Study finds evidence of prenatal stress in toddlers’ hair

Measuring cortisol — a long-term stress biomarker — in toddlers’ hair shows that prenatal depression can influence how a child’s body responds to stress later in life, according to a new study conducted by anthropologist Theresa Gildner, in Arts & Sciences.

Can we predict who will develop migraine headaches?

School of Medicine scientist Hadas Nahman-Averbuch has received two grants totaling $6 million to investigate the risk factors for developing migraine headaches in adolescents.

Mazzeo installed as inaugural Knight Family Professor

Mike Mazzeo, dean of Olin Business School, has been installed as the inaugural Knight Family Professor. The endowed position was made possible by the Knight family, longtime ardent supporters of the Olin, WashU and St. Louis communities.

STARS College Network expands

The STARS College Network, which helps students from small towns and rural communities succeed in college, is doubling its membership to 32 universities. WashU, a founding STARS member, is recruiting and enrolling more rural students since it joined the network.

Notables

Phyllis Jackson has assumed the role of associate dean for the Office of Scholar Programs, according to Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs. Her appointment took effect July 1.

Notables

The winners of the Big Ideas Competition, which supports novel projects in informatics and health-care delivery, have been announced. The competition is jointly sponsored by the medical school’s Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics and the BJC Healthcare Innovation Lab.