WashU

“This is not a hypothetical course." In “Public Health and the Built Environment," MPH students examine how the places people live, work, and move through can impact health. bit.ly/4iGjd99

After two decades of ALS research, Dr. Timothy Miller helped develop a gene-targeted therapy that has reversed symptoms in some patients. For people living with ALS, this research offers something powerful: new possibilities. This is what WashU can do. bit.ly/4kBzhJY

As St. Louis continues to rebuild following the devastating May 2025 tornado, Linda C. Samuels, director of sustainable design and environmental justice at the Sam Fox School, offers insights on what’s needed for a strong, successful recovery. bit.ly/3MWplwt

The time around surgery is a window of both risk and opportunity. A clinical trial led by WashU Medicine shows that addressing mental health before surgery helps older adults recover better, with reduced anxiety and depression after their procedures. bit.ly/4d8wZxq

"Cannabis use is trending up, and alcohol use is trending down." A recent WashU Medicine study found that most teens and young adults visiting the ER for substance-related issues had used cannabis, while alcohol was more common among older adults. bit.ly/4jVT4Ug

Always a joy to welcome parents, family, and friends to campus for Parents & Family Weekend! From cheering on the WashU Bears to enjoying Halloween festivities at Dr. G's Haunted Fun House, it was a spooktacular weekend! ❤️👻💚

What if treating breast cancer meant less surgery and a faster recovery? Dr. Heather Garrett of @washumedicine is advancing breast cryoablation, a minimally invasive treatment that freezes tumors. bit.ly/3UoDdTO

Falling in love with campus all over again. 🍂🍁🍂

Oregon became the first state to legalize regulated, supervised psilocybin use. In the first independent review of their licensed psilocybin centers, WashU researchers found that centers are following safety protocols when screening potential clients. bit.ly/4ioBzLg

Former @WASHUBears player & alum Caleb Durbin is the first player in @MLB history to play his college career in Division III and win a Gold Glove at third base or any position. The award honors the best defensive player at each position in each league. 🏆 bit.ly/4kgFcnV

Party at the polls! 🗳️🎉 Many thanks to WashU Votes and all the volunteers who helped make on-campus voting a smooth success!

Congratulations to Jessica Silva-Fisher of WashU Medicine on receiving a Research Scholar Grant from the American Cancer Society! She's one of only 15 investigators nationally to receive this award. bit.ly/4BrIdb7

It’s Election Day! 🗳️ Reminder: There are two polling locations on WashU’s campuses: 📍 Danforth Campus: Athletic Complex (St. Louis County voters) 📍 Medical Campus: McDonnell Medical Sciences Building (St. Louis city voters) bit.ly/4iHnaK4

As he prepares to graduate early in December and head to law school, Spencer hopes to use his education to create more equitable opportunities and help shape a better, healthier world.

For Spencer, citizenship goes beyond casting a ballot. It’s about staying informed, showing up for the community, and making time to help others along the way.

#FacesofWashU: Spencer is a senior from Atlanta majoring in political science with minors in legal studies and African American studies. He wears many hats, including football team captain, Ervin Scholar, research assistant, and student leader.

Civic engagement also starts with caring about the world around you, and it doesn’t have to begin with a big gesture. She encourages students to find an issue they care about, connect with others who share that interest, and stay open to different approaches.

Taylor points out that information also travels through everyday conversations. Whether sharing a headline with a friend or hearing a family member’s take on the news, it’s worth applying the same critical lens and considering the biases we all bring to the table.

#FacesofWashU: Originally from Minnesota, Taylor brings a faculty perspective to the practice of citizenship as an associate professor of political science and director of graduate studies. Ultimately, she believes the practice of citizenship goes beyond politics.

While interning at a law firm over the summer, the atmosphere in New York reminded him of the power of shared experiences. Watching Knicks fans unite, he reflected on how that same spirit could bring people together through voting.