Environmental Justice

University drew $1 billion in external funding that led to scientific advances, new jobs

As an environmental epidemiologist, Tracy Bastain investigates how external factors — chemical, physical and biological — impact human health.

WashU’s St. Louis Policy Initiative is tracking where food pantries are located across the region to identify gaps in access and prepare for future shortages.

Hester Blum was installed as the Lynne Cooper Harvey Distinguished Professor of English on Feb. 10, 2026.

A study from WashU’s Brown School has identified gaps in St. Louis’ emergency preparedness and response, including a lack of funding and a disconnect between community organizers and government.

WashU’s first Public Exchange project — which tests St. Louis’ soil for increased lead levels after the May 16, 2025, tornado — hopes to have its first data sets ready in mid-February 2026.

CLEAN STL is the inaugural project of WashU Public Exchange, a new initiative of the Brown School that aims to harness the expertise of WashU researchers to address challenges across the city.

Shiran Victoria Shen, an assistant professor of political science in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, received the 2025 World Citizen Prize in Environmental Performance from the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.

WashU launches Ryan Institute for Interdisciplinary Health Solutions

A professor of practice, Steensma focuses on the integration of business and entrepreneurialism with public health