Adam Savage, former MythBusters host, has posted a new video on his Tested YouTube channel highlighting his project to design and build an animatronic Grogu (Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian).  Sutter in the Mandalorian costume he constructed, with the Grogu puppet he and Winchell created at WPI. Collaborators on the project include Matthew Winchell ’25,robotics engineering, and Ralph Sutter, senior instructor in the Interactive Media and Game Development program. In the video, Savage speaks with Winchell about Sutter’s 3D design/digital sculpture of Grogu and Winchell’s work as an animatronics engineer on the mechanics, functionality, and control systems of the Baby Yoda replica.  Winchell and Sutter’s participation in the project has been years in the making. As a Star Wars fan, Sutter constructed a Mandalorian costume and a 3D model of Grogu to accompany it. As an incoming WPI student in 2021, Winchell reached out to Sutter to propose a collaboration to turn the digital sculpture of Grogu into an animatronic puppet. Together, they created one that could blink and make sounds, which Sutter uses at events like charity appearances.  Savage learned about the project and called on Sutter and Winchell to help him create his own animatronic Grogu with new features and advancements. Sutter adapted his 3D model for the project and Winchell has been working for much of the last year on the mechanics.  Sutter, who teaches courses including 3D art and animation, said the collaboration with Winchell demonstrates the scope of what’s possible with digital arts, pointing out that through cross-disciplinary work, a 3D design was adapted to bring a physical creation to life. Sutter  “There is something magical and a power to translating digital designs into real-world objects,” Sutter said. “I hope this project inspires makers to collaborate and see the potential of seamless fusion of digital modeling, 3D printing, and tangible artistry.”  As for collaborating with Savage, Sutter said, “Working and sharing a passion with one of your childhood idols is kind of mind-blowing. I am geeking out, and I don’t think it’s fully set in yet.”  Tested is a YouTube channel, led by Savage, that explores the intersection of science, popular culture, and emerging technology. According to the platform, Savage plans additional videos about the ongoing project to build the animatronic Grogu.  Tested is a YouTube channel, led by Savage, that explores the intersection of science, popular culture, and emerging technology. According to the platform, Savage plans additional videos about the ongoing project to build the animatronic Grogu. 

ITS is preparing for the start of A Term 2025! In order to have your software ready to go for the first day of classes, we request that faculty submit their software needs using the Software Request Form by July 18.  To confirm if ITS has received your request, login to the Help Portal and open My Tickets. 

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Senior Vice President and Provost Andrew Sears announced today that Kwamie Dunbar, professor of finance, has agreed to serve as interim dean for The WPI Business School, effective July 1, 2025.  Professor Dunbar’s vast industry experience, strategic insight, and collaborative leadership—as demonstrated by his work in launching WPI’s undergraduate and graduate Financial Technology programs, among other initiatives—will serve the university well during this time of transition.   Professor Dunbar joined WPI in 2022 from Simmons University’s School of Business, where he was an associate professor of finance. Previously, he served as associate dean of the Welch College of Business and Technology at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., where he earned his MBA in economics and finance.  He holds a master’s in applied mathematics from Fairfield University, also in Fairfield, and a PhD in financial economics from Fordham University in the Bronx. He received his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of the West Indies.   Professor Dunbar spent nearly a decade in industry, working with Fortune 500 companies including GE Asset Management and MasterCard Worldwide. His expertise lies in blockchain assets for social good and sustainability, empirical asset pricing, cryptocurrencies, financial technologies, and futures markets. His research has contributed to insight into digital transformation in finance and economics.   Professor Dunbar serves WPI through faculty search committees and his work on both graduate and undergraduate policy and curriculum, and he advises student projects with corporate sponsors. He also advises the WPI student investing club. He is an active scholar and has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers and presented at more than 20 conferences in the areas of financial technology and economics. He serves as manuscript reviewer, editor or board member for more than a dozen journals, and is a member of several professional associations.  He was honored in the spring with the 2025 Provost's MQP Award, and his work was included in the 2024 Trustees’ Celebration of Faculty Achievements.  A search for a permanent dean is being planned; details will be shared as they are available. 

The Physics Department is pleased to share that KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP), hosted our faculty member, Professor Romain Murenzi, and former Executive Director of the TWAS – The World Academy of Sciences, for a one-week visit aimed at strengthening quantum science education and research.  Funded and facilitated by KEEP, Professor Murenzi’s visit is a milestone in the project’s mission to drive innovation and establish cutting-edge research hubs at the KNUST College of Engineering. Professor Murenzi engaged faculty and students in 15 hours of intensive lectures on quantum science, that included AI applications in quantum research and science policy. Professor Murenzi emphasized the critical role of education and science in economic growth and poverty alleviation. Learn more about Professor Murenzi’s inspiring visit with faculty and students of the  Knust Engineering Education Project HERE.