Spring Assembly Series schedule explores all kinds of discoveries

The spring 2013 list of Assembly Series speakers begins January 31 with the prominent young American playwright Sarah Ruhl (left), author of “In the Next Room or the vibrator play” and concludes April 17 with a presentation by General Motors’ vice president of global human resources, Cynthia Brinkley.

WUSTL’s CSD conducts asset-building conference in China

As China prepares to transfer its leadership in March, the potential exists for a more progressive government. With asset-based policies increasing throughout Asia in response to rising inequality and aging populations, there’s never been a better time for discussion and information. This past November, the Center for Social Development (CSD) at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis co-hosted the conference “Lifelong Asset Building: Strategies and Innovations in Asia” at Peking University.

Nominate exceptional staff member for Gloria White award​

Nominations now are being accepted for the Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award. Named for the late Gloria White, who retired in 1997 as vice chancellor for human resources after 30 years, the award recognizes a staff member for his or her exceptional effort and contributions that result in the betterment of the university.

Winter Opera St. Louis at DUC Jan. 29

The air is crisp and cold but the voices will be rich and warm when Winter Opera St. Louis, the youngest of the area’s three professional companies, visits the Danforth University Center Jan. 29. The free performance will launch the spring Chamber Music Series.

Altering eye cells may one day restore vision

Doctors may one day treat some forms of blindness by altering the genetic program of the light-sensing cells of the eye, according to School of Medicine scientists. Working in mice with a disease that causes gradual blindness, the researchers reprogrammed the cells in the eye that enable night vision.

Work, Families and Public Policy series begins Feb. 4

Faculty and graduate students with an interest in labor, households, health care, law and social welfare are invited to take part in a series of Monday brown-bag luncheon seminars to be held biweekly on the Danforth Campus at Washington University in St. Louis beginning Monday, Feb. 4. In its 17th year, the Work, Families and Public Policy series features one-hour presentations on research interests of faculty from local and national universities. Presentations will be from noon-1 p.m. in Seigle Hall, Room 348.