News

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, 08/09/2024

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.