" sculpture at the University of Washington entrance at night, illuminated by streetlights with light trails from passing cars creating streaks of purple, pink, and white across the scene.

Tue, 05/13/2025

HCDE Impact: How federal research funding fueled a startup with global reach

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.

Satellite image of the United States at night, showing concentrated clusters of city lights

Mon, 04/28/2025

HCDE impact: Leading the nationwide effort to protect US research security

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.

Four HCDE students wearing UW t-shirts pose in front of a classroom projector screen with the words 'journey maps' on it

Thu, 04/24/2025

HCDE impact: Inspiring Washington's K-12 students in Engineering

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

HCDE at CHI 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.

Headshots of HCDE students Grace Carina Bunarto, Mishti Dhawan, Damini Sheth, and Mina Zavary

Mon, 04/21/2025

Four HCDE students named to the 2025 Husky 100

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

HCDE PhD candidate Sourojit Ghosh receives UW Excellence in Teaching Award

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.

A dozen wind turbines in large body of water

Thu, 04/10/2025

HCDE impact: Advancing renewable marine energy to strengthen coastal communities

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.