Women’s Society of Washington University celebrates 50th anniversary
For 50 years, the Women’s Society of Washington University has made a difference in the Washington University in St. Louis community through its dedication to supporting students and strengthening the university’s regional ties.
Lori S. White appointed vice chancellor for students
Lori S. White, PhD, vice president for student affairs at Southern Methodist University, has been named vice chancellor for students at Washington University in St. Louis. The appointment is effective July 1, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. White succeeds Sharon Stahl, PhD, who announced last year that she would retire at the end of the 2014-15 academic year.
Researchers find less expensive way to convert carbon dioxide
A collaboration of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Korea University used copper oxide nanowires as a catalyst to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, which can then be used as a feeder material to create plastics and higher-carbon polymers. The reduction of carbon dioxide is a very energy-intensive process, so the researchers have developed a method to tap solar energy to allow the conversion.
Confronting the public health implications of gun violence
“Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis,” a yearlong initiative at Washington University in St. Louis, will invite scholars, medical professionals, community leaders and citizens to take a hard look at the serious, tragic public health consequences of gun violence in America. Beginning this month, the university will host a series of events and discussions designed to explore three key themes: What we know, what we need to know, and what to do about this critical issue.
High-tech method allows rapid imaging of functions in living brain
Using a new high-speed, high-resolution imaging method, Lihong Wang, PhD, and his team at Washington University in St. Louis were able to see blood flow, blood oxygenation, oxygen metabolism and other functions inside a living mouse brain at faster rates than ever before.
Big data allows computer engineers to find genetic clues in humans
Big data: It’s a term we read and hear about often, but can be hard to grasp. Computer scientists at Washington University in St. Louis’ School of Engineering & Applied Science tackled some big data about an important protein and discovered its connection in human history as well as clues about its role in complex neurological diseases.
Yang named Skinner Professor
Lan Yang, PhD, has been named the Edward H. and Florence G. Skinner Professor in the Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. She was installed March 16.
More than the potato: Rediscovering Ireland’s rich history of wild plants
Ireland lost 1 million souls to hunger and disease during the potato famine and another million to immigration. But that’s not all, says Peter Wyse Jackson, PhD, president of the Missouri Botanical Garden and the George Engelmann Professor of Botany at Washington University in St. Louis. Ireland also lost its connection to the many plant species that sustained its people throughout the centuries. The ethnobotanist says the study of plants is more important than ever.
New committee to help shape diversity and inclusion strategy
Building largely on the momentum generated by “Race & Ethnicity: A Day of Discovery and Dialogue,” held Feb. 5 and 6 at Washington University in St. Louis, a newly formed committee has been created to develop a strategy and action plan to help the university become more diverse, inclusive and welcoming.
Hunting for meteorites
Every austral summer, a group of volunteers heads off to a remote region
of Antarctica to set up a field camp on the ice. For the next month, they search the ice and nearby glacial moraines for dark rocks that might be extraterrestrial in origin. Research scientist Christine Floss describes this year’s trip, which included a record-setting day.
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