Arts & Sciences

Photo by David KilperProfessor Losos displays lab mascot, Morton, an Australian-bearded dragon.As professor of biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University, Losos uses lizards to integrate questions of ecology and evolution. He seeks to better understand how organisms survive in their present-day environments, how they’ve changed over time to fit into those environments, and how they’re continuing to change. “We can’t go back in time,” Losos says, “but we can see what happens today.” And, if one sees well enough, one can extrapolate back to understand how similar changes have occurred over millions of years.

Amy L. Chua, professor of law at Yale University and member of the American Society of International Law’s executive council, will discuss her new book which posits that the West’s exportation of free markets and democratic philosophies to developing countries does more harm than good.

Continuing Washington University’s yearlong Sesquicentennial Environmental Initiative, the final set of colloquia will cover significant issues such as tackling childhood lead poisoning, building a sustainable environment in plant sciences, understanding the effect of aerosols in our air; creating ecological and economically viable structures; and understanding how research universities can impact environmental education and public policy.

Tired of TV, bored with bars, cynical about the Cineplex? Start the weekend with Washington University’s Gallery of Art, which will host lectures, concerts, film screenings, artists’ talks and guided tours Friday evenings throughout the spring.

John E. McCarthy, Ph.D., professor of mathematics in Arts & Sciences, is a native of Ireland who has a facile way with stories. He tells them with an engaging Irish accent, and continually provides fascinating insights into science and life that make you see mathematics and the larger world in a way you’d never anticipate. […]

Novelist and essayist Joy Williams will read from her work at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, as part of the Spring Reading Series 2004, offered by The Writing Program and the Department of English in Arts & Sciences at Washington University.

The Washington University Chamber Orchestra will perform a concert of all-time hits from the Baroque era and the 20th century at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, in Karl Umrath Hall Lounge.

Earl E. and Myrtle E. Walker Hall and the Museum Building will be integrated with three existing facilities to form a comprehensive arts complex.

Martin Silverstein, professor in the Department of Mathematics in Arts & Sciences, was killed in a pedestrian accident in the 7900 block of Delmar in University City last night. Silverstein has been with the University since 1977.

Washington University’s Eliot Trio, a piano trio made up of three prominent St. Louis musicians, will perform an evening of works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Charles Ives and Felix Mendelssohn Jan. 24.