Page 7 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Socioeconomic factors linked to lasting imprint in kids’ brains

A study led by WashU Medicine researchers shows that a family’s financial situation and the resources and opportunities in a child’s neighborhood had the strongest connection to brain development, accounting for 16% of the variability in measures of children’s brain function — far more than IQ, parenting style, health history or any other factor.

History & Education

Spangler named Beinecke Scholar

Nicole Spangler, a rising senior studying classics and history in WashU Arts & Sciences, received a prestigious Beinecke Scholarship, becoming the first WashU student to win that honor since 2014.

Advancement

Glauber installed as inaugural Miriam Barr Librarian for Jewish and Near Eastern Studies

A scholar of modern Jewish history specializing in East European Jewry and its diaspora communities, Samuel Glauber’s work has appeared in numerous journals.

Neuroscience & Memory

New research reveals how brains update their predictions

Researchers in Bruce Carlson’s lab at WashU study electric fish to understand the basics of brain sensory processing and prediction.

Cancer Research

Powell installed as president of gynecologic oncology society

Nationally recognized physician-scientist Matthew A. Powell, MD, at WashU Medicine, will lead the effort to advance gynecologic cancer care.

Appointments & Promotions

Provost announces leadership transitions

Several faculty members have been appointed to new leadership positions in the Office of the Provost at WashU, effective by July 1, Provost Mark West announced.

Advancement

Karch named inaugural Barbara Burton and Reuben M. Morriss III Professor

Celeste Karch was recognized for pioneering Alzheimer’s research, advancing stem cell, genomic and collaborative neurodegeneration studies.

St. Louis Region

WashU partners with St. Louis to expand CLEAN STL tornado recovery project

Washington University in St. Louis is formally partnering with St. Louis to expand environmental monitoring and public health research in city neighborhoods affected by the devastating May 16, 2025, tornado.

Data & Computer Science

Samsung grant will fund better energy storage systems

WashU engineering researchers led by Sang-Hoon Bae received a grant from Samsung to further their work to improve electrostatic capacitors.

Athletics

WashU Athletics wins Learfield Directors’ Cup

For the first time in program history, the WashU Bears have won the Learfield Directors’ Cup, presented by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the organization announced June 9. The Directors’ Cup is widely considered the ultimate measurement of overall athletic program success in collegiate sports.