commencement

Anthony Wexler draws energy and inspiration from his students—perhaps because he remembers what it feels like to be a college-aged student, out on his own for the first time. “For me, it was a time of such intense exploration—a period in my life when I was becoming increasingly conscious and…

Aside from his incredible knowledge, talent and experience in the world of physics, Cyrus Taylor, the Albert A. Michelson Professor in Physics, is admired by students for his humbleness, enthusiasm and dedication. “I most value his empathy,” one student nominator wrote. “Particularly in the midst…

Major: Civil engineeringProgram: BS/MSYear: Senior In its 2021 report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the United States a C rating for the structural integrity of its bridges. Luke Traverso, who is graduating from CWRU with his bachelor’s in civil engineering this weekend, has…

The speed at which Ashley Nemes-Baran has connected with her students is almost unheard of. Nemes-Baran, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosciences, started teaching at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine just last fall. Not only is Nemes-Baran new to Case Western…

“To create a just city within myself: If I live by anything, I live by that moment.” This motto, inspired by an excerpt in the ninth book of Plato’s Republic, defines Gabrielle “Brie” Parkin’s approach to teaching, mentoring and living an impactful life. “The just city within myself says, if I…

As part of Case Western Reserve University’s commencement plans, a virtual photo booth has been created to help students and families feel connected to campus, even if they’re far away. The photo booth is a free service and anyone can access it. To use the service, upload a picture of yourself…

Jessica Fox “makes scientists,” but her approach to mentoring focuses on a student’s entire well-being, not just their scientific knowledge. “Life happens and you can’t put it on hold to do your PhD,” Fox said. So Fox, an associate professor in the Department of Biology, adapts her mentoring…

When Daniel Goldmark was a first-year undergraduate student, he felt confused about his future. Having just switched his major from botany to music, Goldmark took a chance and reached out to one of his professors in search of some much-needed guidance. “Even though he wasn’t my official academic…

After 20 years in industry, Philip A. Cola pursued what he remembers as the “most difficult professional decision that I had to make in my life:” leaving his executive-level career in health care research to follow his passion to become a professor at his alma mater. Now Cola uses his teaching to…

In each of his anatomy classes, Andrew “Andy” Crofton tailors his teaching method to the students as individuals—a style they say creates an environment in which they feel respected and motivated to achieve at their highest level. It's among the many reasons Crofton, assistant professor of anatomy…