News from the School of STEM
Category: Department of Physical Sciences
Celebrating ten years of the Mathematics Research Experience for Undergraduates program
Founded in 2015, the Mathematics Research Experience for Undergraduates program aims to increase the participation of underrepresented students in STEM and encourage them to go to graduate school. Ten years later, the program continues to welcome students from across the country.
December 4, 2025
Joining Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment
The School of STEM’s Department of Physical Sciences has become the first public four-year institution in Washington to join Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment.
December 1, 2025
Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann expands opportunities
Ten months into her permanent role, School of STEM Dean Jennifer Mcloud-Mann is expanding partnerships and possibilities in an ongoing commitment to student success.
November 3, 2025
2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Scholarship experiences
Seven School of STEM students received scholarships to help fund their undergraduate research projects working with faculty mentors.
October 20, 2025
$1 million NSF grant to transform physics labs nationwide
With a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, Dr. Rachel Scherr wants to create a new era of physics education.
September 13, 2025
STEM Symposium Awards — 2025
On June 13, 2025, the School of STEM brought together students for the spring undergraduate STEM Symposium, where students showcased their latest research and projects. A highlight of the day was the 2nd annual award recognition ceremony, a powerful celebration honoring faculty, philanthropic donors, and students.
July 22, 2025
Rachel Scherr, associate editor of Physical Review Physics Education Research
Physical Review Physics Education Research has appointed Dr. Rachel Sherr, associate professor in the School of STEM's Division of Physical Sciences, as an associate editor.
June 8, 2025
A cosmic journey: Joey Shapiro Key selected for the LISA Science Team
Dr. Joey Shapiro Key has been selected as one of six U.S. scientists for the LISA Science Team, a groundbreaking mission by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) focused on exploring gravitational waves and supermassive black holes.
October 30, 2024
Astrophysicists report solid evidence for a background hum of gravitational waves
Astrophysicists have found the best evidence yet for a low-frequency “hum” of gravitational waves rippling through the cosmos, based on 15 years’ worth of ultra-precise measurements checking the timing of radio pulses from distant stars. The evidence, newly published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, comes from several teams of researchers, including several from the University...
June 30, 2023
Astronomy Day: Learning through teaching
During Astronomy Day in the University of Washington Bothell’s Commons Hall in May, students from Dr. Paola Rodríguez Hidalgo’s Intro to Astronomy course presented on topics ranging from black holes and the Big Bang Theory to moon phases and the solar system. Every year, Rodríguez Hidalgo’s students organize the event as an opportunity to teach...
June 22, 2023