In 2020, so much about what we know to be normal came to a grinding halt for the Washington University in St. Louis community. One week in March, we were looking ahead to a spring “break,” then suddenly it was a hiatus lasting a couple of months that turned into a way of life. A sea change that no one really saw coming. Yet the work of the university went on as the pandemic spilled into 2021.

Our community worked together to maintain a safe and productive educational environment. The department adhered to health and safety guidelines; our instructors and their assistants found new ways to teach, both in person and remotely; and our staff made sure we all had the tools and support we needed.

Faculty members in the department were awarded 19 grants from NASA, DOE, NSF, and other agencies. A major renovation of the Crow building got underway.  We hired three new faculty as part of the university's Digital Transformation Initiative, and look forward to welcoming them to our department next summer.

Despite the challenges, we've had a successful year.