Fostering innovation and building connections
Events

Fostering innovation and building connections

April 28, 2025

In Spring 2025, McDonnell Academy Scholars had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Jaymin Amin, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Corning Incorporated, as part of the Academy’s Lunch with a Leader series.

2024 Global Incubator Seed Grants Awarded
Grants

2024 Global Incubator Seed Grants Awarded

November 11, 2024

A total of 20 projects won, allowing research examining a whole host of issues, from the cyber defense of medical devices to the impacts of affordable housing on physical activity and health in Brazil. Funding for this year’s cycle is made possible with support from the Office of the Provost, the “Here and Next” strategic plan, and the Millard family gift to the McDonnell International Scholars Academy. By the numbers

McDonnell Alumni engagement pathways
Alumni

McDonnell Alumni engagement pathways

August 26, 2024

The McDonnell Academy Scholar for Life Initiative aims to enhance and sustain alumni engagement with the McDonnell Academy, WashU, and the St. Louis region through targeted initiatives aligned with WashU’s Here and Next strategic plan. Welcome Letter Writing Alumni write personalized welcome letters to new Scholars, sharing their own experiences and offering guidance. This initiative […]

Fernando Lopez wins 2023 Wrighton Award
Wrighton Award Recipients

Fernando Lopez wins 2023 Wrighton Award

Introducing Dr. Fernando Lopez, recipient of the 2023 Mark S. Wrighton Award for McDonnell Academy Alumni—an honor that celebrates distinguished alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership, global engagement, and continued dedication to the values of the McDonnell Academy. In this conversation with Laura Benoist, director of the McDonnell Academy, Dr. Lopez discusses his time as a […]

Gülcan Yayla is 2022 recipient of Wrighton Award
Alumni

Gülcan Yayla is 2022 recipient of Wrighton Award

Meet Gülcan Yayla, the 2022 recipient of the Mark S. Wrighton Award for McDonnell Academy Alumni. This award honors alumni whose work reflects the Academy’s core values of international collaboration, impactful leadership, and long-term engagement with the WashU community. In her conversation with Laura Benoist, director of the McDonnell Academy, Gülcan shares how her experiences […]

Ming Zu receives 2021 Wrighton Award
Wrighton Award Recipients

Ming Zu receives 2021 Wrighton Award

Introducing Dr. Ming Zu, honored as the 2021 recipient of the Mark S. Wrighton Award for McDonnell Academy Alumni. This award recognizes alumni who have made meaningful contributions in their fields while embodying the Academy’s vision of global citizenship and lifelong connection. In this interview with Kurt Dirks, director of the McDonnell Academy, Ming reflects […]

Chen Li received the Mark S. Wrighton Award in 2019
Wrighton Award Recipients

Chen Li received the Mark S. Wrighton Award in 2019

Meet Dr. Chen Li, the inaugural recipient of the Mark S. Wrighton Award for McDonnell Academy Alumni in 2019. As the first honoree, Dr. Li set a powerful example of global impact, academic excellence, and enduring commitment to the McDonnell Academy’s mission. In this conversation with Kurt Dirks, director of the McDonnell Academy, Dr. Li […]