/news/ en /news/meet-undergraduate-student-driving-sustainable-initiatives-her-small-island-country Meet an undergraduate student driving sustainable initiatives in her small island country Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Mon, 09/15/2025 - 16:29 People Katie Laux Tue, 09/16/2025 - 07:00 Dhoopshikha Basgeet arrived at �Ӱ���Ƶ in the fall of 2022 from Mauritius, a small island country in the Indian Ocean, unsure of how she would be able to adjust to the unfamiliar environment.  Initially drawn to CWRU for its strong interdisciplinary opportunities that allow students to combine science, technology and entrepreneurship, Basgeet has excelled. She is set to complete her bachelor’s degree next spring equipped with the expertise and skills to tackle environmental issues back home. Known for its natural beauty, Mauritius has a robust tourism industry that has resulted in a strain on the environment—marine ecosystems in particular. Backed by her experiences in the Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit’s ThinkImpact Program at CWRU, Basgeet has launched an initiative to support sustainable solutions in her home country. “Waste management was always a visible challenge, and I felt a responsibility to use my skills in science and technology to address sustainability issues,” said Basgeet, who majors in chemistry and computer science with minors in biology and mathematics. Based on the concept of a unified recycling system, her Vwayaz Vert (Green Voyage) initiative targets the tourism sector through digital tracking, transparency, and behavior-change campaigns. Using QR-coded multi-bin sorting systems, the initiative is a data-driven and community-powered platform. In the spring, Basgeet presented her work at the Weatherhead Student Showcase. “Sharing my work among other aspiring leaders reminded me of the power of diverse voices in tackling global challenges,” she said. Vwayaz Vert is an extension of a research project Basgeet is working on with the chemistry and computer science departments to develop a predictive framework that determines the age of plastics to aid in effective recycling—a project she hopes will have implications on a global scale. In addition to her research, Basgeet was an orientation leader executive board member in summer 2024, serves as a peer tutor for computer science and French, is a teaching assistant for CHEM 111: “Principles of Chemistry for Engineers,” and is a member of the Eta Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. She is also part of the International Student Advisory Council (ISAC) through the Office of International Student Resources and Engagement. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities CWRU has given me to grow as both a researcher and a leader,” Basgeet said. “To every CWRU student, no matter where you come from, your four years here can be the most enriching experience if you step outside your comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Looking back, I can confidently say it will all be worth it.” Learn more about Basgeet’s experiences. Answers have been edited for clarity and length. 1. What interested you in the subjects of chemistry and computer science?
 My mother, a chemistry teacher in Mauritius, inspired my early appreciation for the ways chemistry explains the structures, reactions and materials that shape our world.  At CWRU, the rise of big data and artificial intelligence captured my attention and drew me toward computer science. Its ability to model, predict and scale solutions beautifully complements my interest in chemistry.  Together, these fields provide an interdisciplinary perspective that allows me to approach complex challenges (such as polymer degradation and materials aging) through both molecular insights and computational modeling, creating a more comprehensive understanding. 2. What do you hope to do in these subjects? I aspire to pursue a PhD in materials science and engineering with a focus on sustainable polymers and machine learning. My long-term goal is to design predictive frameworks and discover sustainable materials that improve recycling efficiency, advance circular economy practices, and contribute to innovative, data-driven solutions with measurable environmental impact. 3. Tell me about your experience with the ThinkImpact program. The ThinkImpact program has been one of the most transformative experiences of my time at CWRU. As part of the 2024–25 cohort, I joined a global network of students and mentors passionate about social entrepreneurship. Through workshops and collaborative projects, I gained practical tools for turning ideas into action and learned how entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for environmental and social change. More than just a program, ThinkImpact became a community of change makers, mentors and visionaries who encouraged me to grow. The fellowship gave me international exposure, collaborative problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how true progress requires collective effort. One of the most impactful moments was our immersive learning journey in Iceland. Exploring geothermal innovation at the Blue Lagoon, studying carbon capture at CarbFix and touring SORPA’s waste management facility offered clear examples of what sustainable systems can and should look like. I especially want to thank Megan Buchter, whose thoughtful guidance and genuine belief in each of us made this journey so meaningful. She created a space where we felt heard, challenged and empowered to grow, not only as students, but as change makers. 4. What does Vwayaz Vert involve and what do you hope to accomplish?
 The initiative hopes to partner with hotels, beaches and event spaces to implement QR-coded recycling bins, track waste in real time and connect directly with recycling companies. It serves as a coordinating platform, bridging tourism hubs with established recyclers. But this effort goes beyond cleaning beaches; it’s about systemic, sustainable change, encompassing the following: Protecting ecosystems—such as coral reefs—through organized cleanups and education; Introducing digital dashboards and real-time reporting for transparent waste management; Creating green jobs in logistics, data analysis and sustainability education; Encouraging behavior change by showing tourists the tangible impact of their actions; and Providing a scalable blueprint that can expand beyond tourism into everyday Mauritian life. We have already started tracking and recycling waste in targeted tourist zones. My vision is to let the data speak for itself, demonstrating to the Mauritian community that without collaborative action, our recycling goals cannot be met. Tags Fowler Center spartan showcase College of Arts and Sciences Case School of Engineering Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:29:54 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 95673 at /news /news/throwback-thursday-take-look-nostalgic-school-photos-cwru-faculty-and-staff Throwback Thursday: Take a look at nostalgic school photos of CWRU faculty and staff Hero Type Image Katie Laux Wed, 09/10/2025 - 11:47 People Katie Laux Thu, 09/11/2025 - 06:56 No matter what year you graduated high school—whether it was just a few months ago or 40 years have passed—school picture day is a tradition with which most of us are familiar. You might have had to dress your best and pose in front of a classic backdrop or maybe a family member snapped a photo of you on the front steps of your childhood home.  Such photos are snapshots in time to preserve the memories of your educational journey. We invited faculty and staff members to share their cherished childhood school photos for a fun look back—and we asked them to share advice for our students who are still plotting the next steps in their lives. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Ina Martin Director of research cores and operations, Office of Research and Technology Management High school class of 1995  Ina Martin in high school, as seen on her school ID, and today What was your favorite subject in school growing up? All my science classes. What did you want to be when you grew up? A world saver.     What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Follow your curiosity, build in-person social networks, and enjoy the learning process. Rachel Stegemann Associate director of student activities and leadership, Division of Student Affairs High school class of 2010   Rachel Stegemann at her undergraduate graduation, and more recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? Science—specifically biology and chemistry.     What did you want to be when you grew up? A researcher or professor, although I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to be when I grow up. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? It's okay to change your mind. There's no one path to get from where you are to where you want to be. In fact, the best paths are ones that are winding and may lead you to places you never dreamed of! Cynthia Kim Assistant dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office, Division of Student Affairs High School class of 2014 Cynthia Kim in kindergarten and at her MBA graduation earlier this year What was your favorite subject in school growing up? English. What did you want to be when you grew up? A baker or florist. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Search for your passions and interests, but also don't be afraid to change your mind! Our interests change as we grow, and that's just a part of life! Samantha Cocco Assistant director, Center for Civic Engagement and Learning, Division of Student Affairs High school class of 2005     Samantha Cocco speaks at her undergraduate graduation at John Carroll University and recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? Math.     What did you want to be when you grew up? An actor. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Do it all (to the best of your emotional and physical capacity—don't burn out, either)! Join the clubs, go on the excursions, spend the time volunteering, take the internship. I could never have fathomed how my experiences would come back around in my adult life.  I volunteered and now my career is in higher education, coordinating volunteer experiences for students. I joined some one-week international volunteer experiences and spent two years after college as a full-time international volunteer. I performed in some amateur stage performances and now I'm a theatre actor. I wrote for the college magazine and now I'm a playwright.  College is such an integral time: it's where many of us become who we are meant to be—we may just not be aware of it yet! It's hard to feel it as it's happening, but trust the process, have the experiences, and make some lifelong friends. You'll be thankful in 20 years when you'll look back and feel such gratitude. Jason Steckel     Associate director, Greek Life, Division of Student Affairs High school class of 1988     Jason Steckel in college and more recently on campus What was your favorite subject in school growing up? Physics. What did you want to be when you grew up? It changed regularly. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Be curious. Ask more questions and make less statements. Don't fear intelligent failure in the pursuit of innovation and trying something new. Be kind to yourself and others, even and especially when things don't go the way you hoped. William Breeze Administrative director of faculty advancement and postdoctoral affairs, Office of the Provost High school class of 1989 William Breeze as a child and recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? English.     What did you want to be when you grew up? English or history teacher.     What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Cultivate an insatiable joy for discovery. Open yourself to learning about anything and everything. And read a lot! You'll be surprised at what you learn about yourself and about your universe in this way. Theresa Grigger Department administrator coordinator, [U]Tech     High school class of 1981     Theresa Grigger as a senior in high school and recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? Home economics. What did you want to be when you grew up?     Flight attendant. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Find your passion and don't let anyone tell you, you can't! Dominique McIntyre     Assistant director of development, School of Law High school class of 2016 Dominique McIntyre ready for school as a child and at her master's degree graduation at CWRU earlier this year What was your favorite subject in school growing up? Science.     What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted an engineering career. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Stay curious, manage your time wisely, ask for help, build relationships, get involved, explore your interests, care for your health, embrace change, stay organized, balance fun and study, and believe in yourself. Sara Lyons     Director of alumni engagement, The Alumni Association     High school class of 1978     Sara Lyons as a high school student and recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? All things math—algebra and calculus. What did you want to be when you grew up? I pictured myself as a finance whiz making deals on Wall Street. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? College is a time to explore—be open to new classes, activities and friendships. Build strong connections with classmates, staff and faculty who will support your journey. Prioritize your well-being with rest and healthy habits. And remember, challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities to grow, learn, and discover your true path. Diana Kloboves Academic affairs manager, Physician Assistant Program High school class of 2015     Diana Kloboves in a senior photo with her her high school graduation year written on the sand and more recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? History.     What did you want to be when you grew up? A vet, an actress or an educational attorney.     What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Trust the process—everything that you come across or encounter is bringing you closer to where you need to be, even if it doesn't look that way in the moment! Genine Apidone  Director, Cooperative Education, Case School of Engineering  High school class of 1992 Genine Apidone as a high school senior and recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? Psychology What did you want to be when you grew up? School psychologist  What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Don't go it alone—seek support when you need it. There can be a lot of stress during your college years. Utilize the support and resources out there. This way you can truly enjoy the fun times and make the most out of your college experience! Jay Klein Senior director of national development High school class of 1992 Jay Klein in a senior photo as a high school student and recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? Chemistry. What did you want to be when you grew up? Lawyer. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Always challenge what your mind and body are capable of; it's the best way to grow. Valerie Toly The Carl W. and Margaret Davis Walter Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing High school class of 1976 Valerie Toly as a kindergartener and recently What was your favorite subject in school growing up? History What did you want to be when you grew up? I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 5 years old. What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey? Get all the education you can now before life gets complicated! Tags Division of Student Affairs Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:47:08 +0000 Katie Laux Katie Laux 95623 at /news /news/meet-president-graduate-student-council-and-learn-what-she-hopes-accomplish-year Meet the president of the Graduate Student Council and learn what she hopes to accomplish this year Hero Type Image Katie Laux Mon, 09/08/2025 - 15:52 People Katie Laux Tue, 09/09/2025 - 06:52 Graduating with a bachelor’s degree from �Ӱ���Ƶ in 2023, much of Elise Rolston’s undergraduate experience was shaded by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic limited her ability to engage as socially as she’d have liked, the university still came to feel like home for the Leesburg, Virginia, native. When it was time to enroll in a master’s program, she knew it had to be at CWRU. Now a third-year student in the Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration programs, Rolston is making up for lost time as a leader in the graduate community. During the 2025–26 academic year, she will serve as president of the Graduate Student Council (GSC). Rolston joined GSC alongside friends in her first year of graduate school. During her second year of her master’s programs, she became the vice president of student life and was inspired to continue making an impact on the campus community. “After being on the executive board last year, I knew I wanted to take on the challenge of being in charge of the organization. I wanted to push myself to do something outside of my comfort zone,” Rolston said. “I also knew there would be more opportunities to advocate for graduate students at a higher level as president, and wanted the chance to leave my mark on CWRU.” Outside of her coursework and GSC, Rolston also is an assistant residential community director with Upperclass Experience.  Learn more about what Rolston has in store as GSC president this year. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length. 1. What interested you in pursuing social work? What about business? I knew I wanted to be a therapist but didn't know which degree to pursue. After doing some research, I learned about the social work field and all the different things you can do with the degree—I knew I wanted to go for it. Since I knew I wanted to own a private practice one day, I added on the MBA to learn the business side of things.  2. Why did you decide to pursue them both in tandem? How do you think they complement one another? Doing both degrees together saves time, as it's only a three-year program. It also allows me to learn about the business side of social work while I'm doing my clinical experience. 3. How do you hope to use your degrees in the future? I have two main paths that I want to take. I was able to do an amazing internship last summer at a large consulting firm, which does a lot of work in the public sector. My social work knowledge allows me to understand projects and bring a new perspective there.  I also want to work as a therapist, eventually owning my own practice!  4. Do you have a particular area you'd like to focus on (i.e. children and families, mental health)? My concentration is Mental Health with Adults, but I want to work with people of all ages. At my current internship, I have been able to see both children and adults, and I enjoy working with a wide variety of individuals.  5. Have you had any particularly rewarding or special moments that have come out of your studies? My first-year internship for social work was at a high school, working with teens who had missed a lot of school, typically after being hospitalized for suicide attempts. Seeing the growth in them after returning to school was super special. My last day, they wrote me a very sweet card and tried to guilt trip me into staying with them, which showed me just how much of an impact I had on them.  Another rewarding aspect of that internship was that none of the kids we worked with re-attempted suicide, which is very rare and really showed that what we were doing was helping.  6. What do you hope to accomplish this year as GSC president? As GSC president, I want to increase the support that we give to graduate students. I want to fund more professional development opportunities, provide more groups with funding for events, and have more information sessions for graduate students about resources they can access.  I have also noticed that not all graduate students know what GSC is and what we do for them, so I want to increase awareness of the organization throughout the graduate student body.  7. What would you like graduate students to know about you and your leadership? I pride myself on being a very approachable person. Whether you see me around campus or at a GSC event, I want everyone to feel comfortable coming up and talking to me. I want GSC to truly be a "voice of the people" and want to hear directly from constituents about what they want and how GSC can help them.   Tags Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Weatherhead School of Management Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:52:22 +0000 Katie Laux Katie Laux 95581 at /news /news/spartan-showcase-cristin-coleman Spartan Showcase: Cristin Coleman Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Fri, 08/29/2025 - 14:56 People Brianna Smith Tue, 09/02/2025 - 06:00 For Cristin Coleman, a doctoral student at �Ӱ���Ƶ’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, her journey into pediatric care is deeply personal. As a child who was hospitalized multiple times, her experiences left a lasting impact—ultimately inspiring her to help launch a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. Cristin Coleman and other founding members of UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital's pediatric cardiac intensive care unit pose for a group photo. “The compassion and resilience I witnessed in pediatric care inspired me to pursue a career where I could offer the same support and care to other children,” she said. Now pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Education Leadership, Coleman aims to empower the next generation of nurses with the tools and confidence needed to care for patients through innovative, interactive teaching strategies that adapt to various generational learning styles. At CWRU, Coleman’s research includes designing and evaluating a multimodal orientation program for new graduate nurses entering pediatric critical care. She also studies how simulation, peer mentorship and interactive digital tools enhance knowledge retention and confidence during the transition to practice.  “I want to advocate for education models that are realistic, compassionate and evidence-based,” said Coleman, who expects to graduate in 2027. “This means rethinking how we onboard, mentor and ensure long-term growth.” Read on to learn more about Coleman’s experience at CWRU and hear her vision for the future of nursing education.  Answers have been edited for clarity and length.  What led you to pursue your doctoral studies at CWRU? I was inspired by Pat Beam, former director of nursing education at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, who encouraged me to pursue my DNP at CWRU. The university's commitment to nursing leadership and educational innovation aligns perfectly with my own goals, and I knew it would provide the academic rigor and mentorship I needed to grow. In what ways has your time at CWRU shaped you as a leader and educator? CWRU has provided me with a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. The faculty are incredibly knowledgeable and accessible, and the DNP program helped me build strong connections between theory and my day-to-day practice. I’ve grown tremendously in my ability to think critically about educational design and lead with purpose. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and connect with leaders who are as passionate about the future of nursing as I am.  Can you describe your experience helping launch a pediatric cardiac unit at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital? What motivated you to do so? Helping launch the pediatric cardiac ICU at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital was both exhilarating and overwhelming—a once-in-a-career opportunity. We not only opened a new physical space, but built an entirely new team, composed largely of new graduate nurses trained to care for one of the most complex pediatric populations.  The motivation behind it was clear: our congenital heart patients deserve the highest quality, individualized care. From day one, the mission has always been to build a strong, compassionate team to meet that need. What has been the most rewarding part of your experiences?  There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone you mentored thrive. A couple of the nurses I taught as undergraduate clinical students are now confident charge nurses in our cardiac ICU. Seeing their growth from nervous students to expert caregivers who mentor others has been incredibly affirming. It reminds me why I do this work. How do you hope to apply what you’ve learned at CWRU to your future career? Balancing a doctoral program, full-time work and raising two young children has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. CWRU has challenged me to think differently and lead boldly. I look forward to applying these lessons to continue elevating nursing education at my institution and beyond.   Tags spartan showcase Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:56:41 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 95504 at /news /news/meet-undergraduate-student-government-president-and-find-out-what-she-has-store-year Meet the Undergraduate Student Government president—and find out what she has in store this year Hero Type Image Katie Laux Mon, 08/25/2025 - 14:41 People Katie Laux Tue, 08/26/2025 - 06:44 When Zelene Desiré first ran for student government in high school, she didn’t win. Undeterred, she kept running, and during her junior year, she secured a representative position and went on to become the class vice president her senior year. Her leadership promise was evident to �Ӱ���Ƶ’s admissions team, who included a note in her acceptance letter that she should consider participating in Undergraduate Student Government (USG). Now in her fourth year at CWRU, she will be USG president this year. “I’ve always wanted to be the voice for those who are afraid to speak for themselves, and I’m not afraid to be bold and speak up for injustice,” said Desiré, a fourth-year student majoring in medical anthropology. “USG has defined my experience here at CWRU.” She ran uncontested last spring after serving as a first-year representative, an arts and sciences representative as a second-year, and the vice president of student life in her third year. She has had experience on the student life committee and the food and sustainability committee. After three years in USG, Desiré said she has a “clear vision” of the organization’s strengths and deficits and ran on a platform of improved interactions with constituents and peers. As president, Desiré wants to hear from her peers and hope they will see her as accessible.  Outside of USG, she’s connected across campus in several other ways.  Desiré has been part of the Black Student Union for two years, conducted research for the Adolescent Sleep, Fatigue, and Functioning Study, served as a democracy fellow with the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning, volunteered as a Civic Engagement Scholar for three years and served on the Students of Caribbean Ancestry board at CWRU. “I like to keep busy, so I have done a lot here,” she said. Find out more about her experiences at CWRU and learn about what Desiré hopes to accomplish as USG president. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length. 1. What initially drew you to CWRU? I never really had a dream school. When I applied to college as an aspiring physician, I was drawn to �Ӱ���Ƶ's pre-med program and the plethora of opportunities I could have as a student.  But what I think drew me to CWRU the most is that I felt that out of all the other schools I had gotten into, I felt CWRU wanted me as much as I wanted to attend the university. I felt that through the personalized note I got at the end of my acceptance, which urged me to join USG (talk about manifestation), and the opportunity to fly me and my mother out to visit. These two moments really made me feel like I was wanted at this institution from the moment I turned in my application.  As a Black woman, this was critical in my decision to attend a school, that sense of belonging. So that’s what made me decide to choose CWRU, an easy one. 2. Why did you choose your area of study? I chose to study medical anthropology because, as much as I love science and all things biomedicine, I just couldn’t see myself majoring in biology or chemistry. I think medical anthropology stood out to me because of the study of culture. I am a part of two cultures, both Sierra Leonean and Haitian, and all my life I’ve been dancing in between those two identities, but the study of culture that surrounds anthropology made me feel as if I didn’t have to do that, and learning more about my culture and other cultures just made sense to me.  Initially, I wanted to major in public health, but CWRU only offered a minor, which I have. I’m honestly grateful for the chance to study anthropology because it’s truly something I love, and I love being able to assess cultures' medical practices, and I think this perspective would give me an advantage as a physician, so that I can make culturally sound decisions for my patients 3. Have there been any particularly special or rewarding moments in your studies? I think one of my most rewarding moments was my two internships at the National Institutes of Health, where I was able to combine my passion, biomedicine, advocacy, and cultural competence in medicine in my two research projects. 4. What has been your favorite moment as a CWRU student so far? I think my favorite moments here at CWRU were defined by the friends I’ve made here. I’ve met some of my best friends at the school, and first year, especially, was fun. I think specifically, I've loved Springfest, my favorite was my first year, when 2 Chainz came. 5. What are your biggest priorities this year? My biggest priority is to interact with the student body more. We plan to have more events catered toward meeting students where they are, such as having town halls so they can share their experiences and also even having “office hours” when people can come in and talk about their concerns to me or even other exec members.  I also think our social media presence needs some revamping, so that is something I want to get on. I want to come out of this year having a list of concrete improvements we have made to the student experience and gaining the trust of CWRU students. 6. What would you like students to know about you as you head into this year as president? I’ve been told that I am intimidating, but I really am not. I do enjoy talking to people, and I hope people use me as a resource. You can stop me on the street, you can email me, and even text me. I want people to feel that I am there for them. I will always advocate for what’s right. I know how it feels to feel as if your voice is not heard or respected, and I would never want to have people feel that way.  So please, please, please reach out to me if you have any concerns about how the university is functioning. I know what people to ask to get things done!   Tags College of Arts and Sciences Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:41:14 +0000 Katie Laux Katie Laux 95471 at /news /news/emeritus-orthodontics-professor-bruce-latimer-passes-away Emeritus orthodontics professor Bruce Latimer passes away Hero Type Image Katie Laux Fri, 08/22/2025 - 10:46 People Diana Steele Thu, 08/21/2025 - 06:47 Bruce Latimer was a scholar who left a lasting legacy that furthered our understanding of the evolution of upright walking in humans. He was also a beloved colleague, friend and mentor who, according to his colleagues, wasn’t afraid to give someone the shoes off his feet or liven the evening in a cave by improvising a blues song about the monotony of a caveman’s diet. Friends, family, colleagues and former students are mourning the death of the emeritus orthodontics professor at �Ӱ���Ƶ School of Dental Medicine and former executive director and chief executive officer of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH). Latimer died last month at 71. “Bruce was a wonderful scientist, educator and colleague,” said Scott Simpson, a professor of anatomy at the School of Medicine. “He had a naturalist’s eye for biological variation and a tremendous knowledge of human anatomy and function.” Since 1986, Latimer held various affiliations with CWRU: adjunct professor of anthropology and cognitive science in the College of Arts and Sciences, professor of orthodontics at the dental school, and professor of anatomy and director of the biological anthropology program in the School of Medicine.  In 2009, he stepped down from CMNH to devote more time to teaching, and became the founding director of the Center of Human Origins and founding fellow of the Institute for the Science of Origins. He also taught classes at Cleveland State and Kent State universities, as well as the Cleveland Institute of Art. During his career, he conducted field work in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Israel and Russia. Latimer grew up in Southern Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology at the University of Arizona in 1975 and a master’s degree in physical anthropology at �Ӱ���Ƶ in 1978. For his PhD in biomedical sciences at Kent State University in 1988, Latimer worked with his advisor, anthropology professor Owen Lovejoy, and Donald Johanson, then a CWRU paleoanthropologist, on the skeleton known as Lucy. At 3.2 million years old, she is among the oldest human ancestors and the first to walk upright. Starting as a graduate student in 1976, Latimer worked at CMNH, where Lucy’s skeleton was originally housed after its discovery two years earlier by Johanson.  Simpson, who is also a professor of biology and anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences, met Latimer as graduate students at Kent State. He recalled that Latimer’s early papers on the anatomy of Lucy’s foot and ankle “were significant and durable contributions that continue to set the standard for analyses of the evolution and function of the foot.”  Latimer’s scientific contributions are world-renowned, with more than 100 publications in the field of paleoanthropology. He was fascinated by the evolution of humans walking on two legs, and by the trade-offs that evolution made by adapting a spine meant for movement on four legs to an upright posture—with back pain as an inevitable consequence.   Israel Hershkovitz, an Israeli colleague who met Latimer on a sabbatical in 1992 at CMNH, said their conversations about the origins of human disease “shaped my own thinking and remain with me to this day.” Hershkovitz, now an emeritus professor of anatomy and anthropology at Tel-Aviv University, continued working with Latimer in the 2010s on an excavation of Manot Cave in Israel, near the Lebanon border, that yielded important findings about human evolution. Mark Hans, professor and Chair of the Department of Orthodontics, said when Latimer joined the department to lead the Manot dig, he “brought a unique perspective to the field” and a different way of thinking.  “In the evenings we would gather together, Bruce would give a short lecture,” Hershkovitz said. “And then he would take out his small harmonica and play, soon joined by students and other teachers on various instruments.” Despite occasional rockets overhead from border clashes, “those evenings in the cave were full of warmth, music and laughter.” Colleague Linda Spurlock, a professor of anthropology at Kent State University who met Latimer in the 1980s and also participated in the Manot dig, said he combined his storytelling skills with his amazing harmonica playing. Once, she recalled, he improvised a song about a little homo sapiens boy lamenting the monotony of his family’s diet. “Archaeologists kept finding processed deer bones” in Manot Cave, she recalled, and Latimer’s blues song included the line, sung with envy, “‘Timmy’s dad cooked a turtle for the family!’” Another former colleague recalled Latimer’s generosity. Yohannes Haile-Selassie, now a prominent paleoanthropologist and director of the Institute of Human Origins at Arizona State University, described his first-ever field season with Latimer in Ethiopia, when Haile-Selassie was not yet even a graduate student. Haile-Selassie’s only pair of shoes had disappeared from outside his tent overnight, possibly dragged away by a jackal.  “When Bruce heard me screaming, he asked me what happened,” he recalled. “He laughed and said, ‘I have another pair that you can use.’” Haile-Selassie said the shoes fit perfectly, but even if they hadn’t, he would have worn them anyway. “That is how I survived that first season,” he said. “Bruce’s generosity and kindness had no limits.” Latimer is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cindy Cover, his daughter, Gracie, and brother John (Carolyn). Read Latimer’s full obituary. A celebration of life will be held Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. at the DeJohn Funeral Home and Celebrations Center of Chesterland (12811 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, OH). A gathering of friends and family will follow from 2-4 p.m. at the same location.  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 obituary School of Dental Medicine Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:46:15 +0000 Katie Laux Katie Laux 95457 at /news /news/spartan-showcase-julia-cho Spartan Showcase: Julia Cho Hero Type Image Brianna Smith Thu, 08/21/2025 - 09:20 People Brianna Smith Tue, 08/19/2025 - 06:53 When fourth-year biomedical engineering student Julia Cho first stepped onto �Ӱ���Ƶ’s campus for Discover Week, she was a little tired from the whirlwind of move-in, a bit overwhelmed by all the new faces—and completely energized by the possibilities ahead. That first week—packed with events, conversations and new adventures—made her transition to college not just manageable, but exciting. Now, two years later, Cho helps deliver that same welcome to the next class of Spartans as a third-time orientation leader (OL) and member of the program’s executive board. “Orientation leaders are some of the first people on campus that new students meet, and we are there to make sure they have someone to rely on—not only during that first week, but throughout their time at CWRU,” said Cho, who is expected to graduate in 2026. In her role, she serves as a resource for new students—helping them find answers to their questions, sharing advice, providing emotional support and introducing them to the CWRU community during that first week. “Being an orientation leader has been a highlight of my time at CWRU,” she said. “I have met so many kind and driven people who inspire me to always be present, show up for those around me and I am grateful for the experiences it has provided me with.”   On campus, Cho keeps herself busy as a campus tour guide, captain of the women’s varsity swim team, treasurer of CWRU’s Medical Technology Group and researcher at the Department of Biomedical Engineering’s Nanoscale Orthopedics Biomaterials Laboratory. Read on to learn more about Cho’s journey at CWRU, including her inspiration for becoming an orientation leader and her advice for incoming Spartans. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.  Q: What inspired you to become an orientation leader at CWRU? Cho: Starting college is a major step in many people’s lives, and it is an anxiety-inducing experience, so it is cool to help make the transition for new students a little easier. Additionally, my orientation leaders during Discover Week were amazing and it seemed like a very fun and supportive environment to be part of. Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of being an orientation leader? Cho: Seeing all my orientees get more comfortable around campus and make friends is very rewarding! It’s so cute to see them throughout the year still hanging out with each other and building their own community at CWRU. Q: Can you share a favorite memory from orientation so far? Cho: A favorite memory of mine was last year at Tradition—an event on DiSanto Field where new students take their class photo—when the OLs formed a tunnel for new students to run and walk through as they piled into stadium bleachers. There was so much spirit as we high fived the incoming students and cheered them on—a memory I will always cherish. Q: What’s some advice you give to every incoming student? Cho: Try to roll with the punches and embrace the discomfort you will feel—everything will be much more enjoyable. The point of college is to get experience, and you have more wiggle room for mistakes and changes earlier in your college career. Lastly, if something interests you, act on it! Go to the student activities fair and sign up for clubs, get a group of people to try something new and meet new people. Whether it is a new hobby you want to pick up, an academic inquiry, or something you want to continue from high school, there are likely people who want to do the same thing. Tags spartan showcase discover week Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:20:16 +0000 Brianna Smith Brianna Smith 95423 at /news /news/spartan-showcase-ray-ikome Spartan Showcase: Ray Ikome Hero Type Image Katie Laux Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:17 People Editorial Staff Tue, 07/22/2025 - 06:20 As a high school student, Ray Ikome viewed coding as nothing more than a hobby. Though he took every course he could on the subject, he was determined to go to college for either biochemistry or neuroscience and go on to medical school. Just a few years later, he’s already held internships with both Google and Microsoft on a path to a future career in computer science. His path diverted when a friend pointed out Ikome’s computer science skills, and he began to rethink his future.  “He planted a seed that germinated soon after college application time,” Ikome said of his friend’s suggestion. It has continued blooming, as Ikome is now a rising third-year student majoring in computer science and mathematics. He’s applied his skills in pretty notable settings, too. He has interned with both Google and Microsoft, and will return to Google again this fall to work with the company’s Android Auto team. Last summer during his first Google internship, Ikome joined YouTube’s OTT Watch team to work on an open-source web browser called Cobalt. This summer at Microsoft, he is contributing to efforts to evaluate large-language models (LLMs). Outside of his classwork and professional projects, Ikome is highly involved in several on-campus projects. He works alongside Weatherhead School of Management faculty member Sining Wang on his AI4EDU research initiative, which explores how humans interact with artificial intelligence, particularly in educational settings.  Ikome also works with peers to study complex problems with financial markets as part of CWRU Quants. He’s applied his engineering skills with the Case Rocket Team, helping develop an airbrake system, and the CWRU Chem-E Car, for which he develops circuitry solutions and software. Through CWRU’s competitive programming club, he represented the university at the International Collegiate Programming Competition. “These activities are creative outlets for me—they help me apply concepts from class or from the workplace to my own projects,” Ikome said. “Additionally, the community I’ve built is invaluable; it’s what keeps me here. I’m proud to know all the hardworking, intelligent people I’ve met through clubs and research.” Read more about how Ikome leaned into his hobby-turned-future career. 1. What initially drew you to CWRU? I was drawn to CWRU by its reputation as a rigorous engineering school, its abundance of resources for students looking for hands-on experience (such as Sears think[box] and the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship), and the flexibility with majors and programs (especially relevant since I originally planned to study biochemistry on the pre-med track). I came for those things, but I stay for the campus culture. There are so many people here with such fascinating, unique combinations of preferences, and I’ve picked up so many new interests—academic and otherwise—from just listening to people talk about what makes them tick, and thinking “Maybe I should give that a try? This person seems really passionate about it.” 2. How did you find out about your internship opportunities? I learned about Google’s internships in the process of applying for Google’s Summer of Code in my senior year of high school (which I was rejected for). I learned about Microsoft’s AI initiatives and plans to become a dominant player in LLM research and development from fellow interns at Google last summer.  I will say that finding out about opportunities is a sort of snowball. Finding out about an opportunity and giving it your all to get it introduces you to more people who know about more opportunities in more places. 3. What do you feel helped prepare you to work for such well-known companies? Did your education at CWRU play a role? My education at CWRU definitely played a role! Starting with the interviews, I’ve had many interviews where the answer the interviewer was looking for could just be copied-and-pasted from a concept in one of my classes.  I also have to shout out the competitive programming team at CWRU—some interview questions are just watered-down versions of problems we solve there.  As for day-to-day work, my education has helped me think outside the box, challenge assumptions that were taken for granted, and work through cascading layers of software abstraction. 4. What were the most memorable experiences from these opportunities? My most memorable experience at Google was presenting my work. While coding skills are important, communicating findings, results and steps forward to engineers and management is a crucial step of the process as well. I learned the art of making descriptive visuals, how to calibrate my message to different audiences, and other public speaking essentials. I’m learning more about these things now as I prepare to brief Microsoft’s Office of the CTO on my work this summer. 5. What were your biggest takeaways? Building a relationship with your manager can get you connected with vastly more people in the company and get you exposure to different fields. At Microsoft, my organization also has quantum computing and robotics branches, and my manager was able to get me into their meetings and give me chances to see what frontiers they’re exploring. My host has been my biggest advocate this summer. If you also find a mentor, you double this effect. 6. What advice would you give to other students as they search for and work in their internships? The tech startup community has the phrase “get off of localhost” (usually they phrase this… less politely!)  What does this mean? Well, “localhost” is the computer networking term for the device you’re currently using. Staying on localhost means you’re coding and building software, but you’re the only one using and accessing it, on your machine.  Getting off of localhost, therefore, means getting your software deployed and running in a place where other people can use it as well. This is great for many reasons—it forces you to have higher standards for features and code quality. It forces you to seriously consider security. It forces you to make intuitive interfaces and services. Demonstrating ability for these facets of software development is very important and helps immensely in internship recruiting.  In my case, I did this with a website that is used internally by the Undergraduate Student Government and with a desktop game that peaked at over 1,000 daily users, among other things. Both of these endeavors came up during my interviews last summer and directly helped me secure an offer. 7. What are your future career goals? I don’t know for sure yet! I would love to continue learning more about how we can use AI for good in society. I also enjoyed the work I did at Google last summer and look forward to the fall, where I will do similar work again on Google’s Android Auto team.  I’m also looking into opportunities in quantitative finance, since I’ve enjoyed my time developing educational modules about whatever my quant trading fascination of the day is and developing trading systems with a team of talented software engineers. I feel like I would fit into any field where I can use both mathematics and computer science to solve important, difficult problems with talented peers. Under that condition, I’m willing to let the chips fall where they may. Tags Case School of Engineering Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:17:45 +0000 Katie Laux Katie Laux 95402 at /news /news/postdoc-month-william-nourse Postdoc of the Month: William Nourse Hero Type Image Myah Potter Wed, 08/13/2025 - 10:55 People Editorial Staff Mon, 08/11/2025 - 12:00 William Nourse’s interest in machines inspired by nature took hold when he watched Jurassic Park as a child. The animatronic dinosaurs were Nourse’s earliest exposure to engineering.  As an undergraduate student majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering at �Ӱ���Ƶ, he found inspiration in nature. Early in his college studies, Nourse came to realize even simple animals, such as insects, are far more sophisticated than state-of-the-art robotics. Now a postdoctoral researcher at �Ӱ���Ƶ, Nourse found a fitting home in the Biologically Inspired Robotics Laboratory, working under the direction of Roger Quinn, Distinguished University Professor and the Arthur P. Armington Professor of Engineering at Case School of Engineering. Nourse’s research is at the intersection of neuroscience, neuromorphic computing and robotics. He studies the sensory and motor nervous systems of species across the animal kingdom to uncover models that could help solve challenges in robotic navigation, legged locomotion and context-dependent decision-making. He then creates computational models from his findings to apply them to robotics and investigates the fundamentals of computation in the nervous system. During his PhD program at CWRU, Nourse developed a software suite called SNS-Toolbox to design and simulate the dynamic systems of neurons and synapses. His software is being used around the world by research groups who have used it to accelerate their models. Now, his work involves studying locomotion generation in the spinal cord as shown in new recordings in animals. “CWRU has been a good home to me and a great place to do research, and I’ve enjoyed my time here so far,” said Nourse, who first arrived on campus as an undergraduate in 2014. Once he completes his postdoc, Nourse hopes to continue researching these areas in academia or a national laboratory.  Get to know Nourse better.  Answers have been edited for clarity and length. 1. What brought you to CWRU?  I was impressed with how interconnected the university is, and how easy it is to perform interdisciplinary work. As an undergraduate I was also excited about the promise of think[box] (back when it was just a single room in the Glennan Building). I also love the cultural amenities in University Circle, particularly the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Museum of Art.  2. What have been the major milestones in your research and educational journey?  In undergrad, I was accepted into the BS/MS program here at CWRU which first started my work in neural computation. Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent six months working as a visiting student researcher at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), where I had a chance to use experimental neuromorphic computer hardware. I have had the opportunity to present my work at multiple conferences around the world, with some highlights including Paris, Nara, Japan, and Genoa, Italy. Recently I have had the honor to be invited to speak at conferences and workshops on neuroscience and machine learning, including one at the NIH main campus in Bethesda and another at West Virginia University.  3. How have you gotten involved at CWRU?  As a postdoc, admittedly I haven’t had too much time to get involved with the greater CWRU community as shortly after starting, I became a parent. However, during my time as an undergraduate student I participated in the Case Aeronautics Team, and was a founding member of the modern CWRU chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.  As a graduate student, I helped  lead multiple robotics outreach programs at a local summer camp, and I briefly served as a graduate student representative on the research subcommittee for the Faculty Senate.  4. What advice do you have for fellow postdocs?  CWRU is such a varied cultural institution, there is so much going on outside of your lab and department. While you’re here, take the time to visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, and  Cuyahoga Valley National Park. If you’re a history buff,  Lake View Cemetery is a nice walk as well. Tags Case School of Engineering mechanical and aerospace engineering postdocs robotics Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:55:32 +0000 Myah Potter Myah Potter 94888 at /news /news/spartan-showcase-rae-dwyer Spartan Showcase: Rae Dwyer Hero Type Image Myah Potter Wed, 08/13/2025 - 10:31 People Editorial Staff Tue, 08/12/2025 - 12:00 �Ӱ���Ƶ’s close proximity to world-class healthcare facilities is a draw for many students considering careers in medical settings. That was true of Rae Dwyer, who arrived on campus as an undergraduate student in August 2019.  Now a second-year student in the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program at the School of Medicine, Dwyer is taking full advantage of the opportunities available. This summer, she’s interned at MetroHealth with rotations in prenatal, cancer and cardiovascular clinics. “The experience helped me grow more confident in my counseling skills and broadened my perspective on the role genetic counselors can play across different specialties,” she said. Dwyer has come a long way since she first learned about genetics through Punnett squares in middle school, a lesson that sparked her interest in the subject. Her interest deepened after a shadowing experience with a prenatal genetic counselor in high school.  Once she began her undergraduate degree in biology at CWRU, Dwyer’s interest shifted toward the human aspect of genetics, such as how conditions affect families and shape their identities. “I realized that genetic counseling was the perfect intersection of science, ethics, technology, and patient care,” she said. Dwyer is heading into the second year of her genetic counseling program and her summer internship has given her insights into which specialty she might pursue once she graduates. General genetics appeals to her because of the varied nature of the work in supporting patients and providers seeking diagnoses. “I have been surprised by how unique every case is,” Dwyer said. “Even with the same condition or indication, the family dynamics, psychosocial considerations, and patient priorities can differ drastically. It has taught me to approach each session with curiosity.” Learn more about Dwyer’s experiences. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length. 1. What initially drew you to CWRU? CWRU stood out for its strong clinical focus, commitment to advocacy, and partnerships with world-class hospitals such as University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, and MetroHealth, all close to campus. During my interview, I felt a genuine sense of community and knew I would be supported both academically and personally. The collaborative, student-centered environment gave me confidence that I would be well prepared for this career. 2. Why did you decide to pursue a master’s degree in genetic counseling? I chose to pursue genetic counseling because the profession allows me to combine my passion for science with my desire to support people. I find it rewarding to explain information to patients and then observe them using that information to make informed decisions. This career offers a meaningful way to make a real difference in people’s lives through empathy, education, and advocacy. 3. How have your experiences augmented or complemented your coursework? The clinical experiences bring meaning to the concepts from our coursework. Seeing real patients with the same conditions and scenarios we have discussed in class has helped deepen my understanding. It is especially rewarding when what we are learning directly aligns with what I am seeing in the clinic; it makes everything click. 4. Have there been any particularly rewarding moments? The most rewarding moments tend to be small, such as when a patient leaves feeling heard, has their questions answered, or truly understands what we discussed. Those moments add up and make the work feel really meaningful. 5. What are your future career goals? After graduating, I would like to spend time working in a clinical setting where I can meet directly with patients. Eventually, I could see myself training and mentoring future genetic counselors in an academic setting. Tags School of Medicine Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:31:08 +0000 Myah Potter Myah Potter 94879 at /news