Brown School conducts experiment with active learning classroom

Over spring break, Room 37 in the Brown School’s Goldfarb Hall was transformed. For the last eight weeks of the semester, Brown School students in 15 courses took part in an experiment in pedagogy that brings teaching — and learning — into a new era. This isn’t your parents’ lecture hall. Say hello to the wired world of interactive instruction — or active learning.

Chatterjee receives this year’s Isserman Prize

Arts & Sciences senior Nisha K. Chatterjee is this year’s winner of the Rabbi Ferdinand M. Isserman Prize. The annual award recognizes a student who has made a significant contribution in service and leadership to ecumenical or interfaith activities on the Washington University in St. Louis campus.

Three faculty elected to National Academy of Sciences

Three Washington University in St. Louis scientists are among the 84 members and 21 foreign associates elected to the National Academy of Sciences this year. Election to the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer.

New perspective needed for role of major Alzheimer’s gene

Scientists’ picture of how a gene strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease harms the brain may have to be revised, researchers at the School of Medicine have found. Washington University’s David M. Holtzman, MD, says leading researchers recently agreed that targeting this gene is a promising approach for gaining a better understanding of and improving treatments for the disease.

Six to receive honorary degrees at WUSTL’s 152nd Commencement

Washington University in St. Louis will award six honorary degrees during the university’s 152nd Commencement May 17. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. in Brookings Quadrangle. The recipients are Commencement speaker Cory A. Booker, Marilyn Fox, Martin L. Mathews, Juhani Pallasmaa, Peter Rosen, MD, and Howard Wood.

Discovery helps show how breast cancer spreads

School of Medicine researchers have discovered why breast cancer patients with dense breasts are more likely than others to develop aggressive tumors that spread. The finding opens the door to drug treatments that prevent metastasis. Shown are collagen fibers at the boundary of a tumor. Fibers that tend to be perpendicular to the tumor’s surface indicate a poor prognosis.

Elson elected fellow of arts and sciences academy

School of Medicine faculty member Elliot L. Elson, PhD, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The organization was formed in 1780 to cultivate the arts and sciences and to recognize individuals who have made prominent contributions to their disciplines and to society.

Trustees meet, elect new members and officers

At its spring meeting May 3, the Board of Trustees of Washington University in St. Louis elected two new members to the board, re-elected six members and elected officers, among other actions, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.