Page 5 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

First WashU Venture Network Follow-on Investments awarded

Three St. Louis startups won the first-ever WashU Venture Network Follow-on Investments April 17 during a special Skandalaris Center event.

Awards & Notables

Cheluget wins Critical Language Scholarship

Daniel Cheluget, a junior in Arts & Sciences, has won a 2025 Critical Language Scholarship in Swahili from the U.S. Department of State.

Climate & Environment

Inactive components in agricultural runoff could contribute to drinking water hazards

A new study from researchers at Washington University reveals the impact of what may be precursors to harmful contaminants in drinking water, formed during water disinfection.

Neuroscience & Memory

Pollina honored for innovations in neuroscience

Elizabeth Pollina, an assistant professor of developmental biology at WashU Medicine, has received the 2025 MIND Prize from the Pershing Square Foundation.

Performing Arts

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

WashU’s Performing Arts Department, in Arts & Sciences, will present “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a nimble, affectionate and Tony Award-winning satire of language, ambition and the crucible of competition, in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre April 17-20.

Economy

How tariff uncertainty will impact economy, businesses

John Horn, a professor of practice in economics at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, explains how tariff uncertainty and confusion is contributing to market volatility — and how this might impact long-term economic trends.

Art & Design

Sam Fox School presents 96th Annual Fashion Design Show April 26

The Sam Fox School will present WashU’s 96th Annual Fashion Design Show April 26 in Holmes Lounge. One of the oldest such shows in the nation, the event will feature dozens of models wearing scores of outfits that together explore avant-garde looks, user-centered design and cross-cultural connections.

Medicine

Bersi named 2025 Young Innovator by Biomedical Engineering Society

Matthew Bersi, a biomedical engineer at Washington University, has been named a 2025 Young Innovator in Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering by the Biomedical Engineering Society.

Cancer Research

Study sheds light on how inherited cancer mutations drive tumor growth

A new study led by WashU Medicine researchers takes a deep dive into inherited genetic mutations. The findings have implications for determining an individual’s inherited cancer risk and informing potential new strategies for prevention, early detection and treatment.

Awards & Notables

Robaina named Gaither Junior Fellow

Andy Robaina, a senior studying mathematics and philosophy in Arts & Sciences, has been named a Gaither Junior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.