Perspectives

Ben Westhoff, an Arts & Sciences alum, just published a book, “Original Gangstas,” about N.W.A. and the start of the West Coast rap scene. The New York Daily News review called it “a stunning read.”

Douglas B. Dowd, professor of art in the Sam Fox School, discusses the vision behind the university’s new Dowd Modern Graphic History Library, and shares about the collection, for Print magazine.

Rebecca Linz O’Laughlin, a parent who works in Arts & Sciences administration, writes an opinion piece in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about the importance of including children with disabilities in classrooms with other students.

Rebecca Wanzo, of Arts & Sciences, writes on the Center for the Humanities site that, contrary to some opinions, humanities scholars are well-positioned to weigh in on political debates. “‘Trouble’ is perhaps the place where many humanists do their best teaching and writing,” she said.

Mary Politi, of the School of Medicine, writes for The Conversation about one indirect cost of smoking: markedly higher insurance premiums, which make coverage out of reach for many low-income smokers.

Patty Heyda, of the Sam Fox School, discusses urban design and the book she co-authored, “Rebuilding the American City,” for a Here & Now public radio podcast.

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy symposium on addressing global challenges gets underway Thursday in Brisbane, Australia. Some scholars have posted blogs about what they’re expecting, and more perspectives will be shared on the university’s global website this week.

Julie Moreau, a postdoctoral research fellow in Arts & Sciences, writes for NBC Out about research on South Africans’ attitudes toward the LGBTQ community.

Provost Holden Thorp talks with The St. Louis American about the university’s efforts to increase diversity among administrators, faculty and students.

Anya Plutynski, of Arts & Sciences, shares her story of battling breast cancer and the philosophical questions that disease raises for a “Hold That Thought” podcast.