Page 30 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Berkland named inaugural Mark and Becky Ruhmann Levin Professor

Cory Berkland has been named the inaugural Mark and Becky Ruhmann Levin Professor in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University.

Students

Sarraf named a top public health student

Danielle Sarraf, a joint master’s of business administration and master’s of public health student at Washington University in St. Louis, was named one of 10 “Students Who Rocked Public Health 2024” by the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice.

Nutrition & Wellness

Study identifies benefits, risks linked to popular weight-loss drugs

Close-up of woman holding and using semaglutide injection pen.

People prescribed the popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro may experience benefits such as increased cognitive and behavioral health, according to scientists at WashU Medicine and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System. But users may also face increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions, among other illnesses.

Neuroscience & Memory

Brains of people with sickle cell disease appear older

brain images of a healthy individual and a sickle cell patient

A new study led by WashU Medicine researchers has found older-looking brains in adults with sickle cell disease, helping to explain the cognitive challenges experienced by such individuals.

Awards & Notables

Brown School faculty among 2025 AASWSW Fellows

Two Brown School faculty members, Jeremy Goldbach and Jin Huang, have been named 2025 Fellows of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.

Psychology

Self-management skill, sense of purpose go hand-in-hand

a cat looks in a window reflection and sees itself as a lion

Psychological researchers in Arts & Sciences find self-regulation and social engagement skills can potentially foster a sense of purpose.

St. Louis Region

WashU launches advocacy program, impact map

As the 2025 legislative session kicks off, the Office of Government & Community Relations at Washington University in St. Louis has launched an advocacy program as well as an online map demonstrating WashU’s impact across the state.

Campus & Facilities

Mudd Field makeover: Shade trees, irrigation updates and a new green for relaxing

rendering of portion of redesigned Mudd Field near Graham Chapel

A new and improved Mudd Field is coming to WashU in 2028. The space soon will be lined by shade trees and will feature a new “social green,” a shady retreat for students to swing on hammocks and relax between classes.

Diversity & Inclusion

Fowler to be honored with Rosa L. Parks Award

Flint Fowler, recipient of Rosa L. Parks Award

Flint Fowler, a strong champion for St. Louis’ young people and a WashU alumnus, will receive the annual Rosa L. Parks Award at the 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. On the Medical Campus, Kemi Doll, MD, will discuss racial inequity in cancer care Friday, Jan. 24.

Performing Arts

Great Artists Series welcomes Sir Stephen Hough

Sir Stephen Hough, a “keyboard colossus” (The Guardian) and “a pianist of great subtlety” (New York Times), will perform music of Cécile Chaminade, Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin for WashU’s Great Artists Series Feb. 2.