Research supports Washington communities

Information School research makes an impact across the state, supporting access to trusted information and a more just, healthier future. Some examples:

Promoting information literacy

MisinfoDay is an annual event bringing high school students, teachers and librarians to university campuses to learn how to navigate complex information environments and make informed decisions about what to believe online. It features interactive workshops and learning activities, including a misinformation-themed escape room game. The annual event, which originated as a project led by then-graduate student Liz Crouse and Professor Jevin West, is co-hosted by the Information School’s Center for an Informed Public and Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. The high school students shown above were among more than 1,000 Washington students, teachers, librarians and other educators who participated in 2024.

Protecting kids from dark patterns

Companies use “dark patterns” in their interface designs to manipulate user behavior and increase profits. Their software encourages kids to disclose data about themselves, make purchases, and stay online longer than they otherwise would. Associate Professor Alexis Hiniker identifies dark patterns and what makes them problematic. She shares these patterns with industry and policymakers, who are increasingly receptive to measures curbing the harmful effects of technology on children. Hiniker’s research was used to inform a Federal Trade Commission report on dark patterns.

Educating the public about AI

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are creating new challenges and opening new frontiers in public policy. Professor Chirag Shah has become a leading expert voice for fairness and responsibility in AI. He testified before the Washington State Legislature in support of bills to boost AI accountability and combat algorithmic discrimination; has presented to judges this year in Walla Walla, Yakima and Tulalip; and gave a talk titled “AI Promises, Perils, and Paths” at the Washington State Superior Court Judges Conference. He also gave a keynote talk at TEDxUofW on the topic.

Closing the digital divide

The digital divide in Washington is a significant barrier to equal opportunity and economic growth. Many residents lack access to high-speed internet and the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy. Teaching Professor Cindy Aden is among the state’s leading voices for bridging the divide. She and her colleagues, a group known as Washington Digital Equity Partners, are calculating the true cost of providing digital skills training around the state and drafting proposed legislation for a device tax to address these costs.

Supporting public health

Scientific papers can be daunting, with convoluted findings, baffling jargon and key takeaways buried in a blur of details. Assistant Professor Lucy Lu Wang uses artificial intelligence to make these documents more accessible and usable, bringing advances to patients more quickly. For example, Wang and her team were quick to respond to the wave of scientific documents after COVID-19 broke out. They helped other researchers create a text-mining database to dig up nuggets of relevant information for those trying to keep up. The database evolved along with knowledge about the virus.

Promoting AI fairness

Artificial intelligence is used to screen job candidates, review college student applications, and make health-care decisions. But because AI is trained on data produced by humans, it learns biases similar to those found in society. It discriminates against women and people of different ethnicities more frequently than white males. Assistant Professor Aylin Caliskan is dedicated to thwarting these effects. She was awarded $603,342 from the National Science Foundation and $1,043,249 from the National Institute of Standards and Technology to identify, measure and reduce bias in AI. 

Expanding access to computing education

Less than 10 percent of students in Washington public and tribal high schools took a class in computing last year due to a lack of qualified teachers or a belief that courses are not “for them.” Professor Amy J. Ko, an advocate for state funding to make justice-focused computer science education available to every student, is bringing together researchers, K-12 teachers, policymakers and private companies to tackle these challenges. Her efforts are bolstered by a new collaboration at the UW called the Center for Learning, Computing and Imagination.

Students flock to Informatics

More than ever, the Information School’s undergrad program attracts diverse cohorts and strengthens the state workforce.

Informatics students at the University of Washington gain a deep understanding of information in society while creatively imagining more equitable and just information technology and systems. The major is in high demand because it produces well-rounded information and technology professionals who land satisfying, good-paying jobs — most of them in Washington.

Informatics grads can be found across public, private and nonprofit organizations as software engineers, web developers, user experience designers, usability engineers, project managers, and in many other roles.

Top employers

Top 20 first employers reported by Informatics graduates (2013-2023 data):

• Microsoft
• Amazon/AWS 
• Liberty Mutual Insurance
• Accenture
• University of Washington
• Boeing Co.
• Nordstrom
• Avanade
• Deloitte
• T-Mobile
• Google
• Starbucks
• Oracle
• PwC 
• West Monroe Partners
• Workday
• Facebook/Meta
• SAP Concur 
• Visa
• Expedia

Graduates are working across all sectors, at large and small companies and startups. 27% report a unique employer.

> Read more about the growth of Informatics and the struggle to keep pace with rising demand for the program.

Attracting top talent

Each year, the Husky 100 recognizes students making the most of their UW experience inside and outside the classroom. Informatics attracts students who are highly engaged in their communities and want to make an impact. Out of more than 60,000 UW students each year, Informatics has had an outsized number of honorees, with 28 since 2019.

What's on the horizon

The Information School has much to be proud of, but more progress is needed to fulfill its public promise and support Washington families, employers and communities.

Our priorities

• The school needs to align its Informatics enrollment with the high and rising demand among students applying to the major. Too many qualified students are denied admission simply due to a lack of capacity. 
• Expanded high school outreach programs, especially in diverse communities across Washington, will help the school strengthen the direct-to-major pathway for Informatics and ensure its student body reflects the diversity of the state.
• Direct-to-major undergrads, many of them first-generation students, require additional support to adapt to college and succeed. More teaching capacity and advising staff is needed to ensure they not only enroll, but graduate and thrive in their careers.
• A home for the Information School on the UW campus will support collaboration and community building across all of its programs, foster interdisciplinary research, and help the school attract and retain top talent.

How you can help

The Information School needs state lawmakers and industry leaders to invest in its future. In the coming months and years, it will make its case to the university, the Legislature and the public for those investments. Alumni and friends can help by loudly and proudly supporting the school.

How are you making a difference, and how has the Information School supported you? Share your impact story and tag us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram or Facebook.