Missouri legislators quick to overturn voter-approved initiatives because voters have allowed it, constitutional law expert says

Last November, Missouri voters approved Proposition B, which amended state law to more strictly regulate large-scale dog breeders. Now, just four months later, Prop B is set to be repealed if the Missouri House of Representatives and Gov. Jay Nixon follow the state senate’s lead. Can this happen in every state? Only if the voters allow it, says Gregory Magarian, JD, professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis and an expert on constitutional law.

New master’s dual-degree in engineering and business announced

The Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering and the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis have announced a new dual-degree program that combines a master’s degree in engineering and a master’s of business administration. Students can earn an M.Eng and MBA degree in two-and-a-half years with a focus on energy, the environment and corporate sustainability.

Prenatt leads WUSTL’s United Way success

With $715,540 raised for the United Way by WUSTL in 2010, the university has exceeded its United Way fundraising goal for five consecutive years. In February, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton formally thanked Ann Prenatt, vice chancellor for human resources, for her excellent work leading WUSTL’s annual United Way campaign, presenting her with a certificate of recognition.

Scientists grow personalized collections of intestinal microbes

School of Medicine scientists have shown they can grow personalized collections of human intestinal microbes in the laboratory and pluck out particular microbes of interest. The research sets the stage for identifying new probiotics and evaluating whether microbe transplants can restore the natural balance of intestinal bacteria in “sick” microbial communities. 

A perfect match

Washington University’s graduating medical students will do their residency training at hospitals from coast to coast and even in Canada.

Businesses still benefitting from hidden federal bailouts

The federal financial bailouts of the last few years received tremendous publicity, but multiple sources of “hidden bailouts” eluded notice, says Cheryl D. Block, JD, law professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Some hidden sources of federal financial rescue include new, expanded tax credits, the more liberal IRS interpretation of regulations, and “off-off budget” bailouts by quasi-governmental agencies such as the Federal Reserve Bank, according to research by Block.  

Washington People: Jack Engsberg

Jack Engsberg, PhD, took his love of track and field into a study of movement that helps people with cerebral palsy regain mobility. He uses video games as therapy and has been working to teach therapists to create customized games for clients.

Focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton gave a special address titled “A Vision for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Washington University in St. Louis” March 16 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center. During his presentation, Wrighton emphasized the university’s Plan for Excellence and the goal to “Enhance our global leadership today to benefit the world tomorrow.”