At the tenth annual School of Medicine “Seeds of Discovery” White Coat Ceremony, held on Friday, Aug. 26, Vice Dean for Graduate Education, Marvin Nieman, PhD welcomed 124 incoming students beginning their biomedical research training as doctoral students.
Dean of the School of Medicine, Stan Gerson emphasized the opportunities as well as the responsibilities of receiving the white coat marking the next phase of the students’ careers.
“You will uncover knowledge that did not exist before you entered the lab—you will shape future thinking with your experiments—you will create concepts that will be outlined in textbooks … and so much more,” he said. “With that opportunity, there is a huge responsibility which demands integrity, drive, a passion for research and discovery, and a questioning mind—to move discovery science forward requiring an open mind and a willing spirit so be ready to ask what if? and embrace the opportunity!”
David Macinga, PhD, Vice President of Product Development & Regulatory Affairs at GOJO Industries, an alumnus of the School of Medicine gave the keynote address, and Biomedical Graduate Student Organization President Rachel Gowen provided reflections.
Each student received their coat from the department chairs, followed by closing remarks by second-year PhD student Jerrik Rydbom.
The Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine congratulates this new cohort of scientists!
Watch a recording of the PhD White Coat Ceremony.