We are pleased to announce two new leadership appointments in the Graduate Education Office.
Jessica C. Taylor, PhD, has been named assistant dean for master’s and certificate programs, and David Lodowski, PhD, has been named assistant dean for PhD programs. In these roles, they will help advance the School of Medicine’s graduate education mission by strengthening academic programs, supporting students and enhancing trainee success.
Jessica joined the Department of Physiology and Biophysics in 2020 and serves as associate professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and in the Center for Medical Education, as well as associate director of the Master of Science in Medical Physiology (MSMP) Program. Since becoming associate director in 2024, she has helped lead major revisions to the MSMP curriculum, including the addition of a second one-year pathway and expanded opportunities for students through external institutional linkages. Jessica’s research focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly on factors that influence student outcomes through precision education.
David has been part of Case Western Reserve University since 2005, beginning as a postdoc in the laboratory of Krzysztof Palczewski. He was appointed assistant professor in the Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics in 2012 and currently is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition. Since 2022, he has served as director of the Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP) with a data-driven approach to admissions and student assessment and a focus on strengthening graduate training and student success.
In reflecting on his new appointment, David shared, “I look forward to building on our Graduate Education Office's strong foundation of innovation. Centering our work on trainee advocacy and mentorship, data-driven assessment, and tailored academic and professional development ensures every trainee is supported and equipped to excel in their post-PhD careers.”
Jessica reflected on her new role, “I am most excited to broaden the circle of people with whom I interact, learn from them, and hopefully bring a fresh perspective to their programs that will help them grow and flourish.”
Please join us in congratulating Jessica and David on these important appointments.
Sincerely,
Stan Gerson, MD
Dean and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Mark Jackson, PhD, MBA
Vice Dean for Graduate Education
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
