Resilience, Hope, and Adventure: Lunch with Dr. Sam Goodwin
On January 21, 2026 the McDonnell Academy had the distinct pleasure of hosting Dr. Sam Goodwin for a Lunch with a Leader session. A distinguished WashU alumnus, author, world traveler, entrepreneur, former Division I athlete, and pilot, Dr. Goodwin’s extraordinary life experiences have shaped him into a compelling voice on resilience, leadership, and thriving amid […]
Leadership in Action: Larry Atakora-Amaniampong Drives Initiative for BME Equipment Exchange Between WashU and Ghana
Larry Atakora-Amaniampong, a McDonnell Scholar and Biomedical Engineering PhD student in McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU, is spearheading a commendable initiative to donate teaching laboratory equipment from WashU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering to three under-resourced BME departments in Ghana.
Strategic Seed Grant Initiatives
The McDonnell Academy leverages the power of its global network to advance collaborative research across disciplines and countries.
McDonnell Academy Panel of Scholars (MAPS)
Comprised of McDonnell Scholars from a variety of cohorts and disciplines, the McDonnell Academy Panel of Scholars (MAPS) is a student-led group dedicated to connecting McDonnell Scholars, represent their voices, and enhance their experiences within the McDonnell Academy. MAPS mission Connecting Minds, Building CommunityEmphasizing a scholar-centered philosophy and the specific needs of its members, the […]
Scholar Mentee FAQs
What types of assistance should mentors be able to provide? Mentors may be able to provide advice on coursework, research projects, important degree milestones and timelines, professional protocol, resumes, interview styles, etc. They are also experts in the graduate student experience outside research and classes; they know what it is like to deal with the […]
Alumni Mentor FAQs
How should I initiate contact with Scholars, and how often? You may contact the Scholar via email or phone to ask when and if they would like to meet. At the first meeting you can discuss how often they would like to meet with you. You may suggest once a month, twice a semester, etc. […]
McDonnell Scholars Housing Complex
Most of our Scholars reside together in the Academy’s housing complex.
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Connecting in New York: Alumni insights
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy’s cohort trip to New York City during March 2025 spring break reinforced the central idea that true leadership is deeply rooted in people and connections. A standout moment of the trip was a reception hosted by WashU alumnus Josh Rahn, BSBA ’94, and his wife, Jessica Rahn, at their home. Josh, […]