Media advisory: High school students launch self-designed gliders at Washington University

Student-designed hand-launched gliders will soar across WUSTL’s Field House from 5-7 p.m. today in the Boeing Engineering Challenge to determine which has the farthest flight, the straightest path, the longest hang time, and highest quality of flight. Planes with the most creative appearance and most creative engineering also are recognized. High school students create the planes out of balsa wood with consultation from engineers with The Boeing Company. In the process, they learn important concepts in physics and aerospace engineering.

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.

Broadway star Norbert Leo Butz May 9

Tony Award-winning Broadway star Norbert Leo Butz will headline a benefit concert for The Angel Band Project at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in the 560 Music Center. The Angel Band Project, which supports survivors of sexual violence, was founded in memory of Butz’s sister, Teresa, who was murdered in 2009.

Unusual comparison nets new sleep loss marker

Paul Shaw, PhD, a researcher at the School of Medicine, has used what he learns in fruit flies to look for markers of sleep loss in humans. But now he has reversed the process in a new paper, taking what he finds in humans back to the flies and identifying a human gene that is more active after sleep deprivation.

Excellence in Leadership Awards recognize students and campus groups

Undergraduate student leaders and student groups who actively demonstrate exemplary leadership, service and commitment to the campus community were recognized during the Excellence in Leadership Awards ceremony, held April 28 in Holmes Lounge, Ridgley Hall.

Gelberman, Wertsch to receive 2013 faculty achievement awards

Richard H. Gelberman, MD, a world-renowned expert in hand and wrist microsurgery, and James V. Wertsch, PhD, founding director of one of the most successful and innovative global scholarship programs in the world, will receive Washington University’s 2013 faculty achievement awards, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton announced. They will receive their awards and give presentations of their scholarly work during a Dec. 7 program.