Author: Michael Smick

The Friday, Dec. 6, meeting of the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees focused on the challenges and opportunities for the School of Medicine, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. The board also elected a new trustee, WUSTL alumnus Richard P. Mattione, PhD (pictured).

Nuts, avocados and even chocolate (in moderation) can help alleviate symptoms of stress.

Washington University in St. Louis is among the 10 newest university partners in Say Yes to Education, the national nonprofit group that helps organize and galvanize entire cities around making higher education accessible and affordable for the children in their communities.

Stressbuster volunteers provide free backrubs to students, faculty and staff. The next Stressbusters event is the Stress-Free Zone, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Olin Library. Volunteer Delia Chassaing says massage helps reduce stress, muscle tension and anxiety.

The members of the Stereotypes, Washington University’s all-male a cappella ensemble, compete Friday, Dec. 6, for the title (and the tiara) of the Mr. Stereotype pageant. Music director and junior Kevin Vondrak talks about the group’s repertoire and new four-song EP.

In the unlikely event that WUSTL alters the normal work and/or class schedule, an announcement will be posted on the university’s home page, and a number of media outlets also will air an announcement.

From tap to West African dance to contemporary ballet, WUSTL’s Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences will highlight seven new works by guest and faculty choreographers Dec. 6-8 as part of Shifting Limits, the 2013 Washington University Dance Theatre concert.

Volunteers gathered at the Danforth University Center for a Give Thanks Give Back wrapping party. Sophomores Cherisse Onuigbo (left) and Shawnee Gao helped wrap. WUSTL student groups, departments and residential floors donated money and presents for the “100 Neediest Cases” campaign.

Our sense of smell is often the first response to environmental stimuli. Odors trigger neurons in the brain that alert us to take action. However, there is often more than one odor in the environment, such as in coffee shops or grocery stores. How does our brain process multiple odors received simultaneously? Barani Raman, PhD, of the School of Engineering & Applied Science, is using locusts to help find the answer.

WUSTL’s “Courtesy is Contagious” campaign reminds cyclists to give pedestrians the right-of-way.