Page 13 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Cohen urges graduates to rethink their definition of success

To the accomplished WashU Class of 2026, Emmy Award winner Andy Cohen offered up a band of unlikely role models: the stars of “The Real Housewives.” “I’ve learned a lot about success from ‘The Real Housewives.’ And you can too,” Cohen told graduates at the university’s 165th Commencement May 15 at historic Francis Olympic Field.

Appointments & Promotions

Jez appointed vice dean of graduate studies in Arts & Sciences

Joseph M. Jez has been named vice dean of graduate studies in WashU Arts & Sciences, effective July 1, announced Feng Sheng Hu, the Richard G. Engelsmann Dean of Arts & Sciences. He succeeds Sophia Hayes.

History & Education

Flowe named National Humanities Center fellow

Douglas Flowe, an associate professor of history in WashU Arts & Sciences, has been named a 2026-27 fellow of the National Humanities Center.

Medicine

Novel tool uncovers a common genetic cause of peripheral neuropathy

A cost-effective screening tool developed by WashU Medicine researchers allows for broader genomic testing for patients with peripheral neuropathy of unknown cause.

Obituaries

Christopher J. Moran, MD, professor emeritus of radiology, 78

Christopher J. Moran, MD, a professor emeritus of radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died April 30 of cancer. He was 78.

Sustainability

Synthetic biology leads to recyclable textiles

Chemical engineers at WashU developed recyclable protein fibers that can be dissolved and remade without compromising their original strength and properties.

Anthropology & Archaeology

Mueller receives early-career award including $250,000 in funding

Natalie Mueller, an assistant professor of archaeology in WashU Arts & Sciences, is one of two recipients of the Cromwell Harbor Foundation’s inaugural Chrysalis Prize, which recognizes promising early-career scholars with $250,000 in unrestricted support, mentorship and entry into a growing cohort of multidisciplinary thinkers.

Religion