Page 102 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Epilepsy drug prevents brain tumors in mice with NF1

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered that an FDA-approved epilepsy drug can prevent or slow the growth of NF1-linked optic gliomas in mice, laying the groundwork for a clinical trial.

Awards & Notables

Apte honored with macular degeneration award

Rajendra Apte (left) with Andrea Santeford

Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor and vice chair of innovation and translation in the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the 2024 Roger H. Johnson Award.

Climate & Environment

Evidence isn’t enough

On climate, portraying people working together to solve problems is more effective than showing a lone polar bear adrift on a small patch of ice, says Eleanor Pardini. Pardini teaches an undergraduate course on science communication. (Illustration: Monica Duwel)

In the undergraduate course “Beyond the Evidence,” students learn how science communication and moral worldviews intersect.

Performing Arts

Molly Smith Metzler’s ‘Cry It Out’ in Hotchner Theatre April 18-21

The Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences will present “Cry It Out,” Molly Smith Metzler’s darkly comic exploration of class, friendship and motherhood, April 18-21 in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre.

Appointments & Promotions

Thompson named director of pediatric neurosurgery

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.

Advancement

Traube installed as Neidorff Family and Centene Corporation Dean of the Brown School

Dorian E. Traube, an expert on early childhood development, was installed as the Neidorff Family and Centene Corporation Dean of the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis during a recent ceremony in Brown Hall.

Appointments & Promotions

Board grants faculty promotions, tenure

At the recent Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting, numerous faculty members were appointed with tenure, promoted with tenure or granted tenure.

Art & Design

Conversing with canvas and paint

Lavar Munroe paints in his Baltimore studio. (Photo: Alyssa Schukar)

Inspired by global travel, alumnus Lavar Munroe creates dreamlike versions of our world.

Humanities & Society

Helping every dog have its day

Lisa Lunghofer shares a moment with her rescue dog, Cameron. Lunghofer is executive director of the Grey Muzzle Organization, the nation's largest nonprofit focused on senior-dog well-being. (Photo: William MacFarland)

Alumna Lisa Lunghofer advocates for animals in need.

Biology

Unlocking the ‘chain of worms’

Biologist B. Duygu Özpolat in Arts & Sciences published a single-cell atlas for a highly regenerative annelid worm. This research may help inform stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine down the line.