The Record

WashU’s mascot finally has a name: Meet Forest

After 101 years, the WashU bear now has a name: Forest. “Forest is really curious, really creative, a little silly and a little sly, so watch out,” says Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student success.

Scientists identify brain’s brake that shuts off chronic pain

A new finding in mice by WashU Medicine researchers could lead to targeted treatments for chronic nerve pain.

Why first-year students should visit the campus career center

WashU career expert Norma Guerra Gaier explains why students should engage with their career center early and often; how such centers have evolved in this challenging economy; and why your major matters less than you think.

WashU Expert: Rural Missouri faces an overlooked HIV burden

New WashU research highlights the importance of continuous HIV care as rural communities face added barriers to treatment, testing and prevention.

Notables

Gregory Zipfel, MD, head of the Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine, has been elected president of the Society of Neurological Surgeons.

Notables

Four staff members of the WashU community have been selected for Focus St. Louis’ fall 2026 Emerging Leaders cohort.

Research Wire

WashU biomedical researchers Yifan Dai, Rohit Pappu and collaborators have discovered “condenzymes” that contribute biochemical functions in cells.

Katherine Parker Ponder, professor emerita of hematology, 69

Katherine Parker Ponder, MD, a highly accomplished physician-scientist whose career spanned decades at WashU Medicine, died July 18 of breast cancer. A memorial service will take place Sept. 19.