Dr. Caitlin Ferrarini, Assistant Teaching Professor in Integrative and Global Studies leads "Dissertation Dish"
Professor Ferrarini examines the Potential of Online Community-Based Learning to Foster Global Citizenship Capacities in College Students. This multi-institutional study examines the potential of fully online community-based learning to foster global citizenship in college students. A mixed-methods analysis of pre/post surveys (n = 187) and alumni interviews (n = 23) found that first-generation students participating in an online community-based learning program during the COVID-19 pandemic reported greater learning gains than their non-first-generation peers. The most influential program factor in shaping student learning and future actions was the development of trusting relationships with partner community members (i.e. mentors, peers, or community members). Recommendations include practical resources that global and civic educators can utilize in their own classrooms.
Professor Ferrarini examines the Potential of Online Community-Based Learning to Foster Global Citizenship Capacities in College Students.
This multi-institutional study examines the potential of fully online community-based learning to foster global citizenship in college students. A mixed-methods analysis of pre/post surveys (n = 187) and alumni interviews (n = 23) found that first-generation students participating in an online community-based learning program during the COVID-19 pandemic reported greater learning gains than their non-first-generation peers. The most influential program factor in shaping student learning and future actions was the development of trusting relationships with partner community members (i.e. mentors, peers, or community members). Recommendations include practical resources that global and civic educators can utilize in their own classrooms.
Latest Announcements - Talent & Inclusion
- Benefits NewsletterClick here to view the October 2025 Special Edition Newsletter.
- Submit Student Achievements to Merit PagesDo you know a student or students who have done something noteworthy this term? Make sure to let us know! Faculty, staff, and others can submit news about student accomplishments via an online form. Please include as much information as possible on the form. Someone in WPI’s Marketing Communications division may reach out for further information, if needed. If accepted, the submission will appear on a student’s or students’ Merit page(s). Submit student accomplishments here. More information on the contribution form can be found on the Hub. FAQs about Merit Pages are here.
- Zurich A24 IQP Team invited to the 2025 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference in Montreal, CanadaAfter a successful IQP collaboration between WPI students John DePalma, Tanisha Gupta, Brett Mann, Sophia Reynolds, and Heidelberg Instruments Nano, a nanolithography company based in Zürich, the project group was invited to present their findings at the ASEE conference this past summer in Montreal, Canada. Tanisha states: "This was a huge learning opportunity and an incredible experience getting to share our research at an academic conference. We also had the opportunity to learn about other poster presenters and their work, attend keynote sessions and talks and network with industry and university representatives." The students extend their thanks to Nicholas Hendricks and Emine Cagin for help with conference material, Heidelberg Instruments Nano and Deans Arne Gericke and John McNeill for providing the team with funding. And, to IQP advisors Carolina Ruiz, Jeffrey Solomon and Nancy Burnham whose invaluable guidance throughout this project also yielded two publications: "Fabricating the Invisible: A Case Study of Observing Nano with the NanoFrazor" and "Seeing is Believing - How the NanoFrazor Generates and Sees Nano in Real Time." Be sure to stop by Olin 219 to see a cloth replica of the students' poster presentation on display.
- Associate Dean Sarah Stanlick writes for IIE Networker "Future-Ready Learners: Tackling Global Challenges"WPI's Great Problems Seminar is featured in IIENetworker magazine, from the Institute of International Education, in an issue focused on innovations in first-year programs in international higher education. The article, authored by The Global School Associate Dean Sarah Stanlick, showcases WPI’s two-term course that immerses first-year students in university-level research and introduces them to the university’s project-based curriculum.
- Sports & Recreation Center UpdatesThe Sports & Recreation Center will be adjusting their hours of operation for term break. The hours of operation is the following: Saturday, October 11-Sunday, October 19 Facility 11AM-7PM Pool Monday-Friday 11AM-1PM Friends & Family Time The Sports & Recreation Center is happy to announce WPI Family & Friends winter break time from Saturday, October 11- Sunday, October 19. This is the time when all WPI employees may bring their immediately family (spouse/partner and children) or up to two friends with them to use the Sports & Recreation Center each day at no charge. WPI employees will need to accompany their family and friends at all times when using the Sports & Recreation Center. The following activities are available: All fitness equipment (must be over the age of 18) Gymnasium Courts Racquetball & Squash Courts Harrington Auditorium Indoor Track Dance Studios Each family member and friend over 18 years of age will need to fill out a Liability Waiver (if under 18 years of age will require the WPI employee to complete) at the front desk when they arrive and prior to any activities. Please note: The pool will be opened, Monday-Friday 11AM-1PM, closed on weekends. For additional updates regarding the Sports & Recreation Center, please visit our website at www.wpi.edu/+reccenter Looking forward to seeing you at the Sports & Recreation Center soon
- Employee Wellness: Yoga B Term FY26The FY26 B Term Yoga session will begin Friday October 20 and run thru Friday December 12 for a total of 22 classes. Classes are open to faculty, staff, and graduate students but not to undergraduate students or to non-WPI participants and will be held in person from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m. in the Schwaber Dance Studio located on the second floor of the Sports & Rec Center. Full list of class dates October 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 November 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24 December 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 Classes will include a Zoom option and will be recorded. Masks are optional. Total cost is $110.00 or $5.00 per class. Instructor is Catherine Flayhan. **Please note registration, pricing, and payment are for the full series of classes; registration is non-refundable and can't be prorated.** In order to register for the classes, please scan the QR code or visit this page (pictured and hyperlinked above) and click the Sign In link in the upper right corner of the page. In the sign on pop-up box, click on the red bar that says SSO Login (pictured below), click the Checkout button, and follow instructions to complete and submit your payment. A receipt will be auto-generated and emailed to you.