Washington Magazine

As a linguist and professor at Swarthmore, one might wonder why Jamie Thomas, AB ’06, is interested in zombies. She’s found that representations of the undead can help us better understand the dehumanization and fear that accompany racism, sexism and other languages of hate.

Michael Wysession, a professor of earth and planetary sciences, explores the intersection of earth science and the classic novel Frankenstein.

As a foreign correspondent, alumna Robin McDowell and a team of investigative reporters exposed the widespread use of slave labor in the fishing industry in Southeast Asia. Unbeknown to many, this seafood could end up in your local grocery store or favorite restaurant.

Mark Rank has been studying economic insecurity in America for more than two decades. His findings? You may be more at risk than you think. Why is economic insecurity such a problem in the U.S. and what can we do about it?

Members of the Class of 1967 returned to the university to celebrate their 50th Reunion. Much has changed since they were students, but their affinity for the place and people endure.

Business Insider recently reported that St. Louis is the best city for Millennials due to its low cost of living and lifestyle. Zoë Scharf, BFA ’11, co-founder of the start up Greetabl, wants to add one more reason to the list: the city’s great start-up scene.

Long before GPS satellites and NASA, Washington University astronomers played a central role in the scientific observation of total solar eclipses — including a search for the elusive planet Vulcan in the late 1800s.

Chancellor William Chauvenet nurtured Edward S. Holden’s interest in astronomy on the campus of Washington University, but Holden’s initial fascination with the field sprang from a series of circumstances associated with childhood tragedy.

Edward S. Holden’s 1883 expedition report to the National Academies was written with all due respect. However, a handwritten note, written in rhyme, from a crew member of the U.S.S. Hartford suggests the voyagers enjoyed lighter moments as well.

The justices of the nation’s highest court have a bird’s-eye view of the nation’s discord. But Lee Epstein trains her binoculars on them as they do their work.