Newsroom Stories

Nancy Staudt, JD, PhD, dean of the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, has been installed as the inaugural Howard and Caroline Cayne Professor of Law. A lecture and reception to celebrate the occasion were held Oct. 22 in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom in Anheuser-Busch Hall.

In 1972, Washington University launched one of the nation’s first academic programs in women’s studies. This fall, Arts & Sciences celebrates a new milestone as Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies becomes a full department.

Salmon and other freshwater fish and amphibians supercharge their ability to see red and infrared light. Scientists at the School of Medicine have shown that this evolutionary adaptation hinges on the activity of an enzyme that converts vitamin A1 to vitamin A2, enabling the aquatic creatures to more easily navigate murky waters.

More than half of black youth report that they or someone they know was harassed by or experienced violence from the police, compared with one third of white youth and one quarter of Latino youth, according to a new report on black millennials co-authored by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Chicago.

On its 10-year anniversary, the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, Washington University in St. Louis’ lead international initiative, has much to celebrate: a strong network of 29 partner research universities around the world, 67 scholars in residence, 72 academy alumni and countless collaborations and connections. To mark the milestone, the McDonnell Academy is hosting an alumni workshop Friday through Sunday, Nov. 6-8, on the Danforth Campus.

​Diwali, a celebration of South Asian dance, fashion and culture, returns Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, to Edison Theatre at Washington University in St. Louis. Student choreographers Apoorva Ram and Priya Suri explain the art of Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest and most popular forms of Indian dance. ​

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 2, the following faculty members were appointed with tenure or promoted with tenure, effective Oct. 2 unless otherwise indicated.

Meet Mark Smith, JD, director of the Career Center and failed candidate for Congress. Smith’s story is the first in a new video series called “Fail Better,” which showcases Washington University in St. Louis faculty, staff and students who have failed big, sometimes in very public, humiliating ways.

​Many college students dodge risks, but innovation and self-discovery often spring from failure, says Dedric A. Carter, PhD, associate provost and associate vice chancellor for innovation and entrepreneurship“Fail Better,” a new video series, will showcase Washington University staff, faculty and students who have failed big — sometimes in very public, humiliating ways.

​Now in its second year, the Suren G. Dutia and Jas K. Grewal Global Impact Award is given to Washington University in St. Louis-based entrepreneurs who use technology to solve real-world problems.  A total of 19 teams entered this year’s competition, and the winner of the $50,000 prize, announced Nov. 2, is Applied Particle Technology.