Jaspan wins Spector Prize

The Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences has awarded this year’s Spector Prize to Vita Jaspan. The annual award recognizes academic excellence and outstanding undergraduate achievement in research.

Obituary: Cathy Rodgers, former fashion design faculty, 87

Cathy Rodgers, former fashion design faculty member in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, died April 6 at her home in Ladue. She was 87. She taught tailoring and pattern-making to generations of designers, including such fashion luminaries as Carolyne Roehm, Kay Unger, Judd Waddell and Paul Dillinger.

Akula wins inaugural Quatrano Prize

Shyam Akula photo
The Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences has selected Shyam Akula as the inaugural recipient of the Quatrano Prize, which will be awarded annually for the most creative biology thesis project.

Nanoparticles present sustainable way to grow food crops

Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis are using nanoparticle technology in an effort to meet the ever-increasing demand for food. Their innovative technique boosts the growth of a protein-rich bean by improving the way it absorbs nutrients, while reducing the need for fertilizer.

Volunteers sought for Oct. 9 presidential debate

Applications are now being accepted for student, faculty and staff volunteers to help support the presidential debate Sunday, Oct. 9, at Washington University in St. Louis. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 17.

Mutch named co-chair of NCI Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee

David Mutch, MD, the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been named co-chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee.

‘Segregation by Design’ seminar to be offered in fall

It has been 48 years since the passage of the Fair Housing Act, yet most American cities — St. Louis included — remain deeply segregated. Next fall, faculty from Washington University in St. Louis and Harris-Stowe State University will present “Segregation by Design,” an interdisciplinary seminar that examines the role of planning and design in fostering and maintaining segregation.

Fraser receives University of Missouri alumni honor

Victoria J. Fraser, MD, head of the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the Citation of Merit from the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Undergraduate mathematicians test their mettle

Anthony Grebe concentrating on a problem
Each academic year, students from Washington University distinguish themselves at two annual mathematics competitions: The North American Putnam Competition, in which this year the team finished eighth; and the Missouri Collegiate Mathematics Competition, in which the team tied for first with a perfect score.