/news/ en /news/fresh-air-low-cost-cheap-or-free-ways-get-outdoors-september Fresh air, low cost: Cheap (or free) ways to get outdoors this September Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Thu, 09/11/2025 - 11:44 University News Alaina Bartel Fri, 09/12/2025 - 07:00 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 simply get some fresh air after a long day at work, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors without spending much—if anything at all. From forested trails to historic walks, here are some of the best cheap or free ways to make the most of the season. Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails Explore scenic trails, waterfalls, and wooded paths. Perfect for short hikes or a picnic. Rocky River Reservation trails (inland sections)  Avoid the lakefront paths and enjoy forested trails, rolling hills, and wildlife spotting. Brecksville Reservation Hike moderate trails through forests and meadows. Great for early fall foliage and quiet walks. Shaker Lakes trails  Loop around the lakes and wooded paths in University Circle. Ideal for jogging, walking, or birdwatching. Hinckley Reservation  A bit further out, but worth it for expansive trails, scenic overlooks, and the chance to see the famous Hinckley Bog. Lakeview Cemetery walking tour  Explore historic architecture and gardens on foot; it’s free and surprisingly peaceful. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail  Walk or bike along wooded stretches, bridges, and small towns. Mill Stream Run Reservation Follow quiet forested trails with streams and small waterfalls. A hidden gem for a weekend adventure. Cleveland Metroparks golf courses and paths  Even if you don’t golf, many paths around courses are open for walking or running. Local urban greenways and neighborhood trails  Check out smaller trails such as the Big Creek Reservation or Lower Big Creek trail networks for easy, budget-friendly escapes. Tags Cleveland campuswide Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:44:46 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 95657 at /news /news/get-support-navigating-work-life-balance-free-247-services-through-cwrus-employee-assistance-program Get support navigating work-life balance with free, 24/7 services through CWRU’s employee assistance program Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Mon, 09/08/2025 - 15:11 Available to all benefits-eligible employees, services include mental health counseling, lifestyle management and more Featured Katie Laux Tue, 09/09/2025 - 06:00 Managing work tasks and responsibilities at home is a difficult balancing act at the best of times. Add in uncertainty or other outside stressors and day-to-day life can be thrown completely out of balance.  �Ӱ���Ƶ’s employee assistance program, AllOne Health (formerly IMPACT Solutions), has a wide range of resources to help navigate life’s challenges, whether you’re in need of the best child care solution or want to talk through mental health concerns with a qualified professional. Offered free of charge, all benefits-eligible faculty and staff members—and members of their households—can access AllOne Health’s resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including in-the-moment counseling with a qualified master’s- or doctoral-level mental health professional. Support through AllOne Health is not tied to insurance and does not require payment. Each employee and their immediate family members (spouse/partner, dependents 26 and younger, parents/parents-in-law, household members) can receive up to five counseling sessions per distinctly new pressing issues per year. Accessing an in-the-moment counselor does not count toward the five sessions. AllOne Health providers can assist with such topics as: Depression and anxiety; Burnout and other work stress; Personal finance and legal questions; Nutrition and fitness; Chemical dependency and abuse; Retirement coaching; and Marital matters and divorce. Individuals also can get referrals for child care and elder care resources. An online portal, available to all faculty and staff members, can be accessed at any time for recorded sessions and articles.  AllOne Health regularly offers webinars and classes on a variety of topics. Upcoming sessions include navigating change and collective trauma. Past sessions have explored budgeting, setting boundaries and overcoming anger. Watch recordings of these sessions and more. Want to access resources? Call 1.800.227.6007 or visit the AllOne Health online portal for recorded sessions, articles and more. Log-in information is available on the Human Resources website. AllOne Health by the numbers 24/7 in-the-moment support by phone 835 AllOne Health providers in Cuyahoga County 12+ AllOne Health areas of expertise (from burnout to parenting issues) Expressions of Care Human Resources has created an initiative to further enhance faculty and staff members’ well-being while coping with current events. The Expressions of Care initiative places an emphasis on well-being through building relationships amongst members of the university community to drive self-care and social connections. As part of this initiative, the Wellness Program offers an ongoing Weekly Wellness Break series featuring 30-minute virtual sessions that encourage faculty and staff members to pause and focus on relaxation, stretching, movement and mindfulness. Participants can choose between sessions on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Presenters and University Wellness Program leaders also share insights during sessions.  Other programs have explored kindness, managing emotions, interpersonal relationships at work and more topics that can help employees navigate chaotic times. Sign up for Weekly Wellness Breaks and learn more about the Expressions of Care initiative. Tags mental health and wellness faculty/staff human resources Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:11:30 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 95580 at /news /news/7-local-treats-try-you-need-winter-coat 7 local treats to try before you need a winter coat Getty Images Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Fri, 09/05/2025 - 15:32 Featured Alaina Bartel Wed, 09/10/2025 - 06:00 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 farmers market finds, these seven local treats will help you make the most of the warm days ahead. Read on to learn where to grab your next bite, sip or scoop before patio season—and your chance to enjoy them coat-free—comes to an end. 1. Mitchell’s Ice Cream seasonal flavors Before the chill sets in, grab a cone of Mitchell’s rotating seasonal flavors. Find more information about Mitchell’s flavors and locations.  2. North Union Farmers Market  Fresh produce, baked goods and handmade treats—all just a short walk from campus. Perfect for stocking up on snacks or gifts. Plan your farmers market visit.  3. Barrio Tacos Build-your-own tacos, enjoy the murals and soak up the neighborhood’s artsy vibe while the weather’s still patio-friendly. Check out the menu and find a location.  4. Picnic at Edgewater Park Pack your favorite local snacks and enjoy lake views while you still can without gloves. Read more information about the beach.  5. Phoenix Coffee Get a caffeine boost to share (or not) with friends while supporting a Cleveland-based roaster. Read the menu and plan your visit.  6. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery Inventive sandwiches and pastries worth the trip—try its seasonal specials before they’re gone. Check out the menu.  7. Patio at The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights Enjoy creative cocktails (for those 21 and up) and shareable plates on one of the East Side’s most popular patios. Read the menu and plan a visit.  Tags Cleveland Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:32:42 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 95569 at /news /news/postdoc-month-mai-rashwan Postdoc of the Month: Mai Rashwan Hero Type Image Myah Potter Mon, 07/21/2025 - 10:52 People Editorial Staff Mon, 07/14/2025 - 12:00 A postdoc in the Department of Pharmacology at the School of Medicine, Mai Rashwan’s work is centered on understanding the intricate structure of cells at the molecular level—knowledge that could bring us closer to understanding diseases.  Leveraging the powerful imaging technique of cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), Rashwan engineers gold nanoparticles to serve as contrast-enhancing agents under the guidance of her principal investigator Fang Chen. Her work builds on her doctoral studies in chemistry, which she completed at �Ӱ���Ƶ. During her studies, Rashwan discovered insights into how the size, shape and surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles impacts their optical and photothermal properties.  Moving to the pharmacology department for her postdoctoral work has led Rashwan to focus her research more specifically on biological applications of her work. Rashwan’s work has been met with considerable praise. She published three first-author papers during her doctoral studies, and presented at more than five national and regional conferences. At NASA’s Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop and the ACS Midwest-Mid Atlantic Regional Meeting in Cleveland, her presentations resulted in first-place honors. Additionally, she has more manuscripts forthcoming. “These milestones reflect my growing expertise and commitment to advancing nanomaterials research at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine,” Rashwan said. Learn more about Rashwan in a 2023 profile in The Daily and read about her postdoc career below. 1. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?   My interest in this field stems from the research I conducted on nanoparticles during my PhD. Through this work, I developed a strong foundation in nanomaterials design and characterization. I was inspired to apply this expertise to the biological field, where I saw exciting opportunities to translate fundamental nanoscience into impactful biomedical applications.   2. Why did you decide to go into academia?  I’m passionate about research and discovery, and I see academia as the ideal environment to deepen my expertise, mentor future scientists, and contribute to advancing knowledge in my field. 3. What are your future career goals?  I aim to lead an independent research group in academia focused on the design and application of nanomaterials for high-resolution imaging and targeted drug delivery in biomedical systems. In parallel, I am deeply interested in contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives at agencies like NASA, where nanotechnology can be leveraged for advanced health monitoring, diagnostic systems, and materials innovation in space biology and exploration. 4. How have you gotten involved at CWRU?  I’ve collaborated across departments, mentored students, presented my work at university events, and supported international students adjusting to life at CWRU. 5. What advice do you have for fellow postdocs?  Stay curious, build strong collaborations, and don’t hesitate to seek support—from mentors, peers, or professional networks. Your growth comes from both success and challenges. All along with taking care of your health and family balance. Tags postdocs research School of Medicine Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:52:29 +0000 Myah Potter Myah Potter 94740 at /news /news/remembering-former-engineering-leader-jim-mcguffin-cawley Remembering former engineering leader Jim McGuffin-Cawley Hero Type Image Katie Laux Wed, 07/02/2025 - 09:09 Featured Editorial Staff Wed, 07/02/2025 - 05:09 A few years ago, a printed picture of a heart-shaped locket quietly appeared on a student-run bulletin board. Pictured inside the locket: a headshot of longtime Case School of Engineering faculty member Jim McGuffin-Cawley (GRS ’84, metallurgy and materials science). Students’ and colleagues’ appreciation for McGuffin-Cawley was evident well beyond the single photo; it extended across classrooms, meetings, labs and more. And he mirrored those sentiments back to all with whom he interacted. Now, members of the campus community are mourning McGuffin-Cawley, who died last week at the age of 68. McGuffin-Cawley retired last summer after serving 33 years in many leadership roles in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, at Case School of Engineering and at the university. He previously worked at NASA and The Ohio State University. “Jim was an outstanding leader and selfless, dedicated colleague. He possessed the unique ability to recognize people's hidden strengths and then leverage those strengths to build a team,” said Chris Zorman, interim dean of Case School of Engineering. “I am the perfect example of this. Seven years ago, Jim took a chance in naming me interim associate dean of research. I will be forever grateful to Jim for the faith he placed in me, and I am lucky to have counted him as one of my true mentors and friends. I can only hope to measure up to his example.” McGuffin-Cawley was a staunch advocate of others. While serving as interim dean of the engineering school, he established the “esprit de corps” award, which he gave to a faculty or staff member whose mere presence lifted those around them. Essentially, the award was a recognition for people just like him—those who bring out the best in others. “Jim was a man of quiet impact,” said Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishnan, former dean of the engineering school. “I was lucky enough to work closely with him in his role as senior associate dean and will remain grateful for his guidance in that time. As a leader, he was never driven by personal glory, but rather by a selfless dedication and spirit of service to what was right for this institution and its people. He was an accomplished scholar and educator. Moreover, he was exceptionally gracious, sincere, thoughtful, generous, and had a wonderful wry wit. He will be missed.” When the interim dean role needed to be filled in 2017, McGuffin-Cawley was ready for the call. He stepped up again in 2021 when the university tapped him to be the interim vice president of research and technology management.  But McGuffin-Cawley’s support wasn’t limited to his titles.  As the faculty director of Sears think[box], he was gifted a specialized vinyl name plate on his office door stating he was the “pizza machine repair man”—an ode to his willingness to lend a hand, including when the pizza vending machine in the building went haywire.  “It didn’t matter how buried he was—if you needed something, he’d stop what he was doing and make himself available on the spot with no hesitation,” said Tiffany Cashon, senior director of strategic partnerships and business development, who worked with McGuffin-Cawley at Sears think[box]. McGuffin-Cawley wasn’t in it for his reputation or ego, but instead on doing what was best for the university. “This afforded the opportunity to create opportunities for others and new capacities for parts of the university,” he said last year when reflecting on his career. Alp Sehirlioglu, chair of the department McGuffin-Cawley once led, saw how he did that firsthand.  “Jim first of all was a very loving and caring person. I think those came before anything technical,” Sehirlioglu said. A quiet presence, McGuffin-Cawley acted carefully and with intention. He was known to offer solutions and encourage others to see the bigger picture. This became especially important as the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold, when he became the critical “decision-maker” at Case School of Engineering while serving in the senior associate dean role.  While he was soft spoken, Cashon said he “had a big laugh—if you could get a big laugh out of him, he filled the room. We’d all love to make him laugh.” McGuffin-Cawley brought his friendly nature and approachability to the office each day. During the engineering school’s chili cookoff every year, McGuffin-Cawley brought his own batch, which he paired with homemade cornbread. Outside of his work, McGuffin-Cawley was a family man, known for making birthday cakes for his granddaughters’ birthdays.  “I think he was a father figure to many of us,” said Frank Ernst, the Leonard Case Jr. Professor of Engineering in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. McGuffin-Cawley is survived by his wife, Wendy; children Kaelin, Matthew and Margret; stepsons Andrew and Connor Hunt; three granddaughters; and eight siblings. Read McGuffin-Cawley’s formal obituary. Students who would like support during this time are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872. This line is staffed by a counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faculty and staff can access counseling at any time by calling AllOne Health (formerly IMPACT Solutions) at 1.800.227.6007. Tags Case School of Engineering obituary Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:09:17 +0000 Katie Laux Katie Laux 94525 at /news /news/meet-researcher-using-ai-reduce-financial-strain-caregivers Meet a researcher using AI to reduce financial strain on caregivers Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Wed, 07/02/2025 - 06:44 Featured Editorial Staff Wed, 07/02/2025 - 02:44 Kylie Meyer is an Assistant Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Area of Focus: Family caregiving, psychoeducational intervention, health and aging policy, caregiving relationships and financial well-being, gerontology, artificial intelligence Nearly 48 million Americans provide unpaid care to family members or friends living with a chronic or disabling condition—spending an average of $7,800 out-of-pocket each year, with even higher costs reported among Latino, Black and younger caregivers. Kylie Meyer, an assistant professor at �Ӱ���Ƶ’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, is working to ease this financial burden through innovative technology. Meyer, a researcher specializing in dementia caregiving interventions, collaborated with AI scientist Chitra Dorai, founder of Amicus Brain, to adapt the company’s NeuViCare(™) app, which delivers real-time, personalized support and helps users uncover overlooked assistance programs. The NeuViCare(™) app was recently used to help caregivers navigate complex financial resources. NeuViCare(™) is integrated into Meyer’s existing four-week CONFIDENCE program, which provides guidance on reducing out-of-pocket expenses related to caregiving. Example of Keiko, the AI-digital assistant “Caregivers often don’t know which costs can be offset through Medicare, Medicaid or local programs,” Meyer said. “NeuViCare(™) and its AI-digital assistant, Keiko, offers tailored, multilingual support to help families better manage their financial responsibilities.” Trained on large language models and infused with financial guidance from the CONFIDENCE curriculum, Keiko  adjusts to caregivers’ language preferences.. Pilot testing was conducted through the University of Southern California’s Family Caregiver Support Center, and included nearly 60 participants. While early results were mixed, caregivers reported benefits, such as improved awareness of financial aid options and reduced personal spending. Meyer noted that user education and app familiarity are key to improving engagement and outcomes. “We’re pushing the boundaries of what caregiving support looks like and breaking away from traditional caregiving interventions,” Meyer said. “This kind of adaptive, responsive system may become the norm in future interventions because it’s more dynamic and nimble.” The pilot studies, including one awaiting publication in “Journal of Applied Gerontology,” were supported by Oregon Health & Science University’s ORCASTRAIT program, with additional funding from the National Institute on Aging and the AARP Foundation. Meyer’s co-investigators include Dorai; Donna Benton of USC; Jaclene Zauszniewski of CWRU; Frank Puga of the University of Alabama, Birmingham; and Jaime Perales-Puchalt, of the University of Kansas. Through technology like NeuViCare(™), Meyer and this team aim to create more accessible, dynamic support systems for millions of families navigating the financial and emotional complexities of adult caregiving. Tags artificial intelligence Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing research research brief Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:44:00 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 94523 at /news /news/3-things-do-cleveland-july-2 3 things to do in Cleveland in July Hero Type Image Katie Laux Tue, 07/01/2025 - 09:28 Community Engagement Editorial Staff Tue, 07/01/2025 - 05:28 Cleveland is a dynamic place to spend the summer no matter what your interests are. Whether it’s breezy evenings along Cleveland’s lakefront or immersive cultural festivals, our city has so much to offer. The action will continue in July with no shortage of things to do. We’ve got three options to get you started, but don’t forget to check the Destination Cleveland website to make the most of your summer. Light Up the Lake watch parties July 4 Soak up summer during the annual Light Up the Lake celebration on July 4. While fireworks will illuminate the sky throughout the surrounding suburbs, the City of Cleveland’s annual fireworks display is a local favorite. Watch parties will be held in two downtown locations: Voinovich Park and the North Coast Yard. Both watch parties will be held from 5 to 10 p.m., with food vendors, giveaways and family activities. The fireworks display will begin at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks will be postponed until Saturday, July 5. Check Downtown Cleveland's social media pages for updates. Find out what to expect at the watch parties. BorderLight Theatre Festival July 16–19 Each year, the BorderLight Theatre Festival pushes the boundaries of art with innovative performances throughout Downtown Cleveland. More than 40 local, national and international artists will come together for this year’s fringe festival. Performances—ranging diverse genres—will be held on 16 unique stages. From immersive experiences to comedy to experimental shows, the BorderLight Theatre Festival is all about the unexpected. Learn more about the festival and get tickets. Taste of Tremont July 20 Spend a day in one of Cleveland’s most vibrant neighborhoods at Taste of Tremont. Tremont is known for its wide array of culinary options, and this event is an opportunity to try many of them in sample-sized bites. This street festival also features shopping at locally owned establishments and is set to a backdrop of live musical performances. Hosted along Professor Avenue, the festival will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 20. Find out more about the festival. Tags Cleveland Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:28:21 +0000 Katie Laux Katie Laux 94519 at /news /news/cwru-postdoc-troy-neptune-heads-spain-fulbright-fellowship-examine-impact-light-pollution-amphibians CWRU postdoc Troy Neptune heads to Spain on Fulbright Fellowship to examine the impact of light pollution on amphibians Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Mon, 06/30/2025 - 06:57 Awards Editorial Staff Mon, 06/30/2025 - 02:57 Troy Neptune has always been fascinated by the night sky. Now, that early curiosity is guiding a promising research career—and taking him across the globe. “I used to love looking at the Big Dipper and other stars in the night sky when I was a kid,” Neptune said. “But that privilege is becoming less and less possible.” Neptune, a postdoctoral scholar at �Ӱ���Ƶ—and a 2024 PhD  recipient—was recently awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Postdoctoral Award. He will travel to Seville, Spain, at the end of 2025 to investigate how artificial light at night affects amphibians—an understudied but ecologically vital group. Troy Neptune Building on his doctoral research into how amphibians respond to changing light conditions in the context of climate change, Neptune’s Fulbright work will take place at the Doñana Biological Station, part of Spain’s National Research Council. The station is adjacent to Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot. He will collaborate with Katharina Ruthsatz and Pablo Burraco to contribute to a growing body of research showing that light pollution—now increasing globally by 10% each year—poses a major threat to wildlife. While birds and insects have been more extensively studied, amphibians remain relatively overlooked, despite 41% of all species being at risk of extinction. Neptune’s findings could help inform ways we can artificially light roadways and buildings while keeping in mind the long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The Fulbright experience will also offer Neptune the opportunity to participate in a vibrant international research community. The Doñana Biological Station hosts more than 40 researchers and regular global seminars, creating a unique environment for collaboration and professional growth. “Seville has such a rich history, and getting the chance to understand that history on a deeper level will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Neptune said. “I am also excited to collaborate on research with colleagues from different countries, namely Spain and Germany.”  Neptune hopes his time abroad will foster long-term partnerships and deepen global understanding of light pollution’s environmental effects. He encourages others considering Fulbright to take the leap—and seek support from their academic communities. Want to learn more about the Fulbright Scholar Program? Visit fulbrightscholars.org to explore opportunities. And discover how CWRU supports faculty and postdocs in pursuing global research and public engagement. Tags Fulbright Featured Around CWRU postdocs research Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:57:00 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 94481 at /news /news/lifesaving-power-trust The lifesaving power of trust Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Fri, 06/27/2025 - 06:34 Featured Editorial Staff Fri, 06/27/2025 - 02:34 Community-based prostate-cancer screening program teams up with barbershops Waverly Willis was out shopping with his daughter one day when he was blindsided—by a hug. A big, tearful, holding-on-for-dear-life hug, the kind that's usually reserved for long-distance airport arrivals and the sidelines of the Super Bowl. Willis wondered: Who is this woman? And why is she hugging me? Once she pulled away, he got his answer: "I'm Terry's wife," she explained. "I don't know what you all did to get him to get on that bus, but you got him—and my husband's going to be alright." Now Willis understood. Terry Williams was a regular at his Urban Kutz Barbershop in Cleveland. And "the bus" was a mobile unit that had recently rolled up as part of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center's Cleveland African American Prostate Cancer Project's effort to encourage Black men age 40 and older to get screened. Along with barbers at more than a dozen area shops, Willis had been nudging clients, Williams among them, to come get tested. The project is one of many education and outreach programs the cancer center has launched with community partners to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers across Cleveland and the 15 surrounding counties. At Urban Kutz, many clients were nervous the screening would be invasive. Willis and his barbers reassured them: It's just a blood test. Some, anxious about the results, figured it was better not to know. Willis, a cancer survivor himself, was a living rebuttal. And many had never been referred for screening, despite being up-to-date on their primary care check-ups. That's not surprising, said Erika Trapl, associate director for community outreach and engagement at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Although Black men are at higher risk of prostate cancer both locally and across the country, the latest national guidelines for prostate cancer screening don't take race into account. And busy primary care doctors don't always have time for a thoughtful conversation about the pros and cons of screening, said Trapl (CWR '00; GRS '04, '07, epidemiology and biostatistics), also a professor in the CWRU School of Medicine's Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences. Find out how the program has helped more men get care. Tags cancer research Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Cleveland Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:34:00 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 94470 at /news /news/lighting-spark Lighting a spark Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Fri, 06/27/2025 - 06:34 Educating the next generation of cancer researchers Featured Editorial Staff Fri, 06/27/2025 - 02:34 Growing up in the West African nation of Benin, Ese-Onosen Omoijuanfo nurtured a passion for medicine, seeing firsthand how a single illness or injury could tip a whole family into ruin—and how treatment could restore that family's future. But what path would she take to become a physician? The answer became clear when she was 16, living in Cleveland—and, by chance, met Nathan Berger, former dean of �Ӱ���Ƶ's School of Medicine, and founding director of what is now the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. A renowned mentor and Distinguished University Professor, Berger also founded and led the cancer center's first summer program to give Cleveland-area high school students hands-on experience in research labs. He invited Omoijuanfo to apply. Months later, she walked through the doors of CWRU's Biomedical Research Building and spent the summer learning fundamental lab skills while gaining a love of scientific research. "There were so very, very many amazing opportunities," said Omoijuanfo, who returned the following summer—and then three more summers to help run the program as a college student. She even co-authored a published paper with Berger, who mentored her and countless others before his death last year. "He was a force for good in a way I have rarely seen," Omoijuanfo said. And his summer program, "truly makes that difference in people's lives and trajectories." The cancer center has nurtured close to 1,000 students through highly regarded educational research initiatives. Summer programs serve high schoolers and undergraduates, while longer programs serve participants from middle school through postdoctoral research. Learn more about how educational programs have nurtured young researchers’ growth. Tags cancer research Case Comprehensive Cancer Center School of Medicine Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:34:00 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 94469 at /news