Women’s Society accepting grant requests for community projects through October

The Women’s Society of Washington University Funding Committee is accepting grant requests until Thursday, Oct. 31, for projects or activities that benefit the WUSTL community. Projects should enhance and enrich the campus’ artistic, cultural and educational experience; reflect diversity; or encourage students’ community service and leadership.

Basij-Rasikh delivers a simple but powerful message for the Assembly Series: ‘Educate a girl. Change the world’

Growing up under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Shabana Basij-Rasikh’s family literally risked their lives to provide an education for their daughters. She learned early on the danger females face in seeking an education but she also experienced its rich rewards. Today she is paying her good fortune forward to empower some of the estimated 66 million girls who are denied a primary education. Her message is simple: “Educate a girl. Change the world.” She delivers that message at 4 p.m. Friday, October 25 in Graham Chapel for the Assembly Series/Olin Fellowship Conference Lecture.

Arts & Sciences recognizes outstanding staff

Four staff members received the 2012-13 Arts & Sciences Outstanding Staff Award from Barbara S. Schaal, PhD, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and the Mary-Dell Chilton Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology. Schaal also presented the Dean’s Award to Ann B. Prenatt, vice chancellor for human resources, for her support, service and commitment to Arts & Sciences.

Genetic errors identified in 12 major cancer types

By analyzing the DNA in more than 3,000 tumors, scientists led by Li Ding, PhD, at The Genome Institute have identified 127 repeatedly mutated genes that likely drive the growth of a range of cancers in the body. The discovery sets the stage for devising new diagnostic tools and more personalized cancer treatments.

Mental health conditions negatively affect social and economic opportunity

Groundbreaking study on African-American health in St. Louis, ‘For the Sake of All’ releases third brief recommending several areas mental health in the St. Louis region can be improved. Darrell Hudson, PhD, assistant professor of the Brown School and lead author of the study, emphasizes that a combined effort between government and private sector is necessary.