Quick Facts: Majored in Civil Engineering and was part of SAE Fraternity and US Air Force ROTC SVP Sales & Marketing at Enigma Technologies, Inc Based in Boston, MA Favorite WPI Tradition: “I like the symbolism of crossing the bridge when you are entering the school and crossing back when you leave the school. It signifies the journey and is meaningful as all WPI graduates experience it.” Since leaving WPI… “I have lived across the US (four different states) and lived in London for four years (for school and work). Now I’m back living in Boston. Having a WPI degree helped me learn how to solve open-ended problems—something that is critical for professional success.” Staying Connected “I primarily stay connected with my Fraternity SAE serving on the alumni board and mentoring undergrads. I met Peter Thomas (previously in the Alumni office) who was a father of SAE in my chapter who nominated me to be part of the Alumni Association. As Alumni Association President, I hope to increase engagement of alumni across the US and bring more attention and celebration to our alumni who give back their time and talents.”  

For nearly nine decades, F.W. Madigan Company, Inc., has been an integral part of Worcester’s growth story with multiple WPI touchpoints along the way. Founded in 1937 by Francis W. Madigan Sr., the construction management and general contracting firm has completed countless projects throughout the campus, city, and region. The company remains family-owned — it is now in its fourth generation of leadership — and at the heart of its legacy is a deep and lasting connection to WPI. Francis W. Madigan III, a 1979 WPI civil engineering graduate and the company’s former president, represents the third generation to lead the firm, his sons being the fourth. His father, brother, siblings, and other family members are all WPI alumni, as well. “WPI provided a phenomenal education and background to run a business,” Madigan III says, calling the university “a gem” in the city of Worcester. “Our family has a long tie-in to WPI.” Helping build community at WPI and beyond F.W. Madigan has completed a long list of projects on WPI’s campus, including the renovation of Washburn Labs, the construction of Stoddard Dormitories, improvements at multiple Greek houses and upgrades to offices and classrooms. The company has also hired numerous WPI graduates, co-op students, and summer interns over the years, building a pipeline of engineering and construction talent rooted in Worcester. Beyond campus, F.W. Madigan has touched nearly every corner of Worcester’s built environment in its near-90-year history: academia, financial, commercial, healthcare, industrial, residential; even historic and religious buildings. Notably, the firm has worked with Holy Cross, Assumption, Clark University, Becker College, the Beechwood Hotel, and is now overseeing a $50 million renovation of the former Worcester Boys Club into affordable senior housing. The Madigan family has played a role in civic life, as well: Madigan Jr., who retired from the company in 1998, served on the WPI Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, while Madigan III was a long-time member of WPI's Civil & Environmental Engineering Department Industry Advisory Board, and helped establish the endowment for the university’s crew team, where he once rowed as a student. The family has supported many other WPI projects and fundraising efforts, as well. With around three dozen employees, most hailing from Worcester County, F.W. Madigan is committed to hiring local subcontractors and investing in the region’s workforce. “We’re from Worcester, we live in Worcester, and we like to reinvest in Worcester,” Madigan III says. “There are connections everywhere.”  

The Gordon Library is excited to announce our 25-26 series of conversations with WPI authors, launching in B Term with two events!  Our theme this year is For a Change, featuring books that challenge us to change our beliefs and our choices.  Details on locations and programs will be announced for each event and also added here throughout the spring: On November 6 at 3:00 pm, the series will open in the Gordon Library Conference Room and on zoom, with a conversation about Cornel West Matters: Politics, Violence, Racism, and Religion in America (2024, WPI Press), between author and WPI Professor Mahamadou Lamine Sagna (SSPS), and WPI Press Editor in Chief and Head, SSPS, Prof. Rob Krueger.  Updated to reflect Cornel West’s independent candidacy in the 2024 US presidential campaign, this second edition explores West’s role as a philosopher, activist, and prominent intellectual with a singular dialectical and sometimes contradictory voice, echoing the title of West’s most influential books, Race Matters (1993) and Democracy Matters (2004).   A zoom link will also be made available here.  Please note that the Gordon Library’s elevator remains out of service; visitors who wish to avoid using the stairs are welcome to join via zoom. More event information here.   On November 20, from 3:30-5pm in Lower Perrault / Fuller, Professor John Sanbonmatsu (HUA), will lead an exploration and conversation about his 2025 book The Omnivore’s Deception: What we get wrong about meat, animals, and ourselves (NYU Press). In this widely reviewed and warmly praised book Prof. Sanbonmatsu proposes a new perspective on our relationship with animals, the food we eat, and with each other.  One reviewer (Jeffrey Moussaief Masson) writes, "You cannot read this book without changing your life. It is a work not only of immense moral significance, but a masterpiece." Prof. Sanbonmatsu will be joined in conversation by Prof. Joel Brattin and Prof. Scott Barton. Copies of The Omnivore’s Deception will be available for sale for half an hour before the event begins (3-3:30pm).  More event information here. Additional events are planned for the remainder of the 2025-2026 academic year, with dates, times and places to be announced here. Future authors and events will include:  Those Who Travail & are Heavy Laden:  Memoir of a Labor Lawyer (WPI Press, 2025), William B. Gould IV.  This WPI Press author, William B. Gould IV, Charles A. Beardsley Professor of Law, Emeritus, at Stanford Law School and formerly Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board under President Bill Clinton, is a prolific scholar of labor and discrimination law and an influential voice in worker-management relations for more than fifty years. He is the recipient of five honorary doctorates for his significant contributions to the fields of labor law and labor relations.  In this remarkable memoir, Gould ties his career in labor law and civil rights to his heritage, his upbringing, and his inspirations. Those Who Travail & are Heavy Laden also carries on the tradition of his great grandfather, the first William B. Gould, whose Civil War diary telling of his daring escape from slavery and service in the Union Navy he and his father William B. Gould III ’25 discovered and published as Diary of a Contraband.   Decentering Science and Technology for Development (WPI Press, 2026), Laureen Elgert, Rob Krueger, Elizabeth Long Lingo, Mimi Sheller, Yunus Telliel.   Olive Higgins Prouty Poetry Celebration. In collaboration with Prof. Jim Cocola, the Gordon Library is planning our second annual Olive Higgins Prouty Poetry Celebration at WPI. This year’s program is being developed in partnership with the Worcester County Poetry Association and the Clemente Program in the Humanities.  Featured poet to be announced.   Please mark your calendars now for our first events, and join us in explorations and conversations that celebrate and share the powerful role of books in making change.

With WPI students, faculty, and staff making up both its customer base and workforce, Fuel Coffee and Grove Village Market illustrate how the university’s economic impact percolates directly into Worcester’s small business ecosystem. For owner Neelu Mohaghegh, that impact is felt most in the atmosphere she’s created, where coffee and community go hand in hand. “If you visit a coffee shop, you really get a feel for that city based on the people and the vibe,” said Mohaghegh. “They're about community. I think coffee shops, in general, are creative spaces.” Mohaghegh, a Worcester native and one-time barista, has always wanted to open a coffee shop — and now she has two serving the Worcester community. Notably, last year, she opened Grove Village Market, which is adjacent to WPI’s Gateway Park and just a short walk from the main campus. The shop is heavily connected to WPI, serving as a gathering place for students and faculty; Mohaghegh also employs a handful of WPI students. “I feel like an alum because of how much I've gotten to work with WPI,” she says. Not just serving coffee — providing an experience Mohaghegh opened her first coffee shop Fuel America Grove Street three years ago. When looking to expand to a second location, she immediately thought of WPI. It turned out to be a prime location: WPI undergrads, grad students, professors and admins, naturally, make up a large part of Grove Village Market’s clientele. The shop is also a popular hangout for other local college students. “I love hearing that, this is their favorite coffee, this is their favorite spot to come to,” says Mohaghegh. Further, the shop functions almost like an extension of WPI’s campus, with its conference room regularly used by faculty, staff, student organizations, and research teams — while also opening its doors to community stakeholders, making it a hub where academic life and Worcester’s broader creative energy intersect. “I hope that people from WPI feel like this shop is their home,” says Mohaghegh. “I hope they find themselves gathering here, getting their work done, coming to events, and sharing it with their friends and family.” Contributing to Worcester’s thriving economy In addition to a dedicated base of WPI customers, WPI students make up more than half of Grove Village Market’s workforce. The  college has “provided me with some of the best workers for my team,” says Mohaghegh, with many having worked at the shop throughout their college careers. “It's really allowed me to build a family here at the shop,” Mohaghegh says. “It’s such a special college, and I really love the kind of students that have come to work for me. It’s been wonderful to see how creative and smart, innovative and dedicated they are."

The Business School is proud to announce the return of Business Week! From November 3-7, students, faculty, alumni, and industry leaders will come together to celebrate STEM business education at WPI! We are excited to kick off the festivities on Monday, November 3rd for our Opening Event: “Business Education in a Polytechnic Era!” President Wang will expand on her article discussing the importance of business education and how WPI is positioned to educate the next generation of business leaders. Immediately after, Dean Kwamie Dunbar will share his vision for the future of The Business School. We would love for you to join us in the Odeum from 10am to 11am! Coffee and pastries will be served! Additional Events Wellness Day Bundtinis (Tuesday, November 4 | Washburn 220 11am) – Stop by and enjoy a wellness day sweet treat! While supplies last! Rotational & Leadership Program Panel (Wednesday, November 5 | i3 Lab 3:30pm) – Come and learn about industry rotational and leaderhip development programs from alumni and friends from BAE Systems, GE Aerospace & Hanover Insurance! Learn how you can take your next steps towards a wonderful career with these job opportunities from the folks hiring! Polar Beverages Site Visit (Thursday, November 6) – Do a deep dive into the soft drink industry and take a behind-the-scenes tour of Worcester’s iconic beverage company, known for its branding, innovation, and legacy.  Alumni & Student Social (Thursday, November 6 | Odeum A/B 5pm) – Casual conversation between alumni and students. Stop by, network, and leave with new connections! Preparing for Your Internship Virtual Panel (Friday, November 7 | Online 3pm) – Join our group of successful interns who are either on internship or have completed one recently. They'll talk about their stories of how they landed an internship, what they did to prepare for their first day, and lessons learned. Get ready to be inspired! Let's celebrate Business together! For more information and the full schedule, visit https://www.wpi.edu/news/calendar/events/wpi-business-school-business-week-2025  

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MSLC) has awarded nearly $2 million to WPI for three projects that will expand research, manufacturing, and workforce training opportunities in the state’s life sciences industry. The funding will go to new equipment for WPI’s Bioprocess Center, modernization of the Biomanufacturing Education and Training Center (BETC), and a new hands-on training program called the CellTech Institute. Together the grants represent a significant investment in WPI facilities and programs that are focused on increasing the pipeline of workers for jobs in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and advanced biomanufacturing.

This Friday, October 24th, the mechanical engineering department is hosting an informal BS/MS information session. Learn about the program and its requirements while getting to meet with the program coordinators and ask your burning questions. The session will be at Higgins Labs 116, 3-4 pm. Register here. Visit the WPI BS/MS page for more information and to see upcoming events.  

Join the computer science department for an information session on the BS/MS program. Learn about the application process, overall program, and connect with coordinators to answer your questions. Friday, October 24th, at Fuller Labs, Room 320. 11:00-11:50 am. No registration needed. Visit the WPI BS/MS page for more information and to see upcoming events.

Every October, WPI commemorates LGBTQIAP+ History Month alongside communities nationwide as a tribute to the trailblazers whose legacies persist in shaping history, an acknowledgment of the struggles and resilience of LGBTQIAP+ individuals, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive community for everyone. This month serves not just as a celebration of the LGBTQIAP+ community, but also as an acknowledgment of the bravery it takes to live without fear, the advances achieved through decades of activism, and the ongoing work necessary to ensure equality and respect for every identity. What is the meaning of LGBTQIAP+? The acronym LGBTQIAP+ encompasses the identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, and pansexual individuals. The addition of the “+” serves as a reminder that language evolves continuously and that there are countless more identities and experiences than those represented here. WPI recognizes and celebrates every individual in our community. It welcomes all and sees individuals for who they really are and what potential they hold to achieve their best selves. A Short History In 1994, Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson initiated LGBTQIAP+ History Month, motivated by the belief that students should learn about the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. October was selected because it already commemorated significant dates such as: National Coming Out Day (11 October). The commemorations of the 1979 and 1987 Marches on Washington for LGBTQ+ Rights. The commemoration of Matthew Shepard (October 12), whose hate-crime murder spurred the creation of hate-crime laws. The month is now recognized across the country in educational institutions and communities as a period of visibility, learning, and festivity. Recognizing Leaders in STEM & Beyond As a STEM-focused university, WPI is proud to highlight LGBTQIAP+ leaders whose contributions continue to shape the world: Abhik Ghosh: Abhik Ghosh is an Indian inorganic chemist and materials scientist and a professor of chemistry at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, Norway. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein: Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an award-winning physicist, feminist, and activist who specializes in theoretical cosmology and particle physics. She is an associate professor of physics and astronomy and core faculty in women's studies at the University of New Hampshire. Prescod-Weinstein is the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in theoretical cosmology and the first to hold a faculty position in the field. Lauren Esposito: Lauren Esposito is the assistant curator and Schlinger chair of Arachnology at the California Academy of Sciences. She is the co-founder of the network 500 Queer Scientists. André K. Isaacs: André K. Isaacs is a Jamaican professor of chemistry researching organic and synthetic chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross. He is also a queer science communicator mainly using TikTok and Twitter, where he posts dancing and choreography videos to teach chemistry lessons. Rochelle “Shelley” Diamond: Rochelle Anne "Shelley" Diamond is a research biologist, queer activist, and chair emeritus of Out to Innovate, formerly known as National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals. Sophie Wilson: Sophie Wilson is an important figure in computer science who is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, having transitioned from male to female in 1994. As a pioneer in computing, she co-designed the ARM processor, which is a vital part of many smartphones and other devices, and played a key role in developing the BBC Micro. Her openness about her gender identity makes her a visible and inspiring figure for the LGBTQ+ community in STEM fields. Nergis Mavalvala: Nergis Mavalvala is a Pakistani American astrophysicist. She is the Curtis and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she is also the dean of the university's school of science. She was previously the Associate Head of the university's Department of Physics. Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn Explore ODIME’s LGBTQIAP+ Support and Resources page Explore GLSEN’s LGBTQ History Timeline Reference online Explore the LGBTQ Rights Timeline in American History online Explore the GLBT Historical Society: Museum and Archives online Speculative Design of Equitable Robotics: Queer Fictions and Futures (2025) Read 10 Books to read this LGBTQ History Month Read Pocan Introduces Bills to Create National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution (2024) — explores LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy Watch Stonewall Forever - A Documentary about the Past, Present and Future of Pride Listen to the Making Gay History Podcast Listen to the University of Oxford LGBT History Month Lectures Podcast Listen to the Queer as Fact Podcast Take Action Attend events by WPI's student organizations, including QTPOCC and Alliance Read How To Address Misgendering When It Happens Volunteer with the Trevor Project Support the Safe Homes right in Worcester, MA Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration Everything you need to vote. Vote.org Become a Poll Worker Share affirming messages on social media and show visible support on campus Days of Recognition in October Throughout the month, WPI acknowledges these key observances: October 11 – National Coming Out Day October 12 – Matthew Shepard Remembrance October 15 – International Pronouns Day October 16 – Spirit Day (wear purple to stand against bullying)   The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.  

Paying tribute to survivors and caregivers Sheer strength and resilience are at the core principals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We pay tribute to the numerous survivors in our midst who inspire others, as well as to the caregivers who offer selfless care, encouragement, and support throughout the journey and most importantly, their time. The tales they share serve as a constant reminder of the strength of community and the significance of always having a strong support in these situations. Along with this, taking care of yourself and your health is also a priority. Why Early Detection Matters? Research into breast cancer keeps demonstrating that early detection is the key to saving lives just as for any other types of cancers. Regular check-ups, self-examinations, and symptom monitoring can have a life-altering impact as it can not only help in an early detection but also, keep it under control or eliminate it. WPI promotes the learning of prevention strategies, consultation with medical experts, and dissemination of this information to aid in informed health choices within our community. WPI's Dedication to Advocacy WPI, as a university focuses on knowledge and innovation and recognizes the potential of advocacy in addressing health inequities. We aim to provide environments where awareness, equity, and action converge in the fight against breast cancer through programming, student life, and campus events. Many fraternities and sororities at WPI work with cancer care charities and they also offer multiple campaigns time to time on campus. Methods to Demonstrate Your Support During October, wear something pink, attend campus events, or contribute to fundraising efforts. Every action that you do, whether you provide information, contribute to research, or support a friend, it will contribute to a culture of care, concern, and awareness. Through these actions, we can amplify hope and resilience. ODIME will be tabling for Pink Ribbon Day on Wednesday, 10/22 in the Rubin Campus Center from 12-3pm to give out information and pink ribbons. All are welcome and encouraged to stop by! The American Cancer Society on Campus at WPI WPI's American Cancer Society on Campus is a fully student-run group dedicated to awareness-raising, fundraising, and advocacy for cancer research and support services. Over the course of the year, the group coordinates events like Relay for Life where the members of Greek houses walk into a relay for overnight and spread awareness along with raising money, awareness campaigns, and volunteer opportunities to unite the campus community in the battle against cancer. Events Happening! Rascals Goes Pink — 5th Annual Fundraiser (Worcester, MA) Brews, Boobs & Big Top (Shrewsbury, MA) Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk (Melrose, MA) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (ACS — Massachusetts) Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn Explore How to Conduct a Breast Exam on Yourself   Learn about treatment for different breast cancer diagnoses 5 Breast Cancer Highlights to Know About From ASCO 2025 Episode 350: Breast Cancer Treatment Considerations for Nurses — nursing podcast covering new perspectives in care. Read What to Say to a Cancer Patient eBook Read Know the Symptoms Guide Read The End of Breast Cancer: A Virus and the Hope for a Vaccine by Kathleen T. Ruddy Read From Pink to Green: Disease Prevention and the Environmental Breast Cancer Movement by Barbara Ley Watch Experiments that point to a new understanding of cancer Watch Fighting cancer with dance Watch Five Listen to the Investigating Breast Cancer Podcast Listen to the Breast Cancer Update Podcast Take Action Join WPI's American Cancer Society On Campus Take the Mammogram Pledge and share with others Become an Advocate in Science Support the Susan G. Komen Organization Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration Request your absentee ballot. Vote.org Become a Poll Worker   The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.

Next week, ITS will be hosting a OneDrive Clean Up webinar as part of the Microsoft365 Storage Management project. Come join us on Wednesday, October 29, from 9:00am - 10:00am ET for a live tutorial and tips on how to clean up your OneDrive storage. Please register on this Microsoft Form to attend the webinar or receive the recording.   Microsoft 365 Storage Resources: These resources will help you get started on managing your Outlook and OneDrive storage. Storage Management FAQs Exploring Outlook Outlook Clean Up Resources Exploring OneDrive  

Richard Lopez, assistant professor of neuroscience and psychology in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, was featured as the guest on the Living Undeterred podcast.  In the episode, “Navigating Mental Health from the Frontlines,” Lopez discusses topics including:  His work as director of the Social Neuroscience of Affective Processes (SNAP) Lab at WPI. The adaptive and resilient nature of people The influence of reframing and gratitude  AI-powered journaling and the role of technology in supporting wellness Understanding how to discriminate between AI mental health tools A planned pilot study at WPI to help college students reflect on their values and empower them to plan their wellness journey  Lopez and students in his lab conduct research with the goal of developing interventions to enhance health and wellbeing. They use psychological theories, tools in human neuroscience and neurotechnology, and longitudinal modeling of behavior to better understand how people align their emotions and behaviors with values and goals they are pursuing.  Living Undeterred is a podcast that explores mental wellness. The podcast is hosted by Jeff Johnston, founder of Brightn, an AI-powered mental wellness platform.  Watch and/or listen to the episode here: Navigating Mental Health from the Frontlines with Dr. Richard Lopez   

Next week, ITS will be hosting an Outlook Clean Up webinar as part of the Microsoft365 Storage Management project. Come join us on Tuesday, October 28 at 12:00pm ET for a live tutorial and tips on how to clean up your email in Outlook. Please register on this Microsoft Form to attend the webinar or receive the recording.   Microsoft 365 Storage Resources: These resources will help you get started on managing your Outlook and OneDrive storage. Storage Management FAQs Exploring Outlook Outlook Clean Up Resources Exploring OneDrive

Open Enrollment 2026 is Here! The 2026 Open Enrollment election period is open. Employees are now able to log into Workday to complete their benefit elections for 2026. All changes will take effect January 1, 2026. We encourage you to take the time to review the 2026 Benefits Guide to educate yourself about your options and choose the best coverage for you and your family. Don’t forget to utilize resources below to assist with your selections. Be sure to visit us at the Benefits Fair on Thursday, October 23^rd from 11am – 1:30pm at the Rubin Campus Center, Odeum A & B. Open Enrollment Resources 2026 Benefits Guide WPI Benefits Website Express Scripts website for WPI Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance rates, Delta Dental insurance rates and VSP Vision insurance rates for the 2026 plan year. Benefits Special Edition 2026 Open Enrollment Newsletter Contact the Blue Cross Blue Shield HigherEd Blue team by calling 800-831-8730.  Press 3 on the menu prompt for Open Enrollment support and skip having to input a member ID number as you won’t receive member ID cards until December. Follow these 10 easy steps to make and submit your 2026 benefit elections in Workday. Log in to Workday Find the Open Enrollment task in your Inbox Click ‘Let’s Get Started’ Add, Change and/or Review your desired elections for 2026.  A few things to remember: Read through the help text in each area to help guide you through making your selections. All employees MUST elect or waive Medical insurance in 2026.  Refer to the guide below if you are unsure as to the equivalent plans under Blue Cross from former Harvard Pilgrim. If you elect the BCBS Network Blue NE Saver plan you MUST also elect the Health Savings Account.  Leave the default as 0.00 if you only wish to receive the WPI contribution.  Enter an amount if you wish to contribute additional funds. This benefit does not automatically rollover from year to year. If you are an FSA participant in 2025 and wish to have an FSA in 2026 you MUST reelect/enroll benefits this year.  This benefit does not automatically rollover from year to year. When you have completed all selection - click Review and Sign Review all elected benefits, waived benefits and messages to ensure you have everything you need for 2026. Under the Electronic Signature subheading check the box – ‘I Accept’ after reading through the legal notices. Submit You can view and print your 2026 Benefits Statement.  Then click - Done Breathe a sigh of relief – you have completed Open Enrollment 2026!New BCBSMA Plan Former Harvard Pilgrim Plan BCBS Network Blue NE Value HMO Massachusetts BCBS Blue Care Elect Deductible Access America PPO BCBS Network Blue NE Saver Best Buy HSA HMO MassachusettsDrop-In Q & A and Enrollment Sessions Can’t make it to the Benefits Fair or just need a little extra help with making your 2026 elections? No problem! Visit a member of the Benefits Team at one of our upcoming drop-in sessions. Tuesday, October 28th 11am-1pm – Rubin Campus Center: Morgan Conference Room Wednesday, October 29th 3-4pm – Gordon Library: Anderson Computer Lab Thursday, October 30th 8-9am – Salisbury: Lab 123

For 35 years, excluding the Covid-affected ones, the WPI Department of Mathematical Sciences has been hosting an annual competition for high school students across New England. This outreach initiative is intricately connected to the Master of Mathematics for Educators (MME) program and serves as an essential bridge to the local high school community. The 35th Annual Math Meet competition was held on October 17, 2025.  It involved 175 students and their advisors for a total of 44 teams (one team for each participating high school). The top winners for this year were: 1st Place Team - Nashua High School South 2nd Place Team - TIE St. Mark's School and Worcester Academy 3rd Place Team - No award We also congratulate the top 3 individual scorers: in first place, Pratham Mukewar from Nashua High School South; in second place, Vaibhav Rastogi from Bishop Brady High School, and in a tie for third place, Alex Ding from Worcester Academy and April Sun from Lynnfield High School. The success of Math Meet owes much to the dedication of our department, graduate students, staff, and the Math Meet committee. A huge thank you to everyone that helped to make this event a great success! Pictured above is the top-scoring team, Nashua High School South, from Nashua, NH. A big congratulations to the team members, Ameya Kharade, Pratham Mukewar, Samarth Sharma, and Hannah Thomas, and to their advisor and teacher, Kellie Gabriel!

WPI Projects Net Two of Seven State Grants in Competition Two WPI projects that harness artificial intelligence to advance clean technology have been selected as winners of the Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge. The competitive grant program, established in February, is an initiative of the Massachusetts AI Hub, supported by Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The challenge supports the development of artificial intelligence models to unlock breakthroughs in the state’s key industry sectors, including robotics, climate technology, and advanced manufacturing. The Awardees A team led by Michael Timko, William B. Smith Professor of Chemical Engineering and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, was awarded $381,931 for the project “Machine Learning Digital Twins to Transform Waste to Renewable Energy.” The project seeks to help Massachusetts meet its goals of reducing municipal solid waste, which is the trash generated by homes, businesses, and institutions that ends up in landfills.  Timko’s project will develop a digital twin that simulates a complex chemical process known as hydrothermal liquefaction, which turns waste into energy. By utilizing data from thousands of experiments and machine learning, the digital twin predicts the outcomes of using hydrothermal liquefaction in less time and at less cost than running laboratory experiments or through trial and error. Timko believes the digital simulation will allow waste processors and companies to be better informed about and lower the investment risk associated with adopting sustainable approaches to energy generation. Other Department of Chemical Engineering faculty working on the project include Andrew Teixeira, associate professor, Nikolaos Kazantzis, professor, and Geoffrey Tompsett, assistant research professor. A team led by Berk Calli, associate professor in the Robotics Engineering Department, received $279,731 for the project “Automated Dataset Generation for Training High-Performance Classification and Segmentation Models in Industrial Recycling Applications.” The project intends to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills by increasing recycling through the development of a less complex and arduous sorting process. Calli’s team will develop an AI-powered robotic system to identify and properly gather materials for recycling at recovery facilities so that fewer materials become waste.  The system would learn to identify materials from video footage of workers sorting manually in these facilities. The automated learning means workers would not be required to go through the tedious process of manual labelling, which involves looking at images of items in the waste stream and then marking and classifying millions of them one by one. To achieve the goal of more accurate and efficient sorting of materials, the system will rely on workers to help it learn how to properly sort new types of materials it hasn’t seen before, and workers will also maximize sorting accuracy by processing items that robotic machinery cannot handle. Calli believes this approach could revolutionize recycling and advance efforts to reuse and regenerate materials in support of the circular economy. WPI undergraduate and graduate students will participate in these projects to gain hands-on experience in the development and application of artificial intelligence. The research efforts exemplify the university’s commitment to technological innovation and addressing societal challenges by taking knowledge developed in the laboratory and bringing it into the world. Galen Brown, PhD candidate in computer science, presenting recycling research project on behalf of Berk Calli's team at Massachusetts AI Hub awards ceremony The WPI projects were two of seven that won the state challenge. The winners were named at an awards ceremony in Boston on October 16, hosted by the Massachusetts AI Hub. Read more about the Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge in this press release. Michael Timko presenting digital twin research project at Massachusetts AI Hub awards ceremony

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WPI Police collaborated with the YWCA to host An Empty Place at the Table exhibition at the Campus Center from October 20 – 24.  This tribute of remembrance honors those who have lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year in Massachusetts. The names of every victim are inscribed onto place settings, creating a powerful display. An Empty Place at the Table gives an opportunity to inform member of our community about the important signs and dangers of domestic violence.  For resources and additional information, visit YWCA Domestic Violence Awareness. 

The Research @ WPI October 2025 Newsletter has arrived in inboxes.  In This Issue Magnet industry outlook: Team maps challenges and opportunities in rare earth magnet recycling Maternal health: Research on lab-based placenta models aims to improve detection and treatment of pregnancy complications Studying neuropeptides: Microbial approach could guide development of new peptide therapies Muscle mechanics: Mathematical model explains muscle force and cellular behavior Explosion safety: Training experts to prevent and mitigate destructive explosions Capstone long-term impacts: Research demonstrates link between project work and successful careers View the entire issue online here. If you missed it and you would like to sign up for the next newsletter, you can fill out this form.

The Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD) had its 10^th year Industry Advisory Board meeting at WPI on October 8-10, 2025.  There were 75 participants with more than half from industry and the rest students and faculty from WPI and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (CARD co-site).  CARD is an NSF Industry University Cooperative Research Center that was established in 2016.

This month's focus is ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), In SECURE IT we highlight best practices, and provide a few cautions. October is also Cybersecurity Awareness month!  We are grateful to Raha Moraffah, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, for this month’s feature article on Social Engineering Attacks in the Era of Generative AI. In this issue: From WPI's CISTO: AI Interim Policy Using AI at WPI Social Engineering Attacks in the Era of Generative AI Cybersecurity Awareness Month & Where to Find Information Security? Examples of AI in Everyday Life AI Creating Hard to Detect Phishing Emails Learning with Laughter Meet LeeAnn LeClerc! Featured Videos & In the News By the Numbers Diversity in Cybersecurity Additional WPI Resources