News

Fri, 05/16/2025

The ALACRITY Center, co-directed by HCDE Professor Sean Munson, is expanding access to quality mental health care by redesigning behavioral interventions to be more effective and accessible to all Americans. The Center collaborates across disciplines to integrate these treatments into primary care clinics, schools, and other community health settings. 

Fri, 05/16/2025

HCDE Assistant Professor Katya Cherukumilli is leading research to study and address issues with drinking water quality in Washington schools. In partnership with state agencies, her students are analyzing water testing data and identifying barriers that prevent schools from accessing and using available remediation funding. By bridging the gap between information and implementation, this work supports healthier school environments and promotes equity across the state.

Thu, 05/15/2025 | College of Engineering

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.

Thu, 05/15/2025

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. 

Wed, 05/14/2025 | UW News

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.

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.

Tue, 02/18/2025

HCDE PhD student Danli Luo has developed an innovative system to transform used coffee grounds into a 3D-printable paste. By inoculating the paste with Reishi mushroom spores, Luo and her collaborators have created a durable, compostable alternative to plastics, which can be used to print objects like packing materials and vases. 

Sat, 02/15/2025

HCDE alumna Donna Sakson (BS '82), was named a 2025 Diamond Award recipient by the UW College of Engineering Dean Nancy Allbritton. The Diamond Awards honor outstanding alumni and friends of the College who have made significant contributions to the field of engineering. 

Thu, 01/16/2025

HCDE Professor Kate Starbird is among a distinguished group of scientists and engineers across the country honored with a 2025 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from US President Biden. Professor Starbird is recognized for her research on the dynamics of misinformation and disinformation online.

Wed, 01/15/2025

HCDE is launching a new Outstanding Alumni Award to celebrate alumni whose achievements demonstrate the mission and values of the HCDE department. The award is designed to recognize HCDE graduates who have made significant contributions to their professional fields, demonstrated impactful leadership, and enriched their communities through innovative work or service. Now accepting applications until May 1, 2025.

Fri, 11/08/2024

On November 8, HCDE joins colleges and universities nationwide in celebrating National First-Generation College Celebration Day. Throughout the day we will be shining a spotlight on several members of our community who have forged their own paths to higher education. We are proud to share their stories as they continue to break barriers and shape the future.

Thu, 10/31/2024

HCDE PhD candidate Leslie Coney is merging her research in Black maternal health with community support through Cradles & Culture, a community baby shower for Black birthing people and families in WA State. Supported by UW’s Black Opportunity Fund, the event celebrated parenthood, provided essential resources, and strengthened networks of support. By creating spaces like Cradles & Culture, Coney hopes to inspire similar initiatives that foster community support, building a future where no birthing person is at risk due to preventable disparities and where Black families are supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

Tue, 09/10/2024

For a project in the Human Centered Design & Engineering course on User-Centered Design, a team of students explored the question: "How can information empower Metro King County bus commuters?" Their proposed solution, The Bus Beacon, aims to improve the bus commuting experience by centralizing information at the shared place all bus users must visit: the bus stop.

Fri, 08/16/2024

HCDE welcomes alumni and industry professionals to collaborate with current students this upcoming school year. Whether you’re looking to give back personally, stay connected, or sponsor student projects with your organization, there’s a way for everyone to participate.

Fri, 08/09/2024

Harvard Professor Christina Ciocca Eller and Vice Admiral (ret) Bob Sharp have been appointed co-chairs of the newly established advisory board for the Safeguarding the Entire Community of the U.S. Research Ecosystem (SECURE) Center. Announced in July 2024 with a $50 million investment from the National Science Foundation, the SECURE Center, led by HCDE Professor Mark Haselkorn, aims to connect and empower the U.S. research community in addressing critical issues related to research security and integrity.

Wed, 07/24/2024

Under a five-year, $50 million investment from the National Science Foundation, HCDE Professor Mark Haselkorn is leading a national consortium of research institutions to bolster national research security. The Safeguarding the Entire Community of the U.S. Research Ecosystem (SECURE) Center will empower the U.S. research community to address critical issues of research security and integrity.