The Record

Blood test powered by AI could transform diagnosis of dementia

A tool developed by WashU Medicine researchers can accurately distinguish among several major neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The tool could improve early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.

Yu installed as Art Krieg Professor

Yan Yu, who joined the WashU Arts & Sciences faculty in fall 2025, is trained in both chemistry and engineering. Her research focuses on developing nanotechnologies to detect and treat immune-related diseases.

Duch, Rockwell-Hopkins named to expanded leadership roles

Tate Duch (left) and Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins have been named to expanded leadership roles in the office of Nichol Luoma, executive vice chancellor for administration and chief administrative officer.

CSD’s work pays dividends in Kazakhstan

Building off a concept from the WashU Brown School’s Center for Social Development, the government of Kazakhstan has made three annual savings deposits to millions of children, investing natural resource wealth into future generations.

Notables

Natalie Mueller, in Arts & Sciences, is one of two recipients of the Cromwell Harbor Foundation’s inaugural Chrysalis Prize, which recognizes promising early-career scholars.

Notables

Architectural designer Catherine Chen has been selected as the winner of the 2026 James Harrison Steedman Memorial Fellowship in Architecture. The award is organized by the WashU Sam Fox School and AIA St. Louis.

Research Wire

Nathan Jacobs, at WashU McKelvey Engineering, was part of a collaboration of academic and industry researchers who developed a model of every agricultural field boundary worldwide.

Collin Maher, student in Arts & Sciences, 19

Collin Charles Maher, a student in Arts & Sciences, died by suicide May 15. He was 19 and had recently completed his first year at WashU. Friends remember Maher for his open heart, big smile and the care he showed everyone he encountered.