Notables

The Danforth Staff Council at WashU has added new members and elected its executive officers for the new academic year. 

Four members of the WashU community have been selected for Focus St. Louis’ fall 2026 Emerging Leaders cohort.

Thomas Kannampallil, a professor of anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, is recognized for his expertise in AI-based technology designed to improve healthcare.

Gregory Zipfel, MD, head of the Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine, has been elected president of the Society of Neurological Surgeons. His election continues a tradition of WashU Medicine leadership of the society dating back to 1920.

Joanna Dee Das, an associate professor of performing arts in WashU Arts & Sciences, has won the 2026 Book Award from the International Society for the Study of Musicals.

The WashU Arboretum held its inaugural docent training, bringing together a wide variety of individuals to support future outreach and educational programming. Eventually, the docents will lead tours for the community.

WashU Medicine ophthalmology researchers Aaron Y. Lee, MD (left), and Cecilia Lee, MD, received the Cogan Award from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology for their contributions to vision science and ophthalmic research.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement has awarded St. Louis Impact Fund grants to advance regional priorities. Students will partner with the St. Louis Science Center, Monarch Immigration Services, Seed St. Louis and other nonprofits.

Victoria “Tori” Mondelli, founding director of the University of Missouri’s Teaching for Learning Center, has been appointed as WashU’s new executive director and assistant provost for the Center for Teaching and Learning, effective Aug. 3.

Aaron Y. Lee, Cecilia S. Lee and Scott A. Handley, all at WashU Medicine, were recognized for their work to improve the speed and reproducibility of clinical research.