Notables

Eric Thompson, MD, a pediatric neurosurgeon noted for his expertise in caring for children with complex neurological conditions, particularly brain and spinal tumors, has been named director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and neurosurgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Washington University in St. Louis leaders have selected the two at-large members of the newly created Naming Review Board. They are Steven Rosenblum, of University Advancement, and Russell Schwartz, an Arts & Sciences alumnus who works at the Starz television network.

Parkorn Wangpaiboonkit, an assistant professor of music in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, has won a 2024 fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies.

Each year, the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award recognizes select members of the WashU community who show exemplary commitment to service and engagement within the St. Louis area.  

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement received a perfect score for its  2024 Voter Engagement Action Plan from the All In Campus Democracy Challenge, a national nonpartisan initiative to improve college voter turnout.

Three WashU students have received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious award that honors students who conduct research in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. The winners, all juniors, are Makenna Fluegel, Aidan Li and Sean Wang.

Melissa J. Durkee, a professor of law, has been installed as the William Gardiner Hammond Professor of Law at Washington University. A ceremony was held March 20 in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom in Anheuser-Busch Hall.

Julia Macias, associate dean for the Office of Scholar Programs, has been appointed director of student leader development for the George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy, effective May 1, according to Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs.

Senior Alex McCormick won a national title in the 200 backstroke at the 2024 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships March 23 in Greensboro, N.C. 

Kazakhstan has launched a national Child Development Account policy informed by research from the Brown School’s Center for Social Development. The development opens the door on a policy structure for channeling natural-resource wealth to invest in children and build human capital.