Unlocking Potential: How One American University is Shaping the Future Through Remarkable Contributions

Universities in the U.S. are facing serious challenges. Funding cuts, higher endowment taxes, and new restrictions for international students are just a few of the issues at play. This has led to a decline in public confidence in higher education. A Gallup poll from 2015 showed that 57% of Americans trusted universities. By 2024, that number had dropped significantly to just 36%.

Despite these challenges, it’s crucial to remember how much American universities contribute to our lives through research. For example, groundbreaking projects over the last 75 years have shaped fields like healthcare, space exploration, and social sciences.

As a long-time professor at Washington University in St. Louis, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of research. Let’s explore a few key contributions:

The **Human Genome Project** is often called “the most important biomedical research undertaking of the 20th century.” It decoded the human genome, significantly advancing our understanding of diseases like cancer and heart disease. Much of this work was done by teams here at Washington University, and as President Bill Clinton noted in 2000, this knowledge has unlocked new possibilities for healing.

When it comes to space exploration, Washington University is also a leader. Research teams have successfully landed rovers on Mars, allowing us to explore the planet up close. Iconic missions like Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance have all relied on the expertise of Washington University scientists. These missions pave the way for future manned trips to Mars, expected in the next decade.

The medical school at Washington University has had its own significant advancements. For instance, the PSA blood test for prostate cancer was developed here in the 1980s. More recently, researchers are nearing a breakthrough in a blood test that could detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. These tests give patients better chances of tackling health issues more effectively.

Beyond health, there has been important research in understanding economic hardships in the U.S. A study from the School of Social Work shows that many Americans will experience poverty at some point in their lives. Shockingly, two-thirds will rely on social safety nets, and four-fifths will experience economic insecurity. An innovative online poverty risk calculator has been created, helping individuals estimate their likelihood of falling into poverty in coming years. This work is especially relevant given today’s political discussions surrounding social program funding.

These examples represent just a small fraction of the valuable research being done at American universities—not just in one institution, but across hundreds of campuses nationwide. This research enriches our understanding and benefits everyone.

As we face uncertainty in higher education, it’s vital to recognize these contributions. Universities are at the heart of innovation and progress in our society. Their decline would be a considerable loss for all Americans, and jeopardizing their potential is something we should avoid at all costs.

Mark R. Rank is a professor at Washington University in St. Louis and the author of *The Random Factor: How Chance and Luck Profoundly Shape Our Lives and the World Around Us*.

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mars, rover (space exploration), perseverance (rover)