Washington Magazine

Communicating well across different cultures, backgrounds and experiences is an important skill. Here, experts from across campus give tips on how to navigate these sometimes fraught conversations.

Our latest selection of faculty and alumni books covers a range of topics including West Coast rap, logic puzzles and surviving Auschwitz. Want to learn something new and fascinating? Read on.

Mike Keymer, BS ’98, founded Topspin Labs, which works at the cutting edge of data and technology. Keymer, through Topspin, partners with ­organizations to find other applications for their technology and create a startup around that new use.

Michael King, AB ’87, has worked in cities around the globe to improve street design. He’s a “traffic calmer,” making streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Jerry (JinYu) Yang, MBA ’12, learned a whole new way of thinking in the Fudan University-Washington University executive MBA program. Now he’s helping the university come up with a new way of giving back in China.

Mentorship and support helped Joyce Buchheit start and sustain a successful business career. For decades, she has paid it forward, helping students, faculty and organizations advance and thrive.

While an undergrad in the engineering school, Robert Mullenger, BS ’89, soaked up advice from mentors. Now a grateful alumnus, he supports scholarships and offers today’s students advice and connections.

Albert Ip, BS’ 73, has volunteered with the university for more than 15 years. What keeps him coming back? He’s dedicated to higher education and the impact it can have on one person’s future and the world at large.

Deko Ricketts, BS ’17, is a rising star in the solar world. Prior to graduating, he was already a project engineer at Azimuth Energy, leading a solar-energy project in Kingston, Jamaica.

Through her blog, Scary Mommy, and two parenting books, best-selling author Jill Smokler (right), BFA ’99, takes a look at parenting in all its irritating, sleepless, joyful and hilarious glory.