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.

Click here to view the October 2025 Special Edition Newsletter. 

Do 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. 

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.

After 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.

The 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