Around the Quad

News, milestones, and spotlights from across Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis

Arts & Sciences

Expanding resources for research and creative practice

Peter Kastor, the Samuel K. Eddy Professor in the Department of History, recently assumed the role of associate vice dean of research in the humanities, humanistic social sciences, and creative practice. In his new role, Kastor will work with Deanna Barch, vice dean of research, to help Arts & Sciences faculty compete for external awards, fellowships, and grants.

Peter Kastor

Samuel K. Eddy Professor Professor of History and American Culture Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies in History

Department of African and African-American Studies Learning from local history

A free summer institute organized by Shanti Parikh, chair and professor of African and African American studies, and Gerald Early, the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters, connected regional high school teachers to WashU experts and resources in local Black history and culture. For one week, participants learned about Black music, explored University Libraries collections, read narratives written by enslaved people from Missouri, and took field trips to historical sites. “By introducing students to primary sources such as a score or a photograph, we are showing what it means to be a scholar — to learn how to analyze primary data and understand its context,” Parikh said.

The College

An environmental scholar

Tori Harwell, a senior studying African and African American studies and environmental analysis, was named a Udall Scholar, an honor bestowed on students who have demonstrated leadership in the areas of the environment and conservation, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. After graduation, Harwell wants to empower communities of color to create equitable strategies to mitigate climate change, develop green energy programs, and build sustainable food systems.

Department of Political Science Celebrating a decade of discussion

For the past 10 years, a small conference has been having a big impact on the Department of Political Science. The Comparative Politics Annual Conference brings together students and scholars for a day of in-depth discussions and networking. Graduate students play a critical role in the event by picking the theme (“Political Behavior and Emotions” in 2023), conducting much of the planning, and serving as session discussants. The spring conference has also become a draw for nationally recognized researchers seeking early feedback on their work.

The Departments of Biology, and Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Academy awards

Ursula W. Goodenough, professor emerita of biology, and William B. McKinnon, professor of Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences, were elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Election to the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a U.S. scientist or engineer. Goodenough is a molecular cell biologist who has helped bridge the gap between science and religion. McKinnon, who also won the 2023 Kuiper Prize for outstanding contributions to planetary science, focuses on the icy satellites of the outer solar system and the physics of impact cratering.

Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

The health benefits of a purposeful life

A sense of purpose in life — whether it’s a high-minded quest to make a difference or a simple hobby with personal meaning — can offer potent protection against loneliness, according to a study co-authored by Patrick Hill, associate professor of psychological and brain science. Surveys of more than 2,300 adults in Switzerland found that feelings of loneliness were less common in people who reported a purposeful life, regardless of their age. “Loneliness is known to be one of the biggest psychological predictors for health problems, cognitive decline, and early mortality,” Hill said. “Studies show that it can be as harmful for health as smoking or having a poor diet.”

Arts & Sciences