When George Washington University Anthropology Professor Richard Roy Grinker’s daughter was diagnosed with autism at age 2, he worked tirelessly to understand the mysteries surrounding this complex developmental disorder that occurs in about one out of 100 people. He became an authority on the subject and wrote a critically acclaimed book that has stirred both interest and controversy. Grinker's research is part of a larger effort in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences that includes work by Psychology Professor Lawrence Rothblat and Speech and Hearing Sciences Professor Francys Subiaul. Both are participating in grant-funded studies of causes and potential treatment. 
Individuals seeking to integrate their interests in science, economics, law, and policy with their concern for the environment are finding their niche in the Environmental Resource Policy (ENRP) graduate program. And, through an exciting new partnership with the Department of Energy, ENRP students will be traveling to the Southwest region of the United States next semester to gain hands-on experience and directly participate in policy solutions. 
How about a course on pirates? Or Washington sex scandals? Or whether blogs and Twitter represent the last gasp for diary writing? These unique courses are just a few of the specialized learning experiences offered to Columbian College freshmen each semester through the Dean’s Seminars—each of which provides opportunities to explore significant academic issues with accomplished faculty in classes limited to 20 students.
Students with both architectural and artistic passion will find inspiration from Stephanie Travis, the director of Columbian College’s Interior Design program. In her new role, she is creating a dynamic learning environment for not only undergraduates but also graduate students who hold degrees in fields other than interior design and are now looking for a new outlet to channel their creative talent.
Energy is among the hot-button topics of our national dialogue. It is also the research focus for a number of faculty members, whose research ranges from batteries and fuel cells to nuclear storage and solar energy conversion. Faculty members and graduate students spend hours in labs testing and recording results, supported by grants that enable year-round research both on campus and at top facilities around the world. Click on each of the following bullets to read more about the exciting work they do. Political Science graduate student Colm Fox received a Matsushita International Foundation grant for research on decentralization in Indonesia and a Fulbright language grant to study advanced Indonesian.
Yasmin Yaver, BA '05, is building the University's Latino Alumni Association.
Political Science Professors Sarah Binder and Forrest Maltzman have written a new book, Advice and Dissent: The Struggle to Shape the Federal Judiciary.
President Obama nominated History Professor Adele Logan Alexander to the National Council on the Humanities.
Katey Bruno, a senior Chemistry major, was one of 46 national winners of the National Consortium for Measurement and Signature Intelligence Research Scholars Program competition, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to undergraduates.
Interior Design student William Winebrenner was spotlighted in the article "Hot Talent" in the September/October issue of Home and Design magazine.
Edited by Chester Hartman and Gregory D. Squires, professors of Sociology (2009). The book is a compilation of writings from sociologists, housing experts, public policy leaders and others who take a broad look at integration policies over the decades, chronicling the successes, failures and the future of integration initiatives. 
Chad Heap, professor of American Studies (2009). Chad Heap's latest history book looks at "slumming:" the practice of whites traveling to nightspots frequented by minorities, and how it eventually transformed racial and sexual norms and attitudes throughout the United States. 
James Miller, chair of the Department of American Studies (2009). James Miller looks at the cultural repercussions from the infamous 1931 trial in Scottsboro, Ala., when nine black youths were convicted of raping two white women. The evidence was suspect and contradictory, but eight of the youths were sentenced to death. The case influenced authors, filmmakers and politicians, and still resonates years later. 
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