Page 34 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Law

Richards serves as privacy ombudsman in 23andMe bankruptcy case

WashU privacy law expert Neil Richards had a unique opportunity this year to put his training to use: He was named an ombudsman to guide the courts on how genetic data owned by 23andMe should be handled during its sale.

Sustainability

WashU Arboretum wins national honor

Ashe’s Magnolia/Magnolia ashei (Photo: Thomas Malcowicz)

The WashU Arboretum, home to more than 7,000 trees, has received a national sustainability honor.

Biology

Biologist Zhong to study how plants deal with nutrient stress

Xuehua Zhong in Arts & Sciences has won a $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation for research aimed at developing more resilient crops that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and support sustainable agriculture.

Students

Kessler Scholars grant extended

Building on strong early outcomes, WashU has been awarded a $1.1 million four-year grant to extend its participation in the Kessler Scholars Collaborative and deepen its work to assure opportunity and success outcomes for first-generation, limited-income college students.

Health & Society

Galea receives prestigious health education award

The CDC Foundation has recognized Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH, the Margaret C. Ryan Dean of the WashU School of Public Health, for advancing the understanding of factors that shape health.

Health & Society

Gun violence remains top St. Louis public health concern, but mental health, addiction rising

St. Louis’ top health concerns are shifting. New WashU data shows rising concern over mental health and addiction — even as gun violence still leads.

Sustainability

Leaf-inspired design brings bioplastics to the big leagues

a transparent plastic bag with an apple slice

Using inspiration from the leaf, engineering researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have optimized bioplastics to be stronger and more biodegradable.

Engineering

Xu receives engineering early career award

Lu Xu, an engineer at Washington University in St. Louis, has won the 2025 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environmental Division Early Career Award.

Diversity & Inclusion

Committee appointed, has begun work to develop guidance in support of inclusive excellence at WashU

A committee of WashU faculty and administrators has begun its work with general counsel to develop guidance for leaders, staff and students.

Appointments & Promotions

WashU Medicine dean search committee appointed

Washington University underscored its commitment to the neurosciences by building an 11-story hub on the Medical Campus — dedicated as the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building Jan. 18 — that enables researchers to work more collaboratively and creatively. (Photo: Matt Miller/Washington University School of Medicine)

Chancellor Andrew D. Martin has appointed a committee to begin the process of identifying the next dean of WashU Medicine. David H. Perlmutter, MD, will conclude his deanship in June 2026.