Enduring partnerships with leading local institutions inform our work globally while illustrating the essential role our global connections play in our work at home.
The Living Earth Collaborative at WashU exemplifies this dynamic, bringing together three world-class St. Louis institutions to advance the knowledge of biodiversity and to ensure the future of earth’s species in their many forms.
Our researchers also are seeking new methods to ensure clean air and water on the planet. Engineers are employing sophisticated technology that includes global modeling to produce satellite-based estimates of fine particulate matter, the leading environmental risk factor for premature mortality worldwide. With collaborators from Canada and around the world, they inform major policy for agencies such as the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
These projects, and other substantial research with North American collaborators underway, move individuals and communities closer to a healthy, more sustainable environment where everyone near and far can thrive.
It’s the local to global connection that really helps the projects get to the next level; the ideas, the concepts and work flow bi-directionally. Local projects and being able to work right here in our own community is what helps makes a difference not only here but all around the world.
Victor G. Davila-Roman, MD, Director, Global Health Center
Research excellence
Strengthened by our networks in North America, WashU researchers are addressing critical needs in the areas of public health, environment and climate change.
The world’s top minds in the field of biodiversity are working with an international collaborative, based at WashU, that transcends geographic and political boundaries to address the most pressing issues facing humankind – the ability to sustain life on earth.
Through transdisciplinary programs and partnerships, the Global Health Center at WashU advances health equity at home and around the world.
Remote sensing and global modeling key to understanding pollution
Randall V. Martin is a world-renown expert in atmospheric composition and a pioneer in using global modeling to produce satellite-based estimates of fine particulate matter, the leading environmental risk factor for premature mortality worldwide.
More research stories
Living Earth Collaborative helps ensure future for humanity
The twin threats of climate change and loss of biodiversity on Earth are mobilizing scientists and policy makers to help ensure a future for humanity. The stakes could not be higher. This is the key message of the Living Earth Collaborative at WashU.
Improving nutrition for children in Haiti, Ecuador, and beyond
Having worked in Haiti for more than 30 years, Lora Iannotti has witnessed the country’s dire health problems and specifically, the lack of young child nutrition in resource-poor settings.
Exploring the history of electricity in Mexico City
In her award-winning book, Diana Montaño explores the perspectives of users of electricity on the ground—people and their ambitions in how they employ technologies.
Education and outreach
A shared understanding of ourselves and our neighbors unites us in powerful ways. WashU’s partnerships with Canada and Mexico have produced groundbreaking studies and educational exchanges, among other programs that cross borders to bring the world to our campus.
Students experience global culture and perspectives through engagement with the university’s diverse community, comprised of more than 4,700 international students. Many of these students come from Canada, consistently ranked among the top five countries of origin for international students.
At home in St. Louis, we celebrate our diverse global community with student-run productions including Lunar New Year and Diwali festivals. Several departments and programs, such as Global Studies and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, foster a rich dialogue on global issues and host distinguished speakers on campus. World-renowned ethologist Jane Goodall and foreign policy expert Fiona Hill are two recent visitors.
Programs and partnerships
Offering fundamental skills relevant to Global Studies, this First-Year Ampersand Program examines what it means to be a citizen of the world, challenging its participants to engage in both demanding texts and real-life scenarios. This two-semester course sequence led by three instructors from different disciplines will equip you to think critically and holistically about how our own mental maps compare to the realities of a globalized world, as well as how language plays a role in refugee resettlement within the legal, healthcare, and educational systems. In the second semester, you will engage in a community-based learning project in which you partner with a local organization to explore tangible ways to foster and practice solidarity within the St. Louis community.
Program learning for our EMBA program extends far beyond WashU’s classroom walls. Leadership is the focus of three residency experiences—GO! Week, the Business of Policy: DC Immersion at the Brookings Institution and the International Residency. Each residency expands leadership understanding and strengthens relationships with EMBA faculty and peers.
Most successful leaders can point to a handful of “defining moments” in their careers – key choice points that defined the trajectory of their character, their career, and/or their company. In this new program, offered to BSBA students, top executives from leading companies will share their “defining moments” during a 10-day program in Mexico City.
Bringing the world to WashU
Many different centers and programs present signature events and conferences on campus that foster a rich dialogue about world affairs. In fall 2022, Jane Goodall made St. Louis a stop on her national tour to share her ‘tenacious authenticity’ and empower us to work together on behalf of our planet.
More education stories
Crossing borders, bridging divides
Using novels and readings from all over the world, an Arts & Sciences course teaches students to look at the stories that exist on both sides of a geopolitical line.
Assembly Series reimagined
The Assembly Series, Washington University’s signature lecture series, enjoys a long and rich tradition. Since 1953, the series has presented more than 1,000 of the most important voices of our time and has featured leaders and visionaries who have helped shape our history.
Bringing the world to WashU
WashU invites distinguished speakers from around the globe to address scientific, social, economic, medical, and other challenges in the local, national, and international environments.
Alumni networks and impact
International networks support WashU alumni, students, families, and friends by offering opportunities to socialize, network, and share memories. We welcome you to reach out, make new connections, and build on your lifelong connection with WashU.
WashU CNX is the university’s online networking platform where alumni and current students share experiences and expertise, ask questions, find answers, and help each other grow. They make meaningful connections every day.
NETWORK CONTACT
Tami Holder
Executive Director, International Advancement Programs
Emerging leader: Stephanie Willerth
In 2020, like many of her colleagues around the world, Professor Stephanie Willerth, MS ‘08, PhD ’08, looked to her own expertise for ways to help address the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic. She came up with an innovative idea that protected frontline health care workers from exposure to the virus: 3D printed medical-grade face shields.
More alumni stories
Flying smart
A love of logistics and learning about the world leads Michael Holtz to create a new kind of luxury travel company. First comes the thrill. A trip to the Hershey chocolate factory — what greater wonder at age 5? At 7, a flight to London, with the big clock and the solemn Beefeaters in their fuzzy black […]
Woman the Hunter: WashU alums collaborate to challenge gender stereotypes of early humans
A Scientific American cover story by anthropology alumnae Cara Ocobock and Sarah Lacy, both PhD ’14, shows the power of collaboration, then and now. An early human hurls a spear at an antelope and tracks the wounded animal across the African savanna. Do you have a clear picture of the hunter in mind? Perhaps she’s […]
Teaching beyond the call: Andia Augustin-Billy
In October 2021, Andia Augustin-Billy, MA ’09, PhD ’15, became the first Black faculty member to receive tenure at Centenary College of Louisiana in its 196-year history.
Latest news in North America
Explore our impact in other regions
No single map can reflect all global perspectives. The country borders on this map do not reflect the official policy of Washington University in St. Louis or any specific government.