The Department of Physiology & Biophysics hosts a variety of social functions throughout the calendar year. These events aim to draw together students and faculty in research and social events. You may view many of these events on our picture gallery page.
During the first year of graduate training, students in the Department rotate in three different laboratories. The goal of these rotations is to identify a subject area of interest, and a mentor for future research. After completion of the research rotation, students present one of the projects to the entire department in a formal setting known as The Richard Recknagel Symposium. Professor Richard Recknagel was Chairman of Physiology from 1976 to 1986. He was an admired thinker and investigator who took a keen interest in mentoring young students and faculty. In his memory, the Department established this Symposium.
In 2013 the Department established the annual Hopfer lecture in honor of Ulrich Hopfer, MD, PhD. Dr. Hopfer is an internationally recognized scientist whose academic career spans over 35 years at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Hopfer distinguished himself for excellence in research and teaching. Postdoctoral fellows, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduate students have all benifited from his expertise.
In 2015 the Department established the annual Levy Symposium and banquet in honor Matthew N. Levy. Dr. Levy was a gifted, dedicated teacher and scientist who influenced countless students. He was a pioneer in cardiovascular research and the teaching of physiology. Dr. Levy received many awards, including the presigious Wiggers Award from the American Phyiological Society, and a NIH Merit Award. He also received the Maurice Saltzman Award from the Mount Sinai Health Care Foundation and was inducted into the Cleveland Medical Hall of Fame. He served the National Institutes of Health in various capacities, and held an honary professorship at Sun Yat-sen University of Meical Sciences in Guang-zhous, People's Reuplic of China.
The Department annually holds a retreat in various locations to bring together our PhD students and Postdoctoral staff with faculty. All students are required to present abstracts of their ongoing research and findings.
This annual event is also when we announce and celebrate the Rechnagel awards.
Annually the Department hosts a picnic for our newly matriculated MSMP students, PhD students, Postdocs, faculty and staff. We invite members to bring their families to gather and celebrate the beginning of the fall school year with food and numerous fun activites such as volleyball, baseball, cornhole, frisbee golf and hiking trails to explore. This is a an event where everyone gets to know each other better before the school years starts.
Annually the Departmnet hosts numerous events for the MSMP program including an open house, a graduation reception and an activities fair to build relationships with the greater Cleveland Community.
