Webber to depart university at end of year

Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor for civic affairs and strategic planning, will leave the university at the end of 2021, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. Webber will conclude his administrative position Oct. 31 and will remain teaching through Dec. 31.

An update on WashU’s COVID-19 protocols

Steven Lawrence, MD, at the School of Medicine, and Cheri LeBlanc, MD, executive director of the Habif Health & Wellness Center, explain how the university established its COVID-19 plan, who should get tested and why we must continue to complete the daily screening.

COVID-19 transmission rare for students with disabilities

A study led by the School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Special School District of St. Louis County, found that rapid saliva test screenings contributed to exceedingly low transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 among students, teachers and staff in those schools.

A more efficient way to find a more efficient battery

Research from the lab of Vijay Ramani at the McKelvey School of Engineering has the potential to speed up development of high-capacity storage batteries while spending less time in a lab.

Gordon receives Balzan Prize

Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD, at the School of Medicine, is a recipient of this year’s Balzan Prize for his role in founding the field of human gut microbiome research and revolutionizing the understanding of gut microbes and their roles in human health and disease.

Notables

Sophia Hayes, professor of chemistry, has been appointed interim vice dean of graduate education in Arts & Sciences, announced Feng Sheng Hu, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences.

Notables

The China Journal of Social Work has honored an international team of scholars with the 2020 Best Article award for their study on the rebirth of social work in mainland China. The team includes scholars from the Brown School’s Center for Social Development as well as other universities.

Research Wire

Andrew Yoo, associate professor of developmental biology at the School of Medicine, has received two research grants for work on Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative pathways.

Announcements

Scrubs recycling drive on Medical Campus

As many School of Medicine employees are now required to wear red, black and gray scrubs, the Operations & Facilities Management Department, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability and MedNik Riverbend Textiles, is hosting a scrubs collection until Oct. 10 to keep old ones out of landfills.