2017: Year in review by Hannah Moore December 22, 2017 Share Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Digital Media Community Empowered Graduates Speakers Research Global Expertise AI We envisioned the world in the age of AI Artificial intelligence and smart machines are changing the workforce, making our lives more efficient and leading to new innovations in technology and higher education. President Aoun underscores higher ed’s obligation to help students become ‘robot-proof’ NASA looks to students to find water on Mars Robotics experts find inspiration from Star Wars universe Should robots have rights? How to create unbiased algorithms in a biased society President Aoun: In the AI revolution, higher ed must be relevant—or risk becoming obsolete Making moves: researchers study human movement to build better robots Northeastern researchers design robots to assist with disaster relief Professor designs artificial intelligence to help doctors make better treatment decisions Imagine a human-robot friendship Robot-Proof: President Aoun outlines plan for reinventing higher ed in the AI age For robotics and AI, great power comes with great responsibility We analyzed the biggest news stories From President Trump’s inauguration to the racially charged rallies in Charlottesville, Virginia, Northeastern faculty experts offered insight into some of 2017’s biggest news stories. Jones’ Senate victory: vote for morality, referendum on Trump, warning for 2018 SCOTUS case could redefine ‘reasonable expectation of privacy’ A closer look at the Uber hack, and what’s next Northeastern report finds stricter gun laws don’t prevent law-abiding citizens from getting guns The language of violence Will NFL protests be seen as moment ‘the tide turned’ on race, social justice? Harvey brings out ‘hidden capacity in civil society’ to respond Anarchy in Venezuela What loss of net neutrality could mean for consumers, content providers Why politically motivated cyberattacks might be the new normal European Union and Brexit The ‘far-reaching’ implications of South Korean president’s ouster Will Snapchat’s IPO flourish like Facebook’s—or tumble like Twitter’s? There’s a giant crack in an Antarctic ice shelf. Should we be worried? The fake news phenomenon: How it spreads, and how to fight it We engaged in experiences around the globe Northeastern students worked, studied, and conducted research in countless countries across the globe in 2017, exploring everything from theater to environmental health. Co-op in Puerto Rico expands student’s interest in environmental health Fung Scholar’s research co-op shines light on global opportunities Co-op student creates clever sales tool for national bakery Northeastern launches ‘Semester in Silicon Valley’ entrepreneurship program Student goes global to explore international security, government Students make history with Cuba co-ops Journalist finds ‘striking’ stories, inspiring people on global reporting trip From London to Cape Town, senior says ‘music is the global language’ Student uses theater to examine, inspire social change Students hunt for bacteria—and amazing photos—in Chilean desert Goldwater Scholars share passion for research, scientific discovery Senior named Fulbright Scholar, plans cancer research in Botswana We pioneered new research and technologies Northeastern researchers across disciplines took innovative approaches to solving societal challenges this year. On professor’s gaming platform, users solve puzzles to save lives Northeastern report finds stricter gun laws don’t prevent law-abiding citizens from getting guns Professor’s systems engineering models could save lives in rampant opioid crisis Northeastern researchers discover fundamental rules for how the brain controls movement Study finds 3M Americans carry a loaded handgun daily Researchers develop surgical glue that seals wounds in seconds Future droughts will severely impact power production Study finds organic soil captures, holds more carbon Professor designs chatbot to help, comfort patients in last years of their lives Fertility research brings death of dogma, birth of hope Do you see what I see? Probably not. Don’t be salty. Tiny tubes desalinate water one molecule at a time When it comes to antennas, size matters New research reveals way to detoxify dirt: zap it with lasers Zooming in on climate predictions Unprecedented Antarctic expedition maps sea ice to solve climate change mystery Plant biotechnology Spotting a social bot might be harder than you think Physics discovery unlocks ingredients of 2-D sandwich New toolkit designed to help those who help trauma victims We hosted big names Northeastern was the place to be in 2017. Just ask former President Bill Clinton, Venmo chief operating officer Michael Vaughan, or talk show host James Corden. Students urged to ‘serve,’ ‘uplift,’ ‘create’ at kick-off event for Clinton Global Initiative University At CGI U, President Aoun leads discussion on future of higher education It’s Homecoming week. Here’s everything you need to know Kesha, Rae Sremmurd to headline Springfest concert Why the future of money won’t be about money at all ‘Public records are cool again’: The role of investigative journalism Northeastern students reflect on ‘amazing,’ ‘inspirational’ CGI U experience The future is now Education ‘stakes have never been higher’ Albright, Clintons, Kennedy address CGI U students on refugees, climate, cooperation Nobel laureate’s advice to young physicists: ‘Never give up’ We celebrated our graduates Students in the Class of 2017 pushed the limits of success, from winning national awards to founding their own startups. Commencement 2017 CPS graduates urged to effect positive change, engage in lifelong learning D’Amore-McKim graduates urged to follow their talent, find their passion Meet the graduates: Tara Dunn Meet the graduates: Kate Akkaya Meet the graduates: Zach Heath Meet the graduates: Fran Hutton Lee Meet the graduates: Ryan Daley Meet the graduates: Liane Wong Meet the graduates: Miranda Beggin Meet the graduates: Ahmad Al Moujahed Meet the graduates: Kariman Abuljadayel Meet the graduates: Tevin Otieno Meet the graduates: Aleem Datoo Meet the graduates: Travis Delano Torch Scholars celebrated, encouraged to ‘push the limits’ of their success You empowered us Northeastern concluded its historic Empower fundraising campaign this year. Here are stories of those who’ve been empowered. Northeastern raises $1.4 billion, shatters Empower campaign goal ‘Like a FitBit for inside the body’: Professor’s nanosensors could monitor health in real time Northeastern honors veterans, announces $1M family gift to support, name center D’Amore-McKim dean: ‘Our future is bright and our dreams are big’ Fung Scholar’s research co-op shines light on global opportunities We told your stories Here, we share a number of stories highlighting the people and many accomplishments of our university community. Student receives Schwarzman Scholarship Student reflects on meeting with President Obama Northeastern honors alumnus Amin Khoury with inaugural Distinguished Entrepreneur Award Beyond campus, professor cares for his animals and organic orchard From co-op to sergeant, NUPD’s Love leads by example Senior named Fulbright Scholar, plans cancer research in Botswana After five decades, professor Bill Fowler—Northeastern’s great storyteller—retires Goldwater Scholars share passion for research, scientific discovery I’ve always wanted to give back: Newly graduated veterans reflect on Northeastern experiences Math professor named Next Einstein Fellow Journalist finds ‘striking’ stories, inspiring people on global reporting trip For six decades, the Freemans have called Northeastern home The entrepreneurial, award-winning, kickboxing law student We made headlines When news organizations published stories on innovative research or needed an expert opinion on a topical subject, they turned to Northeastern. ISEC building is an emblem of new era at Northeastern In a Massachusetts warehouse, NASA’s Valkyrie robot helps lay the groundwork for Mars settlements Are colleges preparing students for the automated future of work? The Loch Ness Monster of mollusks The genial, brilliant, candy-loving hackers of Stetson West Major League Baseball’s educational safety net The secret to a good robot teacher From troops to troupes: Northeastern vets find confidence again with improv Drinking water for 15 million Americans is contaminated with a toxic chemical, report finds And we captured it all… in photos… video… and visualizations