On Thursday, December 5, 2024, members of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) student chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers conducted controlled burns in a laboratory environment in WPI’s Department of Fire Protection Engineering. They set ablaze an artificial tree (on the left side of the screen in the video) and a real tree (on the right) to demonstrate, study, and share with the public the dangers of Christmas tree fires and to promote fire safety measures during the holiday season.

In a new WPI podcast, Richard Lopez, assistant professor of neuroscience and psychology in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, talks about how social interaction, learning things over time, and even confusion and failure are all crucial processes that need to be practiced and preserved in a new age of artificial intelligence.

This project’s goal was to explore how Iceland’s volcanic eruptions can be experienced in a way that is both sustainable and fulfilling for everyone. By conducting interviews with tourists and professionals and analyzing past documentaries, this project shows that there are more ways to explore Iceland than attempting to see the eruptions in person, and the importance of traveling with intention to support Iceland’s local communities and safety infrastructure. The team recommended increased risk management at the eruption sites and for tourists to mindfully plan their excursions. The findings were conveyed through a mini documentary that invites anyone interested in volcano tourism to learn how to be intentional travelers, especially when interacting with the eruptions.Documentary Created By: Jeremy Hudon, Chloe Johnson, Miles Lavoie, Gabriella LeFevre, Ethan LimaFootage Provided by:Pixabay Pexels The Icelandic Civil Protection AgencyMusic:“The Epic - Long” By Dana Music via Pixabay"In This Together" by Cold Cinema https://bit.ly/48XXlOp“Cinematic Documentary Drone” By Infraction“Hiraeth” By Scott Buckly – released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au“Documentary Background Epic Music” By Infraction“Bring Me The Sky” By Scott Buckley – released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Students in the fire protection engineering department’s undergraduate course “Fire Laboratory” set fire to miniature model wildland-urban interface communities to understand how wildfires spread when the flames enter populated areas.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for WPI Family Weekend! We had an amazing time filled with laughter and great memories. Check out our recap video to relive the highlights and all the fun we had together! #WPIFamilyWeekend

In the Interactive Media and Game Development program at WPI, students and faculty designed an immersive “anti-escape room” experience that takes players back to one person’s “perfect” summer in 1986.

Despite the drizzle, the WPI community was super pumped to welcome the new students as they crossed Earle Bridge!

From heartwarming speeches to joyful celebrations, this video captures all the highlights of this special day. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the incredible achievements of the graduating class of 2024. Don't miss out on this emotional and inspiring journey that will leave you feeling proud and motivated. Watch now and be a part of these memorable WPI graduation moments!

Our current students share their top tips and advice for incoming students. #CollegeBound #WPI2028 #StudentAdvice #WelcomeToTheFamily 🐐