University contributed $2.9B to local economy in fiscal 2021

The university’s Office of Government & Community Relations reports that Washington University directly contributed $2.9 billion to the St. Louis economy in the 2021 fiscal year, an increase of $200 million from 2019.

New way viruses trigger autoimmunity discovered

Studying mice, School of Medicine researchers have discovered that roseolovirus can trigger autoimmunity in a previously unknown way: by disrupting the process by which immune cells learn to avoid targeting their own body’s cells and tissues.

Honoring a dying wish

Mike Yochim spent his final months writing a book about the effects of climate change on national parks. William Lowry, professor emeritus of political science in Arts & Sciences, ensured his friend’s final words would be heard.

Phillips publishes ‘Then the War’ poetry collection

Carl Phillips, professor of English in Arts & Sciences, has published his 15th book of poems. “Then the War: and Selected Poems, 2007-2020” looks forward and also reflects on past work.

Notables

The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies recently honored Brenda J. Grossman, MD, and Jeffrey P. Henderson, MD, noted researchers at the School of Medicine, with a 2021 President’s Award for their work on the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project Group.

Research Wire

Mathematician Debashis Mondal in Arts & Sciences received two grants from the National Science Foundation for research on high-dimensional data and on Markov random fields.

Notables

Sean Spinks, former director of academic success at Harris-Stowe State University, has been appointed director of the Danforth Scholars program at WashU, according to Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs. Spinks is the program’s first full-time director.

Announcements

Libraries’ Neureuther book essay competition open

Undergraduate and graduate students who love collecting books can submit entries for University Libraries’ Neureuther Student Book Collection Essay Competition. The deadline is March 11, and winners can receive up to $1,000.