Washington People

Meet Leslie Kleinberg Zacks — the reliably sane, occasionally snarky voice of calm on the parent Facebook pages.

Amanda Pope carries the mission of the university in her leadership role. She shares how her journey from cancer diagnosis to survivorship inspired her to serve the employees who keep the university running smoothly.

Computer scientist Chenyang Lu at the McKelvey School of Engineering has been building bridges with doctors to improve patients’ health outcomes using engineering.

For microbiologist Arpita Bose, associate professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, science is a collaborative endeavor. Her lab focuses on microbial metabolisms, taking an interdisciplinary approach to address issues related to energy and sustainability.

With the publication of her first novel, “The Kimono Tattoo,” Rebecca Copeland moves from translation to fiction writing and brings a literary perspective to the cultural history of kimonos.

Laura Escobar Vega, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics in Arts & Sciences, shows students and young professionals new ways to connect with math and see themselves in the field.

McKelvey School of Engineering labs couldn’t shut down due to COVID-19. Megan Flake kept them running smoothly while research was on hold.

As professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, Barbara Kunkel has made significant contributions to understanding the strategies plant pathogens use to manipulate their plant hosts. In addition to her research, Kunkel is an exceptional educator, beloved by her students.

At the School of Medicine, orthopedic surgeon Eric W. Carson aims to increase diversity and mentorship in medicine.

Jack Kirkland has been a member of the Brown School faculty for 50 years. And the issues that motivated his career in social work and civil rights remain as urgent as when he began teaching. Kirkland said he seeks to create change through understanding.