Category: Hot Topics

Welcome to the Hot Topics category of Catalyst, your go-to source for staying updated on the latest news and industry trends relevant to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Graduate Programs. Here, we delve into the cutting-edge issues and breakthroughs that are shaping the landscape of advanced education and professional development. From innovative research findings to advancements in technology and industry practices, we bring you insightful articles that highlight the exciting developments within WPI’s graduate programs and the industries they intersect with. Whether it’s exploring emerging fields of study, discussing industry partnerships and collaborations, or analyzing the impact of evolving trends on graduate education, Catalyst keeps you at the forefront of the conversation. Our comprehensive content provides a platform to dive into the vibrant ecosystem of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and its graduate programs, empowering you to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the pulse of innovation. Join us as we explore the hot topics that define WPI Graduate Programs and their influence on the world of academia and industry.

Telling Your Boss You’re Earning Your Degree: A Guide to Navigating the Conversation

The two business people talking at the office table

Going back to school is an exciting decision for any working professional. Whether it’s to stay updated with industry trends, learn a new skill, or one of the many other reasons that drive someone to return to school, taking this step can be both challenging and rewarding. One thing that may concern you is balancing…Continue Reading Telling Your Boss You’re Earning Your Degree: A Guide to Navigating the Conversation

Empowering Indigenous Students: Highlights from WPI at the AISES Conference

AISES logo

Earlier this October, WPI Graduate and Professional Studies proudly participated in the Annual American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The AISES conference is truly one-of-a-kind, focusing on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM fields. The event brings…Continue Reading Empowering Indigenous Students: Highlights from WPI at the AISES Conference

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Explosion Protection Engineering?

Why Get a Master’s Degree in Explosion Protection Engineering?   As the world embraces electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and modern space exploration, the demand for advanced explosion prevention and protection has never been greater. With increasing investments in renewable energy, alternative fuels, and human spaceflight, the need for experts in explosion protection engineering is set…Continue Reading What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Explosion Protection Engineering?

AI and the Future of Systems Engineering: Insights from Don Gelosh

systems engineer Using Digital Laptop Computer, Maintenance AI Specialist. Cloud Computing Server Farm System Administrator Working on Cyber Security for artificial intelligence Closeup Focus on Hands

Artificial Intelligence seems to be taking over every industry in this day and age. We interviewed the Director of Systems Engineering programs here at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Don Gelosh, in hopes of getting some insight into AI and the future of Systems Engineering. Don attended the 2024 International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Symposium in…Continue Reading AI and the Future of Systems Engineering: Insights from Don Gelosh

Water Cooler Talk – Systems Engineering Architecture

  • Publication date September 6, 2023
  • Categories: Hot Topics
A man and a woman looking at a cell phone and talking in kitchen/breakroom, a bubbling water cooler, and the words "Water Cooler Talk with Engineers," the WPI Graduate Studies logo, and "grad.wpi.edu."

Get ready to experience the captivating world of engineering like never before! “Water Cooler Talk with Engineers,” a new video series by WPI Graduate Studies, allows you to step into a virtual break room and listen in on stimulating discussions, brainy banter, and enlightening conversations with some of the brightest minds in their fields….Continue Reading Water Cooler Talk – Systems Engineering Architecture

WPI’s Dr. Gillian Smith Calms Local Radio Host’s Nerves over Chat GPT and AI Capabilities

Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) language model that has recently grown in popularity. Developed by OpenAI, it generates human-like responses and understands natural language. Have you given it a try? Chat GPT is trained on vast amounts of text data and can be used for chatbots, virtual assistants, research, and more. Ask it…Continue Reading WPI’s Dr. Gillian Smith Calms Local Radio Host’s Nerves over Chat GPT and AI Capabilities

Getting the Most from Virtual Teams

Michael Elmes, WPI Professor of Organizational Studies Although virtual teaming has long been a feature of remote learning, the pandemic made online collaboration a reality for most higher ed students — as well as those in the workforce. In 2020, two-thirds of college students exclusively attended virtual classes, and the trend of online learning seems…Continue Reading Getting the Most from Virtual Teams

The Role of Data in a World Reshaped by COVID-19

Public and private sectors involved in healthcare produce a tremendous amount of data each day. An estimated 80% of all healthcare data was considered unstructured before the COVID-19 outbreak. At the start of the pandemic, stakeholders ranging from public health officials to medical supply manufacturers needed data scientists to make sense of this data to manage the…Continue Reading The Role of Data in a World Reshaped by COVID-19

Power Industry + Pandemic = Cybersecurity Concerns

  • Publication date June 24, 2020
  • Categories: Hot Topics

COVID-19 shelter-at-home rules have increased our reliance on the internet, and cyber criminals have taken notice! Utilities have databases full of personally identifiable information and are operators of critical infrastructure—attractive targets for hacker thieves and potentially hostile nations. With remote work likely to continue even after the world overcomes the novel coronavirus, this is a…Continue Reading Power Industry + Pandemic = Cybersecurity Concerns

Vaccines: The COVID-19 Solution?

  • Publication date June 3, 2020
  • Categories: Hot Topics

With over 6.15 M confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported worldwide as of June 1, 20201, scientists in pharma, biotech, start-ups, research institutes, and universities around the world are racing to develop tests, treatments, and vaccines2 to combat COVID-19. Today in the U.S. there are ~110 FDA-approved test kit manufacturers and commercial laboratories,3 and more than…Continue Reading Vaccines: The COVID-19 Solution?

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