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

Reawakening ‘sleeping’ crops to combat today’s climate crisis

Archaeologist Natalie Mueller in Arts & Sciences explains how ancient agricultural systems could become a source of alternative crops and methods in an era of rapid climate change.

Appointments & Promotions

Perlmutter to conclude deanship in 2026

David H. Perlmutter, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and the George and Carol Bauer Dean of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, will conclude his deanship on June 30, 2026, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

Students

05.15.25

A special Commencement photo gallery from WashU.

Awards & Notables

Dutcher elected to National Academy of Sciences

Susan K. Dutcher, a professor of genetics and of cell biology and physiology at WashU Medicine, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of her distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

Engineering

A new approach to control light in photonic circuits

Researchers at WashU have developed a simple, efficient way to enable one-way light transmission in photonic chips.

Students

Commencement vlog: Simone, smiles and flying mortar boards

First profiled as first-year students, four seniors captured the sights and sounds of WashU’s Commencement for a graduation day vlog.

Climate & Environment

Removing selenium from water takes iron strength

Environmental engineers at WashU have developed critical methods to remove toxic selenium from water.

Students

Undergraduate student speaker Elijah Darden’s address to the Class of 2025

Undergraduate student speaker Elijah Darden, who earned a degree in psychological and brain sciences from Arts & Sciences, delivered a message to the Class of 2025 at Washington University in St. Louis during the May 12 Commencement ceremony on Francis Olympic Field.

Students

Graduate student speaker Kendall Burks’ address to the Class of 2025

Graduate student speaker Kendall Burks, who earned degrees from WashU’s Medical Scientist Training Program, delivered a message to the Class of 2025 at Washington University in St. Louis during the May 12 Commencement ceremony on Francis Olympic Field.

Simone Biles’ 2025 Commencement address

Simone Biles gave her Commencement address to the Class of 2025 at Washington University in St. Louis during the May 12 Commencement ceremony on Francis Olympic Field.