From the beginning, UW engineers and computer scientists have shaped progress in ways that touch everyday life. Here we spotlight 26 inventions and discoveries developed wholly or in part by faculty, alumni and staff — examples of the lasting impact of UW engineering innovation.

This list isn’t meant to be definitive, but a snapshot of a much larger legacy — one that includes foundational research and advances in theory and methodology that reshaped engineering practice, making later breakthroughs possible. We acknowledge that most of the names here are men, a reflection of the field’s historical gender imbalance. We look forward to highlighting a broader range of contributors and innovations in future features.

Air and space

From the physics of flight to the frontiers of space exploration, UW engineers have helped reshape how we move through — and understand — the skies above us. Their innovations span aviation and aerospace, advancing aircraft technology and expanding space-age discovery.

Computing and digital technologies

UW engineers and computer scientists have played a significant role in building the digital world. From foundational computing systems to everyday software tools, these breakthroughs changed how people compute, communicate and connect at global scale.

Fractal graphics and digital animation

Computer science alumnus Loren Carpenter, ’76, revolutionized computer graphics and digital filmmaking. In 1980, he created the world’s first fractal movie using algorithms that rendered landscapes faster than hand-drawn animation. His approach shaped iconic movie effects and later informed Pixar’s industry standard software for digital animation and visual effects.  

Google Glass

Building on his invention of bionic contact lenses, electrical and computer engineering faculty member Babak Parviz founded and led development of Google Glass. His team, which included alumna Jean Wang, ‘04, ‘07, delivered the first fully integrated head-mounted device, advancing AR/VR hardware, wearable technology and robotic surgery platforms worldwide.

Open Data Kit

Allen School Professor Gaetano Borriello led the development of Open Data Kit (ODK) — software for mobile data collection and reporting in low-resource settings. Driven forward by computer science alumnus Yaw Anokwa, ’07, ’12, ODK has been used in over 220 countries to collect billions of records in support of public health, conservation and more.

Shareware

PC-WRITE, written by computer science alumnus Bob Wallace, ’78, was the first software program distributed for free with a proviso asking for a contribution. If the user sent back the fee, they would receive added features. Wallace dubbed the idea “shareware,” a concept that spread worldwide with the birth of the Internet.

Health and wellness

UW Engineering breakthroughs have transformed how we diagnose disease, monitor health and extend human life. These inventions bridge technology and medicine, turning bold ideas into tools that improve care, outcomes and quality of life worldwide.

Smartphones for health monitoring

Professors Shyam Gollakota (Allen School) and Shwetak Patel (Allen School and electrical and computer engineering)  transformed smartphones into powerful health-screening tools by repurposing built-in cameras, sensors and microphones to measure vital signs, detect ear infections and more. Their work expanded access to low-cost diagnostics and generated multiple startup companies — including Senosis, later acquired by Google.

Sonicare toothbrush

Bioengineering Professor Roy Martin — with David Engel, Joseph Miller and David Giuliani — introduced the first Sonicare toothbrush in 1992. Its bristles moved 100 times faster than manual brushing, and the brush’s cleaning action directed fluids between teeth and below the gumline, removing plaque and preventing gum disease.

Lifestyle and entertainment

From how we get around to how we play, UW engineers have shaped the technologies woven into daily life. These innovations brought new convenience, creativity and joy — often in ways so seamless they quickly became part of the background.

Digital HDTV

Electrical engineer Richard Citta, ’71, helped bring entertainment to high definition. At Zenith Electronics, he led development of an over-the-air broadcast system that enabled the transition from analog to digital HDTV. His innovations reduced interference and energy use and freed up spectrum for countless wireless digital services to follow.

Disposable diapers

During his legendary tenure leading product development at Procter & Gamble, chemical engineer Victor Mills, ’26, had the vision to transform the waste pulp of a newly acquired paper mill into the super-absorbent liner of the first disposable diaper. Pampers changed the game for harried parents — and launched what has become a $100 billion global industry.

Mass-produced foods

At Procter & Gamble, Mills also converted insights from his large-scale refinement of Ivory Soap and Pampers diapers into mass-production of foods ranging from Jif peanut butter to Duncan Hines cake mix to Pringles crisps. Chemical engineer Charles Matthaei, ’43, developed the first industrial process to incorporate whole grains into Roman Meal bread, paving the way for healthier packaged foods.

OneBusAway

Before real-time transit data, bus riders relied on schedules and guesswork. The OneBusAway app changed that by providing tracking information for King County Metro buses. Created when graduate students Brian Ferris and Kari Watkins merged their Ph.D. research, the system transformed how people navigated Seattle’s public transportation.

Single-handled faucet

While studying mechanical engineering at the UW in the late 1930s, Alfred Moen invented the single-handled faucet after scalding his hands under a conventional dual-handled fixture. His humble, hygienic innovation led to the founding of the eponymous company that remains a major player in plumbing.

Sweeter golf clubs

An avid but frustrated golfer, Karsten Solheim, ’33, applied his mechanical engineering expertise to revolutionize club design and manufacture. His precision putters and irons introduced a bigger “sweet spot” and allowed more room for error to pros and duffers alike. The brand he founded, PING, is still one of the best selling in the sport.

Synthetic rubber, vinyl and bubble gum

A chemical engineer at B.F. Goodrich during World War II, Waldo Semon, ’20, ’24, developed synthetic rubber essential to the war effort. He later invented a soft, pliable form of PVC now used in thousands of products, from credit cards to garden hoses. But his favorite invention? Synthetic rubber bubble gum, which looked like regular gum but blew giant bubbles.

Sources

This information was compiled from several sources, including:

• Lasting legacies: 101 achievements of UW alumni, faculty, staff, UW Magazine (formerly Columns)
• 26 innovations that changed the world, UW online exhibit
• College of Engineering Diamond Awards
• UW ChemE at 100, Department of Chemical Engineering
• A&A's groundbreaking impact, William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics

Thank you to colleagues at the UW Alumni Association and across the UW College of Engineering for providing information!