Page 48 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

How plants evolved multiple ways to override genetic instructions

WashU biologists, led by Xuehua Zhong in Arts & Sciences, investigated the inner workings of DNA methylation in plants. Their findings could help engineer crops that are more resilient to environmental changes, like heat or drought stress.

Engineering

3D modeling made easier

a man in virtual reality draws a car model in air

Tao Ju, a researcher at the McKelvey School of Engineering, will develop algorithms for 3D surface modeling with a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Space

Byrne featured in ‘Volcano Worlds’

Paul Byrne, an associate professor of earth, environmental and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences at WashU, was featured in “Volcano Worlds,” a PBS Nova documentary about the powerful volcanic eruptions that have shaped worlds across our solar system.

Climate & Environment

Converting CO2 to solid carbon yields benefits for batteries

A Washington University researcher has received a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Energy to convert carbon dioxide into carbon nanotubes that could be used in lithium-ion batteries.

Awards & Notables

Sachs testifies on drug prices before Senate Judiciary Committee

Rachel Sachs at a Senate committee hearing

Rachel Sachs, a professor of law and an expert on pharmaceutical law, testified Oct. 29 before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary on reducing prescription drug costs.

Academics

Brown School ushers in new era for social policy

social policy banner at a graduation ceremony

The Brown School has ushered in a new era of social policy marked by key initiatives in social policy education, research and community engagement.

Engineering

Kamilov receives $20,000 from Google

Ulugbek Kamilov, a computer scientist at Washington University, plans to work on innovative algorithms with $20,000 from Google.

Campus & Facilities

Recycle election yard signs on campus

WashU has joined a regional effort to collect a new hard-to-recycle material: election yard signs, from Nov. 6-14. In addition to signs from home, the program also will accept office or departmental corrugated plastic signs and metal stakes.

Awards & Notables

Wrighton named to Ingram’s top 50 leaders

Mark S. Wrighton, chancellor emeritus and the James and Mary Wertsch Distinguished University Professor at WashU, has been named to Ingram’s Magazine’s list of 50 power players and leaders in business.

Academics

New award funds use, creation of open educational resources

Participants at the second annual Digital Transformation Summit

A new award sponsored by the Digital Intelligence & Innovation Accelerator (DI2) aims to encourage WashU instructors to develop freely available digital course materials that will improve student success.