The Year in Review: Top CAS Moments of 2023
In 2023, College of Arts and Sciences faculty, students, departments, and centers are working on research with real-life implications. The creativity on campus has been inspirational: books published, music and theatre performed, grants received, and breakthroughs across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Read ahead for just a few of the highlights at CAS this year!
Changemaking Work
Tracy Weitz’s Groundbreaking Appointment to Committee on Reproductive Health, Equity, and Society
AU’s pioneering expert on abortion will advise on reproductive health in the United States.
With a New Name and Transformative Gifts, AU’s Center for Israel Studies Turns 25
Gifts from the Meltzer and Schwartzberg families were announced at the Center’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Student Research on Impacts of Pollution and Climate Change
Environmental Science students are working this summer to better understand forces harming ecosystems.
On the Road: AU's Humanities Truck
AU’s Humanities Truck is mobilizing the Humanities for a better DC and a better world.
Food Matters: DC Ward 7 Shoppers Spin-to-Win for Better Health
AU’s Department of Health Studies brings nutrition expertise and tips to DC shoppers.
Thirteen Years of Breaking Boundaries: AU's Feminist Art History Conference
AU’s conference fosters broad dialogue with art history scholars from around the world.
Creativity at Work
Elyn Zimmerman’s Sudama Sculpture Unveiled on AU’s Campus
Sculptural installation gifted by National Geographic Society enhances campus with stunning reflecting pool and granite boulders.
Award-Winning Author Patricia Park Talks about “Imposter Syndrome”
Assistant Professor publishes her first young adult novel about what it’s really like to grow up in today’s world.
Singer-Songwriters' Hub Makes its Mark on AU’s Music Scene
AU’s newest music ensemble empowers students’ creativity and collaboration.
"Damn Things Will Kill Ya," a Play Written and Produced at AU
An interview with writer Olivia Luzquinos (CAS ‘23) and cast member Professor Tara Giordano.
Research Excellence
2023 Mathias Student Research Conference
Excellence in scholarship and creative works awarded to students across CAS.
Transforming the Food System to Serve All
Grant of $2.8M from Novo Nordisk Inc. to American University will address food security in DC’s Wards 7 and 8.
New Tool May Help Scientists Better Understand Stress
Professor of Chemistry Alexander Zestos’ new sensor rapidly measures cortisol levels and holds promise of advancing scientific understanding of stress and anxiety.
Raychelle Burks Receives Inaugural Cottrell Scholar Award
Burks named “one of six women who are changing chemistry as we know it.”
Well Deserved Recognition
CAS Professors Honored with American University Faculty Awards
CAS faculty win Scholar/Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Teaching, and Fostering Collaborative Scholarship Awards.
CRGC Students Make Impressive Showing at University Award Ceremony
Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture students honored with seven university awards.
Professor of Economics Amos Golan Named Fellow at AAAS
American Association for the Advancement of Science names Golan as 2022 Fellow.
Elizabeth Rule’s Indigenous DC Wins AES Outstanding Book Award
Association for Ethnic Studies honors book by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Rule (enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation) with highest scholarly award.