The latest news and events from our global activities.

Congratulations to our 2025 Graduates

Congratulations to our 2025 Graduates
We are honored to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating McDonnell Scholars at the 2025 Recognition Ceremony on May 13—a remarkable group of WashU students representing a wide range of disciplines and global perspectives. We are pleased to welcome Bianca Hall, Director of Human Resources at Nestlé Purina, as our featured speaker. Her message will inspire […]

2025 Cohort Trip Highlights Intersections of Leadership, Innovation, and People-to-People Connections

2025 Cohort Trip Highlights Intersections of Leadership, Innovation, and People-to-People Connections
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy 2020, 2023, and 2024 cohorts recently concluded a transformative trip to New York City from March 8-12, 2025. Designed to expand the Scholars’ global perspectives, leadership skills, and sense of community, the trip offered invaluable experiences through visits to iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, and the world’s financial epicenter.

McDonnell Scholars Reflect on 2025 Cohort Trip to New York City

McDonnell Scholars Reflect on 2025 Cohort Trip to New York City
Through immersive experiences at iconic landmarks, esteemed cultural institutions, and the heart of the world’s financial hub, the Scholars gained invaluable insights. Explore the reflections and lessons learned from several McDonnell Scholars, who discovered new dimensions of leadership and community during the 2025 Cohort Trip to New York City.

Research in a Flash: Celebrating Innovation at PhD-in-3D

Research in a Flash: Celebrating Innovation at PhD-in-3D
Eleven distinguished senior McDonnell Scholars competed for top honors and recognition at the annual McDonnell Academy PhD-in-3D competition held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. These Scholars faced the challenge of distilling their research into a compelling three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience, igniting fierce competition and spirited discussions among the panel of judges. The judges […]

Exploring the health-environment connection with Dr. Myers

Exploring the health-environment connection with Dr. Myers
The McDonnell Academy hosted an insightful S.T. Lee Endowed Lectureship at WashU and reception featuring Dr. Sam Myers, who explored the critical intersection of human health and environmental stability. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions on policy interventions and global solutions, gaining valuable perspectives on the future of planetary health. The ST Lee Endowed Lectureship lecture “Safeguarding […]

Enhancing Impact: Wrighton Award Receives Generous Boost

Enhancing Impact: Wrighton Award Receives Generous Boost
WashU’s McDonnell International Scholars Academy is pleased to share that the Mark S. Wrighton Award will now be $25,000, beginning in 2025—more than doubling from its previous amount of $10,000. This increase is made possible through the generous support of Richard Mahoney, whose commitment to the McDonnell Academy and its mission continues to strengthen our […]

A warm welcome: Alumni unite to support incoming McDonnell Scholars

A warm welcome: Alumni unite to support incoming McDonnell Scholars
Thanks to the incredible support of our McDonnell Academy Alumni, we achieved our goal of providing 22 personalized welcome letters to the 2024 cohort of McDonnell Scholars. This initiative exemplifies the power of our global McDonnell Academy community. Alumni from across the globe—Thailand, Japan, China, Singapore, and the US, including New York, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, […]

Empowering the Next Generation: McDonnell Scholar Robert Kasumba Leads Scholarship Program in Uganda

Empowering the Next Generation: McDonnell Scholar Robert Kasumba Leads Scholarship Program in Uganda
By: Robert Kasumba Robert Kasumba, a 3rd-year McDonnell Scholar, is making a meaningful impact as a board member of the Harambee Center, a nonprofit fostering cultural exchange between East Africa and North America. Drawing inspiration from his experience in the McDonnell Academy, Robert is championing a transformative scholarship initiative to support underprivileged but talented students […]

ST Lee Lecture speaker to highlight connection between planetary and human health

ST Lee Lecture speaker to highlight connection between planetary and human health
Through this comprehensive and hopeful perspective, Dr. Samuel Myers, MD, MPH will present strategies to mitigate environmental changes, including controlling toxic exposures, investing in clean energy, and improving urban design. The McDonnell Academy ST Lee Lecture, Safeguarding Human Health on a Rapidly Changing Planet, will offer a solid foundation in addressing the new challenges posed […]

Global Tastes, Local Connections: A Journey Through Sci-FEAST

Global Tastes, Local Connections: A Journey Through Sci-FEAST
On November 9, 2024, the McDonnell Scholars brought the Global Food Science Experience to Saint Louis Science Center Sci-FEAST. Their stories take us on a culinary adventure that bridges cultures, celebrates diversity, and showcases the rich tapestry of global flavors brought together by the McDonnell Academy’s vibrant community. Each team reflected on their experiences, sharing […]

Connecting Scholars to Transformative Opportunities: Insights from B4U Mentorship at Bayer Crop Sciences

Connecting Scholars to Transformative Opportunities: Insights from B4U Mentorship at Bayer Crop Sciences
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is dedicated to facilitating opportunities for Scholars to engage with global industry leaders to enhance their professional development and advance their careers. Among these opportunities is the Bayer University Mentoring Program (B4U), an innovative initiative launched by Bayer Crop Science in 2018. The program pairs graduate students and postdoc mentees […]

McDonnell Academy Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Cohort

McDonnell Academy Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Cohort
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year! Join a prestigious graduate fellowship program designed to cultivate exceptional leadership skills while you pursue your graduate or professional degree at one of the top universities in the U.S., Washington University in St. Louis. Imagine being part of a dynamic, vibrant […]

Exploring Leadership and Innovation: McDonnell Scholars Visit Nestlé Purina

Exploring Leadership and Innovation: McDonnell Scholars Visit Nestlé Purina
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, a dedicated and longstanding supporter of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy program, hosted McDonnell Scholars for an insightful visit to its headquarters in St. Louis. The intention of this visit was to allow the Scholars to explore career opportunities within the Purina enterprise and allow our […]

From Lab to Podcast: McDonnell Scholar Allison Martinez Mejia Earns Prestigious Fellowship and Engages Young Minds

From Lab to Podcast: McDonnell Scholar Allison Martinez Mejia Earns Prestigious Fellowship and Engages Young Minds
The McDonnell Academy takes pride in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of McDonnell Scholar Allison Martinez Mejia, who continues to distinguish herself through remarkable academic and research achievements. Allison, a biomedical PhD student at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), has been honored with an AAHHE Graduate Fellowship, awarded by […]

Cabot-Zhang Lecture speaker explores US-China relationship

Cabot-Zhang Lecture speaker explores US-China relationship
The McDonnell Academy Cabot Corporation-Xinsheng Zhang Endowed Lectureship at WashU hosted a discussion with Ali Wyne. As Crisis Group’s Senior Research and Advocacy Adviser, U.S.-China, Ali reports on and analyses the development of U.S. policy toward China in the U.S. Congress and the executive branch. October 10, 2024 | Knight Center | Danforth Campus | WashU A […]

Sci-FEAST: Global Food Science Experience | Nov 9 | 9:30am – 4:30pm

Sci-FEAST: Global Food Science Experience | Nov 9 | 9:30am – 4:30pm
The McDonnell Scholars Academy is thrilled to partner with the Saint Louis Science Center to bring the “Global Food Science Experience” to the St. Louis community on Nov 9th, aligning with WashU’s commitment to deepen and strengthen the longstanding ties with our region.  We are WashU in St. Louis, for St. Louis, and with St. Louis Saint Louis Science Center’s […]

McDonnell Academy Distinguished Visiting Scholar

McDonnell Academy Distinguished Visiting Scholar
Changqing Chen An expert in multi-functional materials, Changqing Chen advances the digital transformation globally by developing mechanical meta-materials that function as mechanical computers and store memory. He heads the Department of Engineering Mechanics at Tsinghua University, where he serves as Professor of Mechanics and formerly directed the Institute of Solid Mechanics. Prior to Tsinghua, he […]

Cabot-Zhang Lecture explores US-China Relations

Cabot-Zhang Lecture explores US-China Relations
The McDonnell Academy Cabot Corporation-Xinsheng Zhang Endowed Lectureship at Washington University in St. Louis presents a discussion on US-China relations. A U.S. “Consensus” on China Policy? Moving Beyond a Misguided Narrative Thursday, October 10, 3:30 PM Anheuser Busch Dining RoomCharles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference CenterDanforth Campus, WashU A reception will immediately follow the presentation and […]

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy welcomes its 19th cohort of Scholars

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy welcomes its 19th cohort of Scholars
The McDonnell Academy is thrilled to announce the arrival of its 19th cohort of Scholars – 22 remarkable individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and talents to enrich our community.  As we embark on the 2024-25 academic year, the Academy community grows to include 95 Scholars, each contributing to the dynamic fabric of our community. […]

WashU and McDonnell Academy engagement and international partnerships

WashU and McDonnell Academy engagement and international partnerships
Together, We Lead Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) and the McDonnell Scholars Academy are dedicated to fostering global engagement and international partnerships.  The McDonnell Scholars Academy at WashU exemplifies our commitment to global education. Nurturing Global Leaders for a Better Tomorrow For nearly 20 years, the McDonnell Scholars Academy has a dual mission. First, we […]

Celebrating achievements and honoring legacies at the McDonnell Academy Recognition Ceremony

Celebrating achievements and honoring legacies at the McDonnell Academy Recognition Ceremony
The day after WashU’s 2024 commencement, the McDonnell Academy hosted a recognition ceremony to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our graduating Scholars. The event was marked by a sense of celebration and accomplishment as each Scholar received their recognition certificate, marking their transition from students to Scholars for Life. These Scholars have excelled in various […]

Congratulations to our McDonnell Academy graduates

Welcome to Recognition Ceremony 2024. The McDonnell Scholars Academy at Washington University will host its annual recognition ceremony. Tuesday, May 14, 2024Charles F. Knight Center Danforth Campus Our graduating students, Scholars for Life, will give brief remarks during the ceremony and will be individually recognized as they receive their certificates. Registration is closed. Meet the […]

Celebrating research excellence at PhDin3D competition

Celebrating research excellence at PhDin3D competition
Seven senior Scholars competed for prizes and recognition at the annual McDonnell Academy PhD-in-3D competition on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Scholars were challenged to explain their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. The competition was fierce, sparking a lively debate among judges, Richard Lawrence, head of genome editing, yield, disease, and quality […]

Fueling connections with McDonnell Academy alumni

Celebrating Connections: Highlighting the St. Louis McDonnell Academy Alumni Reception We recently had the pleasure of hosting the St. Louis McDonnell Academy Alumni Reception, a great event that brought together a wonderful group St. Louis alumni, along with their families. The event facilitated the reconnection of old friends and the formation of new connections amid […]

Experience academic excellence with the PhD3D Competition

Experience academic excellence with the PhD3D Competition
Join the McDonnell Academy 5th-year PhD students at the upcoming PhDin3D Competition. Similar to the University of Queensland’s 3MT Competition, this event promises an evening of engaging presentations based on research being conducted at WashU. March 26 | 5:30 PM Charles F. Knight Center, Room 210Danforth Campus Brilliant minds, groundbreaking research, and just three minutes […]

Navigating politics, culture and global leadership in Washington DC

Navigating politics, culture and global leadership in Washington DC
This spring, McDonnell Scholars from the 2022 and 2023 cohorts visited the nation’s capital to experience first-hand Washington, D.C.’s political and cultural landscape, expand their professional network, and build personal connections through their shared experience. Joining them on the trip were founding benefactor, John McDonnell, and Chancellor Emeritus Mark Wrighton, both of whom remain actively […]

Exploring Bayer: McDonnell Scholars’ insightful journey

Exploring Bayer: McDonnell Scholars’ insightful journey
During a special visit to Bayer Crop Science in St. Louis, over 20 McDonnell Scholars had the opportunity to network with experts across multiple sectors during panel sessions. They also gained firsthand knowledge of Bayer’s unique B4U Program and its impact on healthcare and agriculture. Through engaging discussions, a guided tour, and a networking lunch, […]

Honoring Jim & Mary Wertsch

Honoring Jim & Mary Wertsch
Jim and Mary Wertsch have left an indelible mark on Washington University through over 20 years of dedicated service. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, fostering global collaboration and addressing critical challenges. As they embark on a new chapter, it’s essential to recognize their extraordinary contributions. We invite the […]

From campus to continents: Scholars for Life, leaders for a global network

From campus to continents: Scholars for Life, leaders for a global network
Fostering stronger connections, McDonnell Academy introduces Alumni Regional Events—a new initiative for global community engagement. This initiative seeks to engage the St. Louis McDonnell Academy alumni and expand professional networks. We hope this local initiative will serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives among our regional alumni, both in the U.S. and abroad. Join our […]

Seeds of Impact

Seeds of Impact
Nurturing research through Global Accelerator Grants Since its 2020 inception, the McDonnell Academy Seed Grant initiative has served as researchers’ starting point. This year, we expanded it by integrating the McDonnell Academy Global Accelerator Grant, enhancing opportunities for endeavors gaining momentum. This crucial support nurtures initial ideas, ensures preliminary data collection, and propels projects to […]

Cheers to the New Year!

Cheers to the New Year!
The McDonnell Academy is energized and ready to begin another year of progress and accomplishment. We have exciting events planned for the year, including esteemed guest speakers, site visits, and skills development activities. We strongly believe in a well-rounded education and encourage our Scholars to explore interests beyond their primary field of study. Our goal […]

McDonnell Academy Now Accepting Applications for 2024 Cohort McDonnell Scholars

McDonnell Academy Now Accepting Applications for 2024 Cohort McDonnell Scholars
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 academic year. An internationally competitive graduate fellowship program, the McDonnell Academy awards financial support and leadership training to dynamic students with proven academic excellence and leadership potential while pursuing graduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis. The McDonnell Academy fellowship opportunity is open to prospective […]

Cabot-Zhang Lecture explores innovative healthcare

Cabot-Zhang Lecture explores innovative healthcare
At the recent McDonnell Academy Cabot Zhang Lecture, an engaging panel explored the impact of collaboration on innovative healthcare. Zhi Min Sim, director of partnerships and strategy at Tsinghua Medicine – Tsinghua University, along with distinguished leaders of the US China Heartland Association (USHCA) including Min Fan, executive director, and former Missouri governor Bob Holden, chairman and president, shared their insights on the future of innovative healthcare, underscoring the shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare through collaborative initiatives. 

Exploration of the aligned moon and sun

Exploration of the aligned moon and sun
An Unforgettable Experience: Reflecting on the April 8 Eclipse In the quiet setting of Perryville, Missouri, an extraordinary event unfolded on April 8th, 2024. McDonnell Scholars, WashU faculty, McDonnell Academy collaborators, and guests of John McDonnell and his foundation team, came together for a captivating celestial phenomenon: the total solar eclipse. Despite encountering several traffic […]

McDonnell MBA Scholars Represent WashU at McGill Int’l Portfolio Challenge in Montreal

McDonnell MBA Scholars Represent WashU at McGill Int’l Portfolio Challenge in Montreal
By: Jorge Concha and Felipe Quaassdorff, McDonnell Scholars During the first weekend of November, McGill University, a prestigious university from Montreal, Canada, hosted its new version of the McGill International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC), in which each year there is a unique case to solve the most important challenges pension funds are facing. Universities worldwide send […]

Medicine to Media: The 3 A’s of Conveying Critical Information

Medicine to Media: The 3 A’s of Conveying Critical Information
by Tewodros Liyew, McDonnell Scholar Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a multiple Emmy®-award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN and host of the CNN podcast Chasing Life and practicing neurosurgeon, was the guest of honor at the McDonnell Academy’s Monthly Meet-up and Lunch on November 15th! During the fireside chat moderated by Dr. William Powderly, J. William Campbell Professor of Medicine and co-director of […]

Uniting for impact: Spotlight on global research

Uniting for impact: Spotlight on global research
McDonnell Academy Global Research Symposium Washington University in St. Louis hosted the 2023 McDonnell International Scholars Academy Global Research Symposium: Forces Reshaping the World Oct. 5-7, 2023. The 2023 Global Research Symposium, Forces Reshaping the World, convened collaborators from WashU and their international partners to explore pressing issues of common concern. The Symposium featured the […]

Promoting Age Inclusivity

Promoting Age Inclusivity
October 7, 2023 | Jorge Concha Tagle, McDonnell Scholar The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Institute for Public Health and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy hosted an engaging workshop aimed at advancing understanding and promoting age inclusivity. The Center, housed at Washington University in St. Louis, is at the forefront of addressing the […]

Breaking Down Boundaries for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Breaking Down Boundaries for Interdisciplinary Collaboration
As diseases have no boundaries, interdisciplinary collaboration should not either October 6, 2023 | Ekua Mbrah Inkoom, McDonnell Scholar Professor Shanti Parikh began the Social Innovation session of the 2023 McDonnell International Scholars Academy Symposium on a strong note by asking, Are diseases creative and omnipresent, and why are we in siloed disciplines in academia? Our research, […]

Humanity, accountability, and teamwork

Humanity, accountability, and teamwork
October 5, 2023 | Loreina Hsien, McDonnell Scholar My biggest takeaway from the opening and keynote session is – humanity, accountability, and teamwork.  Laura Benoist, director of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, empowered us by sharing that it takes “people” to collaborate to reshape the world. As an educator and social worker, I have been trained to […]

McDonnell Scholar Voices: 2016 McDonnell Academy Symposium | Brisbane, Australia

McDonnell Scholar Voices: 2016 McDonnell Academy Symposium | Brisbane, Australia
Scholar Voices Symposium Edition is Scholar-driven content that sparks conversations and deepens connections within the McDonnell Academy, with our partners, and across the WashU community.  McDonnell Scholars shared insightful stories during 6th McDonnell Academy International Symposium in Brisbane, Australia, a three-day event of executive sessions, workshops, panel discussions and poster sessions featuring research from current McDonnell […]

McDonnell Scholar Voices: 2018 McDonnell Academy Symposium | Beijing, China

McDonnell Scholar Voices: 2018 McDonnell Academy Symposium | Beijing, China
Scholar Voices Symposium Edition is Scholar-driven content that sparks conversations and deepens connections within the McDonnell Academy, with our partners, and across the WashU community.  McDonnell Scholars shared insightful stories during the 7th McDonnell Academy International Symposium in Beijing, China, a three-day event of executive sessions, workshops, panel discussions and poster sessions featuring research from current […]

Academy Director connects with McDonnell alumni

Academy Director connects with McDonnell alumni
McDonnell Academy alumna Chuanmei Zhu, who earned her PhD in Plant and Microbial Bioscience from WashU in 2014, recently reconnected with Laura Benoist, director of the McDonnell Academy. Zhu currently serves as the VP of Data Science, Partnership, and Outreach at Premier Strategy Consulting, LLC. Her success is a testament to how McDonnell Academy graduates […]

Empowering women through gaming

Empowering women through gaming
Sherria Ayuandini, a devoted board game fan, frequently hosted game nights with the McDonnell Academy Scholars when she lived in St. Louis. Dr. Ayuandini is a McDonnell Academy alumnus and partner Scholar from the University of Indonesia. Her 30th birthday bash, a colossal game night, became the “highlight of her decade” as many Scholars joined […]

Spotlight on Global Health Research

Spotlight on Global Health Research
ICHAD Director Fred Ssewamala and Dr. Mary McKay discuss engaging adolescents in research and policy on Uganda’s morning show at NTV Professor Fred Ssewamala, renowned academic, McDonnell Academy Ambassador to Makerere University, and founding director of The International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD) was featured in the media as ICHAD organized an impactful […]

SAVE THE DATE: Global Research Symposium

SAVE THE DATE: Global Research Symposium
McDonnell Academy Global Research Symposium Forces Reshaping the World October 5-7, 2023Washington University in St. Louis The symposium will be held in person at Washington University in St. Louis. The events are free and open to the public. Registration will open soon. We are excited to resume these important symposia events in-person. The McDonnell Academy […]

McDonnell Academy cohort takes on New York City

McDonnell Academy cohort takes on New York City
Trips to Washington, D.C. and New York City over spring break have been a highlight of the McDonnell Scholars’ experience for over 15 years. In 2022, more than 50 Scholars resumed the trip to Washington DC after a pause due to the global pandemic. This spring, Scholars from two cohorts visited New York City to experience its lively […]

Bob Davis examines U.S.-China relationship

Bob Davis examines U.S.-China relationship
Wednesday, March 1, 4:30 PM Clark-Fox Forum in Hillman Hall Danforth Campus | Washington University in St. LouisView Program Bob Davis has covered U.S.-China relations since the 1990s when the two nations were working hard to strengthen their ties. In 2022, Davis retired from the Wall Street Journal as a senior editor in Washington DC […]

Foreign policy expert leads lecture on Putin

Foreign policy expert leads lecture on Putin
The 2023 S.T. Lee Lecture featured leading foreign policy expert, Dr. Fiona Hill, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. She was recently appointed as chancellor of Durham University, U.K. Hill has also served as the deputy assistant to the president and a former senior director for […]

Virtual mentorship provides insight and advice

Virtual mentorship provides insight and advice
This year, the McDonnell Academy Flash Mentoring sessions provided opportunities for engagement through a virtual model. Open to all McDonnell Academy Scholars and our alumni around the world, we hosted two sessions during the fall semester and plan to host more sessions in Spring 2023.  Scholars were able to chat one-on-one with multiple alumni about academics, career experiences, […]

MAPS Panel on Reproductive Rights provides insight

MAPS Panel on Reproductive Rights provides insight
On Monday, November 7th, McDonnell Scholars and guests gathered to discuss reproductive justice from gendered, legal, medical, and religious perspectives. Moderated by Dr. Stephanie Kirk, the panel included Professors Rachel Brown, PhD, Adrienne Davis, JD, Emily J. Dumler-Winkler, PhD, Jason T. Eberl, PhD, and Rachael Bradshaw, MS, CGC. Following the panel, McDonnell Scholars from varied […]

McDonnell Academy seed grants provide momentum for international collaboration

McDonnell Academy seed grants provide momentum for international collaboration
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Global Incubator Seed Grants. The program aims to stimulate high-impact research initiatives linking WashU faculty and international collaborators.   This year’s awards are made possible by the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and the Office of the Provost’s joint investment of nearly half […]

McDonnell Academy looking for its next cohort of emerging leaders

McDonnell Academy looking for its next cohort of emerging leaders
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 academic year. An internationally competitive graduate fellowship program, the McDonnell Academy awards financial support and leadership training to dynamic students with proven academic excellence and leadership potential while pursuing graduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis. The McDonnell Academy fellowship opportunity is open to prospective […]

$1.2 million NIHM funding to study depression among youth living with HIV in Uganda

$1.2 million NIHM funding to study depression among youth living with HIV in Uganda
Proscovia Nabunya, assistant professor at the Brown School and Co-Director of the International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD); and Patricia Cavazos-Rehg, professor of psychiatry at the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, have received a five-year $1.2 million research grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to address depression among youth living with […]

New leadership continues program momentum

New leadership continues program momentum
Nearly one hundred graduate and professional students are taking part in the interdisciplinary and intercultural programming offered through the McDonnell International Scholars Academy at WashU. The McDonnell Academy continues to evolve to meet the needs of its Scholars, attract new and talented graduate students to WashU, as well as leverage its international partnership network to […]

McDonnell Academy Welcomes 2022 Cohort of Scholars

McDonnell Academy Welcomes 2022 Cohort of Scholars
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy welcomes its 17th cohort of Scholars, including Scholars from 13 countries. The cohort consists of 22 dynamic Scholars, each of whom represents the many unique characteristics that contribute to the diversity of the Academy. The McDonnell Academy will have 99 Scholars in-residence at the start of the 2022-23 academic year. The McDonnell […]

Seed grants available to support faculty international collaborations

Seed grants available to support faculty international collaborations
Call for ProposalsGlobal Incubator Seed Grants Amount: up to $25,000 Deadline: August 15, 2022 The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is pleased to announce the second cycle of its Global Incubator Seed Grants Initiative. Our goal is to stimulate high-impact research projects in any discipline linking WashU faculty and international collaborators.  Proposals should include at least […]

Improving access to high-quality cancer care in Uganda

Improving access to high-quality cancer care in Uganda
Professors of radiation oncology at Washington University in St. Louis are teaming up with the Uganda Cancer Institute and Makerere University School of Medicine in Africa to modernize radiation therapy for cancer patients. WashU’s collaboration with the Uganda Cancer Institute is supported by the McDonnell Academy’s 2021 Global Incubator Seed Grant initiative. Makerere University is […]

Spring cohort trips back on track

Spring cohort trips back on track
McDonnell Scholars head to Washington Trips to Washington, D.C. and to New York City over spring break have been a highlight of the McDonnell Scholars’ experience since 2007. After a pause due to the global pandemic, this year’s programming resumed with a visit to the nation’s capital. More than 50 McDonnell Scholars from three cohorts […]

Wrighton Fellows gain personalized leadership coaching

Wrighton Fellows gain personalized leadership coaching
The Wrighton Leadership Fellows Program is intended to help motivated McDonnell Academy Scholars enhance their leadership capabilities in a way customized to their needs and career. The program provides personalized leadership coaching combined with a leadership experience, to help them build their leadership skills.  All McDonnell Scholars are eligible for this experience, with a focus […]

COVID-19 Seed Grant Initiative: One Year Progress Report

COVID-19 Seed Grant Initiative: One Year Progress Report
The McDonnell Academy COVID-19 Seed Grant Initiative reports positive outcomes in the first year since the project’s launch in October 2020. The initiative awarded $250,000 total to kick-start 10 research projects chosen from a highly competitive applicant pool, which included 34 WashU teams from six of the university’s schools and 23 partner institutions. The projects address the international social, […]

McDonnell Academy Call for Applications is now open!

McDonnell Academy Call for Applications is now open!
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 academic year. An internationally competitive graduate fellowship program, the McDonnell Academy awards financial support and leadership training to dynamic students with proven academic excellence and leadership potential while pursuing graduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis. The McDonnell Academy fellowship opportunity is open to prospective […]

CSD Researchers, International Team Receive 2020 Best Article Award

CSD Researchers, International Team Receive 2020 Best Article Award
The China Journal of Social Work has honored work by an international team of scholars with the 2020 Best Article award for their study on the rebirth of social work in mainland China. The international team includes scholars from Saint Louis University, Peking University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Washington University’s Center for Social Development. In a […]

McDonnell Academy Welcomes 2021 Cohort of Scholars

McDonnell Academy Welcomes 2021 Cohort of Scholars
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy will welcome its 16th cohort of Scholars as part of its incoming 2021-22 cohort, including Scholars from 13 countries. The cohort includes 26 dynamic Scholars who epitomize the many unique attributes that contribute to the diversity of our students and their academic disciplines. The McDonnell Academy will have 93 Scholars in-residence at the start of […]

Researchers keep international COVID-19 projects moving forward

Researchers keep international COVID-19 projects moving forward
The pandemic resulted in an incredibly challenging period for international research. Through it all, WashU researchers collaborating with colleagues around the world continued to innovate and demonstrate remarkable resiliency to keep their projects going and their connections strong. Our team remained steadfast in our shared research priorities as the pandemic continued. Michal Grinstein-Weiss, Shanti K. […]

WHO accepts COVID-19 reform recommendations from Harris Institute

WHO accepts COVID-19 reform recommendations from Harris Institute
A report on COVID-19 reforms convened by the Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute in the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, in partnership with the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, was submitted to a World Health Organization panel in preparation for a final report at a WHO meeting on pandemic preparedness. The […]

McDonnell Academy Launches Global Incubator Seed Grants Fund

McDonnell Academy Launches Global Incubator Seed Grants Fund
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is pleased to launch a new Global Incubator Seed Grants Fund. Our goal is to stimulate high-impact research projects in any discipline linking WashU faculty and international collaborators.  Proposals should include at least one international collaborator, with preference given to projects involving faculty from McDonnell Academy partner institutions (other institutions beyond that are […]

Ghiska Ramahdita wins Audience Choice Award

Ghiska Ramahdita wins Audience Choice Award
Ghiska Ramahdita, a McDonnell Scholar at the School of Engineering won the Audience Choice Award during the STC Reach Out Challenge final rounds, hosted by the Museum of Science, Boston. Using captivating imagery, videos, and props, Ghiska succinctly described her research about the effects of stiffening in heart tissues to a panel of science communication […]

Do US-China educational exchanges serve American interests?

Do US-China educational exchanges serve American interests?
Kurt Dirks, vice chancellor for international affairs and director of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy joined an expert panel of policymakers and education administrators to offer perspectives on the current state of U.S.-China educational exchanges and the future direction of such programs. The event was hosted by the John L. Thornton China Center at the […]

McDonnell Academy Alumni Panel Series

McDonnell Academy Alumni Panel Series
The McDonnell Academy has organized a special panel series featuring our Alumni. Our distinguished Scholars for Life will lead discussions on career insights and regional trends in their field, followed by a live Q&A from the audience.

Call for Proposals

Call for Proposals
Identifying and addressing the challenges of COVID-19 through artificial intelligence, technology, and big data Seed Grants: Up to three awards | Up to $25,000 each Deadline: February 26, 2021 The McDonnell International Scholars Academy and the Social Policy Institute (SPI) at Washington University in St. Louis are seeking proposals from Washington University researchers and international partners that identify and address the […]

Africa Initiative awards pilot grants

Africa Initiative awards pilot grants
In its second cycle, The Africa Initiative Pilot Grant Program, in partnership with the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and the Institute for Public Health, has awarded grants of up to $10,000 each to eight research projects. These grants will help WashU faculty initiate new collaborations with scholars at institutional partners in Africa. The level of […]

2019 Wrighton Leadership Fellow Awardees

2019 Wrighton Leadership Fellow Awardees
The McDonnell Academy admitted its first Scholars, selected in the fall of 2019 with programming to begin in the spring, who demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership potential in the Mark S. Wrighton Leadership Fellows Program.  Jae’s project seeks to develop a sustainability plan for the non-profit 501(c)3 global health organization Empower Through Health (ETH), for which he is […]

McDonnell Academy Call for Applications

McDonnell Academy Call for Applications
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is pleased to invite applications to its fellowship program for the 2021 academic year. Please share our CALL FOR APPLICATIONS by distributing via social media channels and encouraging interested students to attend one of our virtual information sessions. In these challenging times during the global pandemic, Washington University in St. Louis and […]

McDonnell Academy Fireside Chat

McDonnell Academy Fireside Chat
The McDonnell Academy Fireside Chat featured Victor AI, Olin alumnus and Founder & CEO of Terminus Group, and Kurt Dirks, Director, McDonnell International Scholars Academy, and Vice Chancellor for International Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis for a conversation and Q&A – From St. Louis to Beijing: The Story of How AI is Re-Imagining […]

8th McDonnell International Symposium

8th McDonnell International Symposium
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person proceedings of the 8th International Symposium will be postponed to fall 2021. We continue to hold virtual sessions throughout the fall. GLOBAL TOWN HALL: Hope in a Time of Uncertainty OCTOBER 8 | 2020 This event was conducted virtually via Zoom.  The first event of the McDonnell International […]

Global Town Hall Share Your Thoughts

Global Town Hall Share Your Thoughts
MCDONNELL INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS ACADEMY Global Town Hall: Hope in a Time of Uncertainty  Answer the question: What gives you hope for the future? Contribute a short video message, or Share a written response Video Guidelines & Submission: Your video should be less than 60 seconds in length. Create your video. Upload your video using the online form […]

Global Town Hall Ask the Speakers

Global Town Hall Ask the Speakers
MCDONNELL INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS ACADEMY Global Town Hall: Hope in a Time of Uncertainty  Submit your questions to any of the speakers.  Guidelines for video submission: You may submit a question via video upload using the online form in the link below. You can hold a sign with the question in addition to asking the question on […]

McDonnell Academy Photo Contest

McDonnell Academy Photo Contest
Hope and Resilience Around the World Deadline: September 15, 2020 The McDonnell Academy invites photo submissions on the theme of “Hope and Resilience Around the World” from any of the Academy’s partner universities. Share your images of how people around the globe are adapting to and thriving amidst today’s challenges and crises, and what gives […]

Global Town Hall

Global Town Hall
Hope in a Time of Uncertainty OCTOBER 8 | 2020 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM (CST) This event will be conducted virtually via Zoom  Register Today The burden of the global pandemic on health systems, economies, and societies has been the most disruptive force in 2020.  It has brought into sharper focus other problems such […]

McDonnell Scholars enjoy eclipse with John McDonnell

McDonnell Scholars enjoy eclipse with John McDonnell
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the 2017 total solar eclipse, was experienced by McDonnell Scholars and guests at the home of Mr. John F. McDonnell, founding benefactor of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.  The Scholars, Chancellor and Mrs. Wrighton, and Mr. and Mrs. McDonnell, along with other invited family and guests enjoyed […]

McDonnell Academy EVENTS

The McDonnell Academy organizes special seminars, retreats and other events. Our distinguished Scholars, politicians and analysts lead discussions on political, cultural and economic issues in the United States and the broader world.