From brain science to basketball: WashU students engage and educate St. Louis children

After finishing up their own schoolwork, WashU students travel to local schools, community centers and hospitals to shed the label of student and assume the position of instructor, dance group leader, basketball coach and role model. These undergraduate and graduate student volunteers are part of clubs committed to supporting the kids of St. Louis. Their […]

Bassnett installed as inaugural Nelson Lacy professor

Steven Bassnett, PhD, a national leader in vision research, has been installed as the inaugural Grace Nelson Lacy Distinguished Professor in Ophthalmology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The professorship is funded through a gift from the late Grace Nelson Lacy, an educator and WashU alumna who suffered from glaucoma for much […]

Lee named new head of ophthalmology and visual sciences

Aaron Y. Lee, MD, a physician-scientist at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence (AI) to ophthalmology research and patient care, has been named the head of the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor in Ophthalmology & Visual […]

Board grants faculty appointments, promotions, tenure

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting March 7, numerous faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure or granted tenure, effective July 1 unless otherwise indicated. Appointment with tenure Andrew K. Groves as a professor of developmental biology at the School of Medicine (tenure effective April 7) R. Toby Pennington as a […]

Seven WashU faculty elected to AAAS

Seven faculty members at Washington University in St. Louis are among the 471 new fellows selected by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the most distinct honors in the scientific community. AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals. New Fellows will […]

St. Louis high school students compete, meet experts at WashU Brain Bee

About 55 high school students from the St. Louis region and beyond tested their knowledge of the human brain and learned about neuroscience careers at the 15th annual St. Louis Area Brain Bee March 8 at Washington University in St. Louis. Shreenik Enturi, a junior at Fort Zumwalt South High School, won this year’s competition after placing […]

Obituary: Floyd Bloom, emeritus trustee, 88

Floyd E. Bloom, MD, an honorary emeritus trustee at Washington University in St. Louis, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. He was 88. Bloom was a professor emeritus in molecular and integrative neurosciences at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. He had earned his medical degree from WashU Medicine in 1960. Bloom made groundbreaking […]

CAPS launches new program for lab techs

WashU’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is launching a new program that prepares adult learners for high-demand jobs in medical and research laboratories.  The accelerated 16-week Bioscience Technology Certificate program is designed for working adults with online and evening classes. Grants are available to cover the full cost of tuition for eligible students.  The program […]

Board grants faculty appointments, tenure

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 6, numerous faculty members were appointed with or granted tenure, with new titles and roles effective that day unless otherwise indicated. Appointment with tenure Eric J. Huang, MD, PhD, as a professor of pathology and immunology at the School of Medicine (tenure took […]

‘Here and Next’ funding supports, expands WashU research locally, globally

Ariel image of WashU's Danforth Campus with sun setting behind Brookings Hall and a Here and Next logo in top left corner.

The Office of the Provost recently awarded two separate batches of funding as part of the “Here and Next” commitment to research excellence at WashU. The grants represent a significant investment in supporting multidisciplinary projects with the potential for local, national and global impact. “We are proud to support the important academic work happening here at WashU,” […]

Seniors Darden, Seiler were Rhodes Scholars finalists

Washington University in St. Louis seniors Elijah Darden and Isaac Seiler were both Rhodes Scholars finalists, one of the world’s highest academic honors. Darden, 22, is majoring in psychological and brain sciences and minoring in music, both in Arts & Sciences. He is a member of the Rodriguez Scholars program and president of WashU’s Emergency […]

Founders Day recognizes faculty, alumni, friends

The Washington University in St. Louis community came together Nov. 9 at its annual Founders Day celebration to honor the outstanding achievements of some of the university’s most distinguished faculty, alumni and friends. The event was held at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Four faculty were among those recognized at the event, which was […]

Board grants faculty tenure

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 27, numerous faculty members were granted tenure, effective that day. Granting of tenure Kirsten Gilbert Alberts, PhD as an associate professor of psychiatry at WashU Medicine; Robert A. Campbell, PhD as an associate professor of emergency medicine at WashU Medicine; Carmen M. Halabi, MD, PhD as […]

WashU research funding exceeds $1 billion for first time

For the first time, annual research funding to Washington University in St. Louis has surpassed $1 billion. External funding supports WashU investigators tackling big challenges from Alzheimer’s disease to air pollution to childhood depression. Research funding also ripples across the economy, sparking job growth, new construction and local spending, said Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. “There […]

New NSF grant to fund faculty equity programs and new center focused on civic mindfulness

When you think of mindfulness, a personal practice of deep breathing, meditation or pausing for reflection might come to mind. Expanding its use beyond the individual benefit to the collective to achieve systemic change and organizational equity is the focus of a prestigious National Science Foundation grant recently awarded to Washington University in St. Louis. […]

Groves named head of developmental biology

Noted developmental biologist Andy Groves has been named head of the Department of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He studies the intricate, step-by-step processes that lead to the development of the inner ear, with the goal of better understanding the ear’s workings and spurring new treatments for hearing loss. Groves’ appointment […]

McBride leads Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity

Dwight A. McBride, PhD, the Gerald Early Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences and a senior advisor to the chancellor, is now executive director of the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE2), Washington University in St. Louis announced. His appointment took effect July 1. McBride, a nationally recognized scholar of race and literary […]

Drake appointed inaugural St. Louis Confluence Collaborative faculty director

Bettina Drake, PhD, professor of surgery in public health sciences at the School of Medicine, will be the inaugural faculty director of the St. Louis Confluence Collaborative for Community-Engaged Research, Teaching and Practice, Washington University in St. Louis Provost Beverly Wendland announced May 31. The new role takes effect July 1. The collaborative, identified as […]

Brain Bee gives St. Louis students a chance to explore neuroscience

More than 60 high school students representing 32 schools conducted experiments, explored careers in neuroscience and tested their knowledge of the human brain and the nervous system at the 14th annual St. Louis Area Brain Bee March 2 at Washington University in St. Louis. “Neuroscience isn’t part of the standard high school curriculum, but every year we […]

Ju named Morriss Professor

Neurologist Yo-El Ju, MD, a physician-scientist whose discoveries have illuminated the complex relationship between sleep and neurodegenerative disease, has been named an inaugural Barbara Burton and Reuben M. Morriss III Professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Ju was installed by David H. Perlmutter, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, the George […]

Engineering, OT students work with patients to design assistive tech

Team Rainbow Butterfly Rangers was on a mission — to create an assistive technology device that would help Berlin, a bubbly 6-year old with cerebral palsy, carry her plates and toys. Per Berlin’s instructions, the device should be stable, easy to wear and — oh yeah — super cute. “She asked and we delivered,” said […]

Newly opened Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building dedicated

Dozens of noted scientists, philanthropists, and university, state and local leaders gathered Jan. 18 to celebrate the dedication of one of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings, a gleaming state-of-the-art facility on the Washington University Medical Campus. They toured its sophisticated, newly christened labs; listened intently as Washington University scientists described the lifesaving work they […]

Applications sought for Neuroprep Scholars program

Recent graduates, and undergraduate students who are close to graduating, can apply to be part of a two-year post-baccalaureate neuroscience program at WashU, aimed at preparing people for graduate training in neuroscience. The program is geared toward those who had limited research opportunities at the undergraduate level. Scholars will get two years of research experience […]

St. Louis Confluence Collaborative search committee convenes

Deepening and strengthening Washington University’s partnerships and impact in the St. Louis region is a top institutional priority, as evidenced during Chancellor Andrew D. Martin’s inauguration in 2019 and in the “Here and Next” strategic plan. The new St. Louis Confluence Collaborative for Community-Engaged Research, Teaching and Practice is part of the plan in action. […]

Obituary: Mark Rollins, professor emeritus of philosophy, 76

Mark Rollins, PhD, a professor emeritus of philosophy in Arts & Sciences and former dean of University College at Washington University in St. Louis, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Columbia, Mo., following a battle with cancer. He was 76. Rollins joined Washington University in 1987 as an assistant professor of philosophy, becoming chair of […]

Academy honors six university faculty

Six Washington University in St. Louis faculty members and one alumnus are being honored by the Academy of Science – St. Louis for their outstanding contributions to the field. They will be recognized at an awards dinner Sept. 20 at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Laura Jean Bierut, MD, is the Alumni Endowed Professor of Psychiatry […]

Mennerick named director of Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences

Neuroscientist Steven Mennerick, PhD, a dedicated mentor and the John P. Feighner Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been named director and associate dean of the university’s Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS). Mennerick had been serving as the interim associate dean since December 2020 and […]

Payne installed as an inaugural Becker Professor

Philip R. O. Payne, a global leader in informatics and data science, has been named an inaugural Janet and Bernard Becker Professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Among his many leadership roles, Payne oversees the university’s Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics as well as the Bernard Becker Medical Library. This professorship was […]

Lowe appointed vice chancellor for research

Mark E. Lowe, MD, PhD, an academic leader and accomplished pediatric physician-scientist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been appointed the university’s vice chancellor for research. He also has been named senior associate dean of research at WashU Medicine. Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, Provost Beverly Wendland and David H. Perlmutter, MD, […]

Doctoral training program expands mental health services

This fall, Washington University in St. Louis will launch a new mental health doctoral training program that will expand clinical mental health services on campus while cultivating a new generation of expert psychologists.  Designed to attract the nation’s top psychology doctoral students, the program will train a cohort of four residents annually and will be […]

Powderly, Setton receive faculty achievement awards

William G. Powderly and Lori A. Setton will receive Washington University in St. Louis’ 2023 faculty achievement awards, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced.  They will be honored at the university’s annual Founders Day dinner Nov. 4. Powderly, MD, the Dr. J. William Campbell Professor of Medicine at the School of Medicine, will receive the Carl […]

Board grants faculty appointments, promotions

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting May 5, numerous faculty members were appointed with tenure, promoted with tenure or granted tenure. Their tenure will take effect July 1 unless otherwise indicated. Appointment with tenure M. Paz Galupo as professor at the Brown School; and Elaine A. Peña as professor of performing arts […]

Inaugural Danforth St. Louis Confluence conference elevates community research

Matthew Kreuter, a faculty member at the Brown School, is the first recipient of the William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award (STLCA), the Office of the Provost announced. The award focuses on and elevates Washington University in St. Louis’ investment in the region by encouraging research that enhances community impact. “William H. Danforth is the […]

Woodard named head of Department of Radiology

Pamela K. Woodard, MD, a national leader in cardiothoracic imaging, has been named head of the Department of Radiology, director of Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) and the Elizabeth E. Mallinckrodt Professor of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She will begin her new role July 1. In this new role, she […]

Board grants faculty appointments, promotions

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting March 3, numerous faculty members were appointed with tenure, promoted with tenure or granted tenure. Their new roles will take effect July 1 unless otherwise indicated. Appointment with tenure Sheldon A. Evans as professor of law at the School of Law; and Benjamin Levin as professor […]

St. Louis high school students compete, meet experts at Brain Bee

Washington University in St. Louis welcomed 54 students from the St. Louis region Feb. 25 for the first in-person St. Louis Area Brain Bee since the COVID-19 pandemic.  Participants answered questions about the nervous system, brain structure, cognitive disorders and other topics in neuroscience. Sanjay Adireddi of Ladue Horton Watkins High School won this year’s competition and […]

Obituary: Garland Allen, professor emeritus of biology, 86

Garland (“Gar”) Edward Allen III, professor emeritus of biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, died peacefully in Palm Springs, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. He was 86. Allen was born Feb. 13, 1936, in Louisville, Ky. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Kentucky in […]

Washington People: John Jachimiak

Two of Washington University in St. Louis’ largest student groups are led by one very busy junior: John Jachimiak. As co-president of Heart for the Unhoused, Jachimiak travels to shelters across the region to conduct health screenings. And as president of the campus QuestBridge chapter, Jachimiak gives scholars resources, a voice and, most importantly, a […]

Depression in college-educated Black Americans linked to discrimination

Racial discrimination was found to be a significant force behind higher levels of depression among college-educated Black Americans, finds a new study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. “Our results indicate that there is an alarming level of depression among upwardly mobile — which we define as college-educated — Black Americans,” […]

Sustainability key focus in Neuroscience Research Building construction

The Neuroscience Research Building under construction on the Washington University Medical Campus promises great discoveries in an environmentally friendly building that meets sustainability goals. The completed structure will contain energy-efficient, low-energy research freezers in laboratories; electric charging stations in the parking garage; and numerous other sustainability-focused elements. The 11-story, 609,000-square-foot building at 4370 Duncan Ave. […]

Board of Trustees grants tenure

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 2, several faculty members were granted tenure. Their new roles took effect Dec. 2. Granting of tenure Marlon M. Bailey as professor of African and African American studies and of women, gender, and sexuality studies, both in Arts & Sciences; Adam Q. Bauer, PhD as […]

Norwitz, Oyetunji were Rhodes Scholar finalists

Seniors Sam Norwitz and Ephraim Oyetunji at Washington University in St. Louis were finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world’s most prestigious academic honors, to study at the University of Oxford in England. Norwitz and Oyetunji, both majoring in the neuroscience track of biology in Arts & Sciences, are striving to improve the […]

Suicide prevention training teaches users to recognize, respond to suicidal behavior

QPR training, a nationally recognized suicide prevention program, is now available to all students, faculty and staff at Washington University in St. Louis. Kirk Dougher, associate vice chancellor for student support and wellness, and Arie Baker, director of health promotion and wellness at Habif Health and Wellness Center, liken QPR to CPR — an emergency […]

Board grants faculty appointments, tenure

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 7, numerous faculty members were appointed with tenure or granted tenure. Their new roles took effect Oct. 7 unless otherwise indicated. Appointment with tenure Brad Larsen as associate professor of economics at Olin Business School (effective Dec. 1); and Michaela Pagel as associate professor of […]

Atkinson, Wingfield receive faculty achievement awards

John Atkinson and Adia Harvey Wingfield will receive Washington University in St. Louis’ 2022 faculty achievement awards, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced.  They will be honored at the university’s annual Founders Day dinner in the fall.   Physician-scientist Atkinson, MD, the Samuel B. Grant Professor of Medicine at the School of Medicine, will receive the Carl […]

Board grants faculty appointments, promotions, tenure

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting May 6, numerous faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure or granted tenure, effective July 1 unless otherwise indicated. Appointment with tenure Andrew Clark as associate professor of electrical and systems engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering; Xianglin Li as associate professor of mechanical […]

Goldbach installed as Masters and Johnson Distinguished Professor in Sexual Health and Education

Jeremy Goldbach, PhD, an expert on LGBTQ mental health, has been installed as the inaugural Masters and Johnson Distinguished Professor in Sexual Health and Education. An installation ceremony took place May 11 in Hillman Hall. “Professor Goldbach has an outstanding record of scholarship and a passion for his research involving the relationship between minority stress […]

Synapse volunteers help children with cerebral palsy build strength, have fun

Volunteers from Synapse, Washington University’s student neuroscience club, help support adaptive sports programs for children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. (Video: James Byard/Washington University) Eleven-year-old Emma loves Mondays. That’s when she gets to dance, box and play games with other children who have cerebral palsy at Music & Movement, a weekly class offered […]