iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 19h

The mentorship award is named in honor of iSchool Professor Emeritus Robert Mason, whose own mentorship a decade ago nurtured the work of CIP co-founders Emma S. Spiro and Kate Starbird when they were newly-hired faculty.

cip.uw.edu

Martin Saveski selected for 2026 CIP Robert Mason Outstanding Mentorship Award

“I’ve been fortunate to have excellent mentors in my life, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to pay it forward,” according to Martin Saveski.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 19h

UW iSchool Assistant Professor Martin Saveski has earned the 2026 CIP Robert Mason Outstanding Mentorship Award for his exceptional teaching skills and dedication to developing student excellence. Congratulations, @msaveski.bsky.social! www.cip.uw.edu/2026/09/29/m...

Martin Saveski, smiling and wearing glasses and a button-down shirt at the University of Washington in Seattle.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 03/10/2026

"Establish and fund commissions and taskforces that audit these companies and models and make independent assessments and recommendations," Shah said. "Make the companies rolling out these models accountable for any harms caused by their tech. Educate and empower the public..."

washington.edu

Q&A: UW researchers respond to recent concerns over AI risk | UW News

Recent news about AI safety is fueling a new wave of political and societal fear. Five UW AI researchers discuss the real risks of AI and what to do about them.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 03/10/2026

“I worry [that some] engineers… are playing into an industry rhetoric that would have society focus on speculative, existential threats, rather than immediate, real-world harms, Calo said.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 03/10/2026

Following recent concerns about the speed of AI development and security incidents, reporter Stefan Milne of @uwnews.uw.edu spoke with five researchers including Information School faculty Aylin Caliskan, Chirag Shah and Ryan Calo. www.washington.edu/news/2026/09...

washington.edu

Q&A: UW researchers respond to recent concerns over AI risk | UW News

Recent news about AI safety is fueling a new wave of political and societal fear. Five UW AI researchers discuss the real risks of AI and what to do about them.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 02/10/2026

MLIS alum Melody Sky Weaver ('10) has just begun her appointment as the new Washington State Librarian. "Everyone should be shouting from the rooftops about how incredible our Washington State Library is," she says. Read more about her path: ischool.uw.edu/news/2026/09...

MLIS alum brings energy, passion to job of state librarian

Melody Sky Weaver recalled her reaction the first time someone told her she'd make a great librarian: "I'm not a quiet person. I am a really loud, extrover...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 02/10/2026

Learn more about Professor Spencer G. Shaw, who inspired the lecture series. Shaw was a highly influential public librarian, educator and world-renowned expert on storytelling and library service to children. ischool.uw.edu/faculty-affa...

Spencer G. Shaw shares a story with children in this black and white archival photo.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 01/10/2026

The 2026 Spencer G. Shaw Lecture with Christina Soontornvat is one week away! Soontornvat's work includes fiction, fantasy, nonfiction and graphic novels for young readers. Free and open to all. Register to join us in person or online on Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. PT: events.uw.edu/event/99ddbc...

Event banner for "An Evening with Christina Soontornvat. 2026 Spencer G. Shaw Lecture. Thursday, October 8, 2026. University of Washington Information School. Christina is pictured smiling and wearing a black shirt. Covers for her books 'A Wish in the Dark,' 'The Tryout,' and 'All Thirteen' are shown next to her photo. Yellow and white text on a purple decorative graphic.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 30/09/2026

IMLS recently awarded a grant to CALMA for a project led by Sharon Streams, Ben Lee and Jessica Luke. The project aims to develop a research roadmap for cultural institutions, highlighting areas of shared value and proposing next steps for collaboration. ischool.uw.edu/news/2026/09...

CALMA wins grant to build research roadmap for libraries, museums, archives. Photos of Ben Lee, Sharon Streams, and Jessica Luke. Decorative purple and gold graphic. Center for Advances in Libraries, Museums and Archives. University of Washington Information School.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 23/09/2026

Campus is brimming with new-school-year excitement, and we’re glad to welcome all incoming students to UW, whether you’re joining us here on campus or online from where you live. New students, we hope you will attend our iWelcome event this week. Please check your email for info. And happy fall! 💜

The exterior of the Husky Union Building (HUB) at the University of Washington. Purple “welcome new Huskies” banners flank the doorway.

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 21/09/2026

Join our dynamic, interdisciplinary faculty at the University of Washington Information School. We're hiring for an Assistant Teaching Professor, Teaching-Track, Information Systems and Information Management. Please share widely! Learn more and apply on our website: ischool.uw.edu/about/jobs/f...

Faculty Employment Opportunities

Information is central to knowledge, to understanding, to impact. Amid the AI transformation, climate change and ongoing threats to public and civic health...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 21/09/2026

Join the dynamic, interdisciplinary faculty at the University of Washington Information School. We're hiring for the following positions: (3/4) • Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track, Information Systems and Information Management: ischool.uw.edu/about/jobs/f...

The view of the University of Washington campus in Seattle from Drumheller Fountain.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 21/09/2026

Join the dynamic, interdisciplinary faculty at the University of Washington Information School. We're hiring for the following positions: (2/4) • Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track, Library Information Science: ischool.uw.edu/about/jobs/f...

Mary Gates Hall interior with intriguing archways and study tables.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 21/09/2026

Join the dynamic, interdisciplinary faculty at the University of Washington Information School. We're hiring for the following positions: (1/4) • Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track, AI: ischool.uw.edu/about/jobs/f...

The large bronze "W" statue at the north end of the University of Washington campus in Seattle, pictured on a sunny early fall day.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 17/09/2026

UW Information School Ph.D. student Imani Finkley spoke with @uwnews.uw.edu about her new study looking at gender in AI-generated stories for children: bit.ly/AIinKidsStor...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 16/09/2026

As director of responsible AI practice at @microsoft.com, alum Steph Ballard, Ph.D. '23, MLIS '17, is helping shape how one of the world's biggest tech companies handles AI safety. She was recently honored with the iSchool's GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Award. Read more: bit.ly/StephBallard

bit.ly

Alum leads Microsoft's efforts to 'get it right' on AI safety

As AI models continue to grow more capable, some are beginning to behave unpredictably outside their testing environments. It is a pattern that raises conc...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 14/09/2026

iSchool alumni - do you have an update to share? Drop your update through the link below for a chance to be featured! 💜🎉 ischool.uw.edu/alumni/updates

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 11/09/2026

In his newest podcast episode, released on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Associate Professor Joe Janes addresses what was left after the attacks. “‘Never forget’ is easy to say, but difficult to achieve without tangible reminders,” Janes says. Listen to the podcast: ischool.uw.edu/podcasts/dtc...

A photographer pauses to take a picture of the wreckage and recovery at the World Trade Center. Photo by Michael Rieger. 2001.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 11/09/2026

Are you interested in Ph.D. programs? The UW Information School in Seattle is recruiting graduate students for the 2027-2028 academic year. Applications are due Dec. 2. Learn more: ischool.uw.edu/programs/phd...

Earn your Ph.D. at the UW iSchool

The iSchool seeks outstanding students to join our Ph.D. program.

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 01/09/2026

Associate Professor and UW KidsTeam Director @jasoncyip.bsky.social and Aayushi Dangol of @hcde.uw.edu are in a new @uwnews.uw.edu video about AI toys. "It's mportant for the public to understand that this isn't something we can take lightly anymore," Yip says. www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB09...

youtube.com

How We’re Testing AI Toys

YouTube video by UW (University of Washington)

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 28/08/2026

Join us for an evening with Christina Soontornvat on Thurs. Oct. 8, for the 2026 Spencer G. Shaw Lecture. This is a hybrid event at the UW and online. @soontornvat.bsky.social Soontornvat is a bestselling author, engineer and STEM educator. We hope you can join us! Register: bit.ly/shawlecture26

Spencer Shaw Lecture 2026. Colorful graphic poster image (made by humans, sorry for any issues) in purple, black, yellow, pink and gold. Book covers for The Last Mapmaker, Legends of Lotus Island, All Thirteen, and A Wish in the Dark are shown alongside a photo of author Christina Soontornvat. Text reads, "Shaw Lecture. Oct. 8, 2026, 7 PM PST, Hybrid. University of Washington HUB and online. Free event. Join us for this year's Spencer G. Shaw Lecture featuring award-winning author, engineer and STEM educator, Christina Soontornvat!" University of Washington Information School. 25th Anniversary.

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 25/08/2026

Startup spotlight: Nathanael Elongo, MSIM '25, founded OpsFrame inspired by a mission to simplify financial and operational complexity through integrated technology and decision intelligence. Best of luck with your venture, Nathanael! Learn more about the #startup: ischool.uw.edu/alumni/spotl...

Information School Startup Spotlight: OpsFrame. Nathanael Elongo founded OpsFrame after recognizing a common challenge facing small businesses: time wasted on payroll management and endless spreadsheets of financial data rather than being spent on growth.

His experience working alongside small-business owners, and as a small business owner himself, inspired a mission to simplify financial and operational complexity through integrated technology and decision intelligence.

That mission became OpsFrame. Through integrated technology, decision intelligence, and streamlined payroll solutions, OpsFrame helps owners navigate an already complicated system by bringing critical business decisions into a single, intelligent system.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 25/08/2026

Interested in studying at the University of Washington Information School? Join one of our upcoming information sessions: www.bit.ly/futureischoolstudents

Autumnal view of a University of Washington campus building in Seattle, with a stone and red brick archway in a collegiate gothic architecture style and red and gold leaves in the foreground.

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 20/08/2026

Melanie Walsh and Michelle H. Martin of the Information School faculty and Ph.D. student Imani Finkley were interviewed by @seattletimes.com about Walsh, Finkley and Yuanxi Li's research on AI models' predictions of characters' gender in children's stories. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

seattletimes.com

UW researchers say AI-generated kids' books can twist biases in strange ways

AI-generated content has become more common in children's books. What happens to gender diversity when AI writes about animal characters?

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 20/08/2026

Alexis Hiniker and Katie Davis, Information School faculty and co-directors of the Center for Digital Youth, are among a group of experts on children and technology who are quoted in The New York Times' tech guide for parents: www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...

nytimes.com

A Step-by-Step Tech Guide for Parents Who Live in the Real World

Whether you’re focused on introducing screen time to a toddler or social media to a teen, we’ve compiled expert guidance to help your family manage tech with more curiosity and less conflict.

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 19/08/2026

Our IDEAS team (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Sovereignty) has been leading a series of events to bring Information School students, staff and faculty together to pause, connect, and vote for their favorite treats. Thanks to everyone who joined - and congrats to our paper plate winner!

WA Office of the Secretary of State @secstatewa.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Reposted by University of Washington Information School

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs appointed Melody Sky Weaver to serve as the next Washington State Librarian. Read the full news release: bit.ly/4fTOEcI

The image features a quote from Steve R. Hobbs, Washington Secretary of State, praising Melody's public service and library leadership. The background contains abstract geometric shapes in purple and blue.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 12/08/2026

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer! We look forward to welcoming students back to campus when fall classes start on Wed., Sept. 30.

A ferry boat pictured against the setting sun with the Olympic mountains in the background.

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Reposted by University of Washington Information School

uofwa.uw.edu @uofwa.uw.edu · 06/08/2026

UW experts have shared practical guidance for navigating wildfire season, including how to track air quality, reduce smoke exposure, prepare for evacuations and manage stress. Follow the link to learn more. www.washington.edu/news/2026/08...

A straight, dark road with a yellow double line extends through dry, green-brown desert scrubland. A faded, diamond-shaped sign stands left. The sky is entirely filled with dense, orange and red smoke, suggesting a large fire or dust storm, obscuring the horizon.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 07/08/2026

The research team's analysis reveals insights about how weak safety regulation can backfire, while stronger, well-placed regulation can mutually benefit all players. Read the article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences to learn more. (2/2) www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

pnas.org

The backfiring effect of weak AI safety regulation | PNAS

Recent policy proposals aim to improve the safety of general-purpose AI, but there is little understanding of the efficacy of different regulatory ...

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 07/08/2026

Incoming Assistant Professor Ben Laufer recently published a new paper in PNAS. Laufer, Jon Kleinberg & Hoda Heidari explore incentive effects of AI safety regulation using a mathematical model. (1/2) Check out the study: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/... @pnas.org @laufer.bsky.social

"The backfiring effect of weak AI safety regulation." Screenshot of article published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). July 20, 2026. Full text available at https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2509768123.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 05/08/2026

We look forward to welcoming you to our faculty!

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 30/07/2026

🌏Information School faculty members Tanushree Mitra and Chirag Shah are among eight @uofwa.uw.edu researchers selected as Fulbright Scholars for 2026-2027. Learn more about their projects, and which countries and global universities they'll work within: www.washington.edu/news/2026/07...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 30/07/2026

Attending #IC2S2? Check out the research presentation by UW Information School Ph.D. Candidate & Predoctoral Instructor Shahan Ali Memon, along with Eva Maxfield Brown, David Farr and Nic Weber!

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 28/07/2026

Clarifiation: Chen is an alum and the other two fellows are graduate students!

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 28/07/2026

Informatics alum Daniel Chen '22, pictured at left, is one of three @uofwa.uw.edu alumni to receive the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. Chen now pursuing a doctoral degree at UCLA. Congratulations! www.washington.edu/news/2026/05...

Daniel G. Chen, Briana Martin-Villa and Ethan Shen.

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 15/07/2026

🌇 After a busy year, our social team is on vacation mode through July 21. In the meantime, here are some ways to keep up with the Information School at ischool.uw.edu: 🗓️ Check out our upcoming events list 🌐 Browse our recent stories 🎓️ Learn about our academic programs Wishing you joy and rest!

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 15/07/2026

Informatics students Derek Liu, Keira Wong, Cleo Reyes and Chelsea Li, along with recent grad Kathryn Rochleau-Rice, ’26, developed a new semantic video search tool called Obby, designed to make finding video clips a breeze: ischool.uw.edu/news/2026/07...

Informatics team delivers video search app for Microsoft

If you were a travel vlogger who had just gotten back from, say, a trip to Seattle to watch the U.S. men's World Cup soccer team trounce Australia, and you...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 14/07/2026

Assistant Professor Melanie Walsh reimagined the LIS 572: Introduction to Data Science course as a way to bridge librarianship & data science. She encourages students to build technical skills, experiment creatively & analyze unique data sets using their new tools. ischool.uw.edu/news/2026/06...

'Dynamic combination': Course bridges data science, librarianship

Information School Assistant Professor Melanie Walsh describes the bridge between librarianship and information science as a “dynamic combination.�...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 14/07/2026

We had a blast at #ALA2026! Thanks to everyone who came by the iSchool booth at the conference to say hi, swap pins, and otherwise celebrate the 25th anniversary in Chicago. It was wonderful to connect with many alumni, faculty (past, present and future), students and supporters in the Windy City.

Michelle H. Martin, Karen Fisher and Jennifer Siembor.

Chance Hunt and alumni gather at the Information School booth.

Violet Fox and Aaliyah Johnson at the ALA Conference in Chicago.

University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 13/07/2026

The Daily recently interviewed Ph.D. candidate Katherine Cross about Posy, a new student-built dating app that takes a personality-first approach to matchmaking. @quinnae.com @thedailyuw.bsky.social www.dailyuw.com/article/stud...

dailyuw.com

Student-built app Posy enters the Seattle dating scene

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 13/07/2026

The UW Information School welcomes four faculty members with broad research, teaching and leadership expertise. Meet the new faculty cohort: Nicholas Hernandez, Crystal Yragui, Yaman Yu and Benjamin Laufer. ischool.uw.edu/news/2026/07...

Information School welcomes new faculty cohort

The University of Washington Information School is honored to welcome four faculty members who are joining or taking on new roles in the school. These scho...

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University of Washington Information School @ischool.uw.edu · 09/07/2026

🏐 “I really fell in love with the challenge,” says student-athlete Katarina Pantovic of her chosen sport, beach volleyball. She’s been working toward her goals of competing at the Olympics, and earning her MSIM graduate degree at the @uofwa.uw.edu Information School. ischool.uw.edu/news/2026/07...

Beach volleyball player digs for her MSIM

Katarina Pantovic spent her undergrad years playing indoor volleyball in California and British Columbia, then switched sports in 2024 because she wanted t...