Page 4 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

An inside look at drone swarm behavior

Researchers in the McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU have developed a new method to understand information in complex systems, which can be applied toward development of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Awards & Notables

WashU among top 100 US universities granted utility patents

The National Academy of Inventors has once again named WashU to its Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents List.

Architecture

WashU announces finalists for 2026 Steedman Fellowship

Eight finalists have been selected for the James Harrison Steedman Fellowship in Architecture. It’s administered by the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis and by AIA St. Louis.

Cancer Research

Innovative CAR-T cell therapy receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation

Developed by WashU Medicine researchers and licensed to WashU startup Wugen, the immunotherapy is designed to treat rare and aggressive types of blood cancer.

Biology

WashU scientists join 40-year study tracking changing tropical forests

WashU Arts & Sciences biologists Toby Pennington and Jonathan Myers contributed to an ambitious study on South America’s tropical forests, revealing important shifts in biodiversity.

Neuroscience & Memory

Ackerman receives innovation in neuroscience award

Sarah Ackerman, at WashU Medicine, has been named a winner of the Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery Prize by the Pershing Square Foundation. 

Physical Sciences

WashU researchers use quantum biosensors to peer into cells’ inner workings

A team including scientists from the WashU Center for Quantum Leaps has harnessed nanodiamonds to take quantum readings of mitochondria. The work could reveal insights about cellular metabolism in health and disease.

Awards & Notables

Eleven WashU faculty elected to AAAS

Eleven WashU faculty members are among the new fellows selected by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the most distinct honors in the scientific community.

Appointments & Promotions

Shepherd appointed vice chancellor, chief budget officer

Kurt Shepherd has been appointed vice chancellor for budget and financial planning and chief budget officer at Washington University in St. Louis, effective May 20, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced.

Students

Andy Cohen to give WashU’s 165th Commencement address

Emmy Award-winning host, producer and author Andy Cohen will return to his native St. Louis to deliver the 2026 WashU Commencement address. Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and Cohen announced the news from the Manhattan set of “Watch What Happens Live,” Cohen’s popular late-night talk show.