Notables

Thomas Ciesielski, MD, an associate professor in the John T. Milliken Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine, has been named the 2026–27 Presidential Fellow in Healthcare Safety and Quality by Joint Commission, a national accrediting organization.

Sociologist Elizabeth Chiarello, in WashU Arts & Sciences, was honored by both the American Sociological Association and the Institute for Advanced Study for her work at the intersection of patient care and criminal justice.

A movie trailer, local TV spot and documentaries produced by WashU Medicine Marketing & Communications recently won medals in the Telly awards, an international contest honoring excellence in TV and video production.

Recent WashU Brown School graduate Mustafa Rfat is a 2026–27 Clifford Roberts Fellow. The prestigious Gettysburg College fellowship recognizes outstanding doctoral students whose research reflects President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy of leadership and service.

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.