SLU School of Science and Engineering

Saint Louis University remembers Gregory Comer, Ph.D. (1962-2026)

Comer joined the University in 1993 as a physics professor, and played a key role in shaping the undergraduate physics program, mentoring students and advancing research in astrophysics and gravitational theory throughout his career. He was known for his dedication to students, his ability to make complex ideas accessible and his passion for discovery.

Read more: https://loom.ly/0vT2uFk

The 2026 Air Race Classic is officially underway! Three SLU pilots — Jocelyn Ciotti, Sydney Nimerick, and Bella Castro — are competing in the all-women, daylight-only air race that dates back nearly 100 years. They're currently en route on day one of the competition, where they'll be flying 2,500 miles across nine states. Listen to their full interview with KMOX this morning: https://loom.ly/EvJzGpM

Check their progress on the race course here -- Team 42 The Billiken Blues: https://loom.ly/2SCcdw8

SLU is heading to the skies! We're cheering on three incredible student pilots as they compete in the 2026 Air Race Classic from June 23–26.
Jocelyn Ciotti, Sydney Nimerick, and Bella Castro from the Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science will race across a 2,500-mile course, making stops in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin before finishing in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Follow their journey and track the race live: slu.edu/news/2026/june/air-race-classic.php

🌟 SSE Researcher Spotlight 🌟
Congratulations to Sahin Ozdemir, Ph.D., Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering!

SLU + “Blue” 🐋

Physics professor Jean Potvin, Ph.D., is serving as scientist in residence as part of the Saint Louis Science Center’s new traveling exhibition, “The Blue Whale Story.”

Featuring a life-sized replica of “Blue,” an 80-foot-long female blue whale skeleton, the exhibition offers a deeper understanding of these incredible animals and their impact on our oceans and even the St. Louis community.

Visit the Saint Louis Science Center to experience “The Blue Whale Story” and see SLU research in action. The exhibition is on view through January.

Learn more about the exhibition: https://loom.ly/vs9Hs4k

Started 87th. Finished 53rd. Completed EVERY mission.

The SLU Aerodynamic Design Team showed up in Wichita, Kansas for the 2026 Design, Build, Fly competition and made serious moves. Big thanks to the org's sponsors and supporters — none of this happens without you. We can't wait to see what this team does next. 👀✈️

Congratulations to Dr. Nan Chen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, on her latest NSF award! 🎉

In search of summer plans? Venture to the Saint Louis Science Center to learn how blue whales contribute to clean water systems! 🐋💧 Visit Dr. Jean Potvin — SLU physicist, whale enthusiast, and Scientist in Residence — at The Blue Whale Story exhibit every Monday & Friday from 12–3pm at the Saint Louis Science Center!
Learn more: https://loom.ly/o3vZBe4