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

body Fluorescent lights hummed above Marissa Scavuzzo, PhD, as she observed live gut tissue under a microscope—one of the many windows into the hidden world of glial cells. Her lab—among…, Once a week, the School of Medicine assistant professor swaps her lab coat for a backpack of pipettes and petri dishes and heads across town to a Cleveland Metropolitan School District classroom, where—through Rise Up, the nonprofit she co-created—…, Initially a postdoctoral protégé of institute director Paul Tesar, PhD (CWRU ’03)—and now his faculty colleague—Scavuzzo has her own lab focusing on the enteric nervous system, the “brain in your gut.” Her early promise earned two prestigious honors: a Howard Hughes Medical Institute…, Quick Facts ​​Biggest influence: Caffeine   On my playlist: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker for my 3-year-old   Occupational hazard: My shoes almost always have holes in them from overuse   Morning…, “Marissa lit up and said, ‘That’s a great question—what do you want to know?’ The whole room buzzed; suddenly no topic felt out of bounds.” When scientists treat those questions as real research problems, Perhay said, “engagement peaks.” From idea to impact Rise Up can quantify the change…
As the leaves turn and days are becoming cooler, Cleveland will transform into a vibrant tapestry of fall colors and seasonal festivities. For families visiting during Parent and Family Weekend (Oct. 9-12)—which coincides with Homecoming and Reunion Weekend this year—the city offers a…
After a summerlike stretch that kept the canopy stubbornly green, cooler nights are finally on the way—and with them, the rush of autumn color. By mid-October, Northeast Ohio should be glowing at its peak, but the change happens fast once temperatures dip. That means now’s the time to map…
Fall has officially arrived in Cleveland, and in northeast Ohio, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season.  At Case Western Reserve University, the campus lawns and quads are starting to show hints of fall, while the rest of Northeast Ohio is on track for a full display of…
As fall continues and evenings grow crisp, Lake Erie’s shoreline offers some of Cleveland’s most breathtaking views. Watching the sun dip below the horizon is free, timeless and perfect for a quick escape from Case Western Reserve University.  Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo…
National Coffee Day (Sept. 29) is the perfect excuse to step off campus and explore Cleveland’s vibrant coffee scene. Sometimes the library just doesn’t cut it, and a change of scenery—or a stronger cup of coffee—can be exactly what you need to power through assignments, write that essay, or…
For generations, students have arrived at Case Western Reserve University with big ambitions and bold goals—drawn by the university’s rigorous academics, vibrant research culture, and the opportunities found in a city as dynamic as Cleveland. Now, that student perspective is echoed on a…, Life in Cleveland 1,000+ arts, culture and humanities nonprofits in the greater Cleveland area 23,000…, Opportunities in Cleveland Emma Lin With nationally ranked hospitals, a thriving arts scene, and employers like NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland gives students access to careers and culture. “I’m intending to go to medical school,…, Life at CWRU 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio at CWRU 85% of students do research—often starting in their…, A place for dreams to grow Dante Barchiese For many, CWRU allows them to combine passions.  “The fact that I can study biomedical engineering here—but also do something more specialized like mechanical engineering and get hands-on…
Football has long been a unifying force in American culture, bringing fans, players and communities together around a shared passion. The game’s impact reaches far beyond the field—fostering connection, tradition and a sense of belonging. As the Case Western Reserve University Spartans (0-1…
September in Cleveland is a time when the city begins to shift into fall. The air feels fresher, the trees start to change color, and the pace of the city invites you to step outside and explore.  Whether you’re looking to take a break from studying, enjoy a weekend adventure, or…
The semester may just be getting started, but Clevelanders know what’s coming: lake-effect snow, icy winds and the kind of cold that makes you rethink leaving your bed. Before winter takes over, savor the best flavors and outdoor vibes the city has to offer.  From seasonal scoops to…