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Alaina Bartel

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As director of university communications, Alaina Bartel leads a team responsible for driving impactful university-wide communications at CWRU. 

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Recent News Articles

A sisterly bond: How CWRU deepened one pair of siblings’ connection

Isabela and Maya Carroll are, in their words, comically different. Growing up, Maya, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, didn’t just look different from her sister—she was drawn to completely different interests as well. “She loves math; I’m terrible at it,” Isabela said. “I was all about…

Exploring Earth’s history: Meet two CWRU geology students

Geology is more than just studying rocks—it’s about understanding the history of our planet, from shifting continents to ancient climates. For two Case Western Reserve University students, Patricia Carrig and Takele Mihretie, this field has taken them from classrooms to remote landscapes, where…

Hidden figures: Celebrating women's influence across centuries

Ever wondered what the space race, modern programming and household appliances like the dishwasher have in common? Each was shaped by women—just some of the many whose contributions have been overlooked throughout history. Women—including Ada Lovelace; Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and…

The science behind ice baths and polar plunges—are they truly beneficial?

For athletes, wellness enthusiasts and even casual gym-goers, the idea of plunging into an ice-cold bath after an intense workout has become increasingly popular. But beyond post-exercise recovery, the practice of cold immersion has deep roots in winter traditions. Each February, thousands…

The role of Super Bowl commercials in shaping consumer culture

Super Bowl commercials have long been a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations, laughter and even debate on social media in real time. But as technology and consumer habits evolve, so too do advertisers’ strategies. On Sunday (Feb. 9), this tradition will continue as millions worldwide tune in…

Cooking up solutions: How one research study is supporting local kids with T1 diabetes

Managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can often feel overwhelming—and that’s especially true for children and their caregivers. That’s where Case Western Reserve University’s Diabetes Inspired Culinary Education (DICE) study comes into play, offering a new way to approach T1D care and education…

Frozen in time: A look back on Cleveland’s most historic snowstorms—plus photos from University Archives

Clevelanders are no strangers to the impact of winter weather. And this winter is no exception—lake effect snow has made for a harsh season so far, with Lake Erie’s warming temperatures and cold winds from the west combining to blanket the city’s far east side repeatedly. But what does history…

Winter break reads: Recommendations from CWRU faculty and staff

As winter break approaches, many in the Case Western Reserve University community are looking forward to a well-earned pause from the semester’s demands. Whether you're curled up by a fire, traveling to visit loved ones, or simply savoring some downtime, it's the perfect opportunity to immerse…

Holiday traditions around the globe: How the CWRU community celebrates

As the year winds down and the holidays continue, many students, faculty and staff at Case Western Reserve University are reflecting on their own seasonal traditions, whether they’re celebrating with family back home or creating new memories with friends here in Cleveland. This December, we’…

How climate change is worsening hurricanes

As climate change accelerates, hurricanes are becoming more intense and destructive, bringing heavier rains, stronger winds and devastating storm surges. Hurricanes Helene and Milton serve as stark examples of this—both storms grew stronger due to the warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico and left…