Page 15 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Genome-wide screen yields new gene therapies to protect against retinal degeneration

WashU Medicine researchers at the Bright Center for Human Vision have developed gene therapies that help retinal cells clear toxic proteins in mouse and human models of retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited degenerative condition that causes blindness.

Climate & Environment

Scaling up the circular economy

Researchers at WashU McKelvey Engineering are addressing the challenges of scaling up carbon dioxide electrolysis for industrial use.

Architecture

Chen wins 2026 Steedman Fellowship in Architecture

Architectural designer Catherine Chen has been selected as the winner of the 2026 James Harrison Steedman Memorial Fellowship in Architecture. The biennial award is organized by the WashU Sam Fox School and AIA St. Louis.

Campus & Facilities

New residence hall to be named James E. and Clara P. McLeod House

The late James McLeod, vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of WashU Arts & Sciences, founded the Ervin Scholars Program and, along with his wife, Clara, challenged the WashU community to know each student “by name and by story.”

Appointments & Promotions

Arvin appointed executive vice chancellor for advancement

Will Arvin, vice chancellor for medical advancement at Washington University in St. Louis, has been appointed executive vice chancellor for advancement, effective Jan. 5, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. Arvin will succeed Pamella A. Henson, who is retiring.

Medicine

New clues to disease severity identified in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency

WashU Medicine researchers discovered a cellular mechanism that may protect some patients with a genetic lung condition from developing liver damage.

Awards & Notables

WashU to award seven honorary degrees during 165th Commencement

WashU will confer seven honorary degrees during its 165th Commencement May 15. Here are the recipients.

Advancement

Lee installed as inaugural Stickle professor

Aaron Lee, MD, a nationally acclaimed vitreoretinal surgeon and leader in applying artificial intelligence to vision research and patient care, has been named the inaugural Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine.

Appointments & Promotions

Henson to retire as executive vice chancellor for university advancement

Pamella A. Henson, executive vice chancellor for university advancement, will retire Jan. 4, concluding a distinguished career spanning 34 years at WashU and 40 years in the profession, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

Climate & Environment

New initiative launches to save primates, transform global conservation approaches

A $1.5 million pledge from Distinguished Trustee Andy Newman for the Living Earth Collaborative will support critically endangered primates. The new project aims to transform how biodiversity is documented, modeled and protected worldwide.