Scientists at the School of Medicine have identified four proteins that supervise bone demolition, directing the destructive work of cells known as osteoclasts. The finding will help efforts to prevent bone loss and weakening caused by osteoporosis, cancer and other conditions.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences has appointed two new deans, according to Richard J. Smith, PhD, dean of the graduate school and the Ralph E. Morrow Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology. Rafia Zafar, PhD, has been named associate dean for diversity and inclusiveness, and Jacaranda van Rheenen, PhD, is assistant dean for graduate student affairs.

Two engineering faculty have been chosen for I-CARES (International Center for Advanced Renewable Energy and Sustainability) career development awards: John Fortner, PhD, and Brent Williams, PhD. Both are assistant professors in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering.

Women undergraduate and graduate students can discuss post-graduation choices and how to attain a successful, fulfilling life at “Composing a Life” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom, Anheuser-Busch Hall. The discussion, hosted by the Women’s Society of Washington University, features five women with career experience in an array of fields.

“Give Thanks Give Back,” WUSTL’s annual holiday gift drive in support of the 100 Neediest Cases, is under way. Members of the university community are encouraged to consider adopting an area family in need. The drive runs through Wednesday, Nov. 16.

4:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences Colloquium

“Mantle Upwelling and Lithospheric Destruction Beneath North America.” Richard Allen, assoc. prof. and assoc. dir., seismological laboratory, Dept. of Earth & Planetary Science, U. of California, Berkeley. Free and open to the public. Earth and Planetary Sciences Bldg., Rm. 203. (314) 935-5610.

Health plan information sessions Nov. 17 and 18

Due to increased employee interest in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and the Health Savings Accounts (HSA), the WUSTL Benefits Department will host special informational sessions about these health plan options: 3-4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, Seigle Hall, L006, Danforth Campus; and 9-10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 18, McDonnell Science Building, Cori Auditorium, Medical Campus.

Rochelle Smith

Love for students shows in medical school recruiting efforts. FULL STORY

Men’s soccer claims share of UAA title

The No. 18 men’s soccer captured a share of the 2011 UAA championship with a 2-0 win at the University of Chicago Nov. 5. The UAA title is the sixth in WUSTL men’s soccer history and the first since 1999. The men earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III championship and host the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at 6 p.m. tonight.