Newsroom Stories

Photosynthesis transforms light, carbon dioxide and water into chemical energy in plants and some bacteria.When it comes to studying energy transfer in photosynthesis, it’s good to think “outside the bun.” That’s what Robert Blankenship, Ph.D., professor of biology and chemistry in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, did when he contributed a protein that he calls the taco shell protein to a study performed by his collaborators at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California at Berkeley. The protein enabled the surprising discovery of a quantum effect in photosynthesis.

David Kilper/WUSTL PhotoPratim Biswas and his group have developed a method to make a variety of oxide semiconductors that, when put into water promote chemical reactions that split water into hydrogen and oxygen.Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a unique photocatalytic cell that splits water to produce hydrogen and oxygen in water using sunlight and the power of a nanostructured catalyst. The group is developing novel methodologies for synthesis of nanostructured films with superior opto-electronic properties.

Preview of Edison Theatre’s 2007-08 OVATIONS! Series.

Yixin Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, is one of just five new faculty nationwide to receive a New Faculty Fellowship from Microsoft Research. The fellowship is one of the most prestigious awards for young computer scientists. Chen, who began his Washington University career in 2005, is the first Washington University researcher to be awarded the Microsoft New Faculty Fellowship.

Six prominent people, including a legendary radio broadcaster and the first woman president of the country’s fourth oldest university, will receive honorary degrees during Washington University’s 146th Commencement ceremony May 18. The university will also bestow academic degrees on more than 2,600 students during the ceremony, which begins at 8:30 a.m. in Brookings Quadrangle.

The following incidents were reported to University Police April 12-18. Readers with information that could assist in investigating these incidents are urged to call 935-5555. This information is provided as a public service to promote safety awareness and is available on the University Police Web site at police.wustl.edu. April 19 2:14 p.m. — A resident of Millbrook Apartments reported money and a watch missing from her room. The room had been left open by contractors working on the doors in the building as part of the fire repairs. The theft occurred between 2:30-7 p.m. April 18. Total loss is estimated at $360. April 23 1:08 p.m. — A classroom manager in Louderman Hall reported that between 3 p.m. April 16 and 1 p.m. April 18, an unknown person took a black wireless Shure bodypack microphone. Total loss is estimated at $278. April 24 9:53 p.m. — Eight pairs of blue jeans were stolen from a storage closet in Gregg Residence Hall between 2 p.m. April 23 and 9 p.m. April 24. Total loss is estimated at $285. Additionally, University Police responded to two larcenies, two lost articles, two assaults and one report each of DWI, drug offense, false fire alarm, auto accident and property damage.

Nancy and Kenneth Kranzberg, passionate supporters of artistic, educational and cultural organizations throughout the St. Louis region, received the eighth annual Jane and Whitney Harris Saint Louis Community Service Award at a ceremony at the Harbison House on Feb. 20. Their prize, a $50,000 cash gift, will be distributed to six non-profit organizations of their choice. The award is the gift of the late Jane Freund Harris and Whitney Harris. In 1999 they established the award, to be given to a husband and wife who are dedicated to improving the St. Louis community.

James T. Little, Ph.D., became the first recipient of the Donald Danforth, Jr. Distinguished Professorship in Business in a ceremony at the Charles F. Knight Center. The professorship was established last year in the John M. Olin School of Business to honor Washington University alumnus and distinguished community and business leader, Donald Danforth, Jr., and to recognize the many contributions of the Danforth Foundation, which he helped guide as a trustee

Dickson Street stationA collaborative light-rail master plan involving close to 50 architecture students from the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and the University of Arkansas has won a national Education Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects. The award, one of only three given this year, will be presented in May during the AIA National Convention in San Antonio.

Scientists gathered at WUSTL to find ways to protect the public from bioterrorism and potentially deadly pathogens.