Arts & Sciences

An upcoming broadcast of NOVA called “Memory Hackers,” airs Wednesday, Feb. 10, and will explore the cutting edge frontiers of human memory. Washington University in St. Louis scientists are featured in the show.

Why was the New Year’s flood in Missouri so bad? Most news reports blamed it on the heavy rain, but Robert Criss, PhD, professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis says analysis of the flood data shows much of the damage was due to recent modifications to the river.

Civic Scholar Kierstan Carter wanted to change St. Louis by connecting high school students with community leaders. But when that idea flopped, Carter moved on to Plan B: changing herself.

Traditional Chinese sword dancing debuts this weekend at the annual Lunar New Year Festival at Edison Theatre on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. “The swords only look dangerous,” says junior Sarah Lin, noting the dance’s combination of grace and power.

Three of St. Louis’ most prominent musicians will perform works by Haydn, Saint-Saëns and Arensky Feb. 19 when Washington University’s Eliot Trio presents its annual concert in Holmes Lounge.

Sean M. Savoie, senior lecturer in performing arts, has received two nominations in the St. Louis Theater Circle’s 2015 Awards.

K.J. Holmes, the 2016 Marcus Residency Dance Artist in the Performing Arts Department, will present “Constellation,” a structured improvisation featuring Washington University dance students, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Annelise Mertz Dance Studio. She will be in residence Feb. 1-3.

The African and African-American Studies program in Arts & Sciences invites applications for its 2016-17 postdoctoral fellowship. Those interested should apply by March 1.

Jeffrey McCune, associate professor of performing arts and of women, gender and sexuality studies, both in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, won the Michael Lynch Service Award from the Gay, Lesbian, Queer Caucus of the Modern Language Association.

Issues that tap into the past, present and future of higher education and its impact on American society will be explored this month. The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) Saturday Lecture Series begins Saturday, Feb. 6. It is sponsored by University College in Arts & Sciences.