Hawken Launches Medical Science Semester for Spring 2027

This immersive Hawken program, based at our University Circle campus and led by Adam Trifiro, Director of Medical Sciences Semester & Faculty, has already been approved for provisional membership by the Semester Schools Network, which includes schools such as The Island School and The Mountain School. The MSS curriculum is aligned with the 2024 AAMC Premed Competencies, allowing participants to engage in medical rounds, volunteer with local public health organizations, and learn directly from practicing professionals at leading hospitals and biotech firms. Open to Hawken students and students from around the world in grades 10 through 12, with participants required to be at least 16 years old at the start of the program, the MSS will feature a boarding component for visiting students and bring together a cohort of learners who will live and learn in the heart of Cleveland’s healthcare hub.

This new semester program builds on Hawken’s STEMM program, underscoring the school’s commitment to STEMM education. Seventeen years ago, Mr. Bob Shurtz, Dr. Jacob Scott '94, and Dr. Robert Maciunas, former University Hospitals neurosurgery pioneer, launched programming that engages students in high-level medical research and culminates in a research symposium. Built on a longstanding tradition of research excellence, the program, through the support of the Oak Tree Foundation, has seen students consistently emerge as leaders, frequently earning top honors and Grand Prizes at the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF). That work ultimately led to the founding of the Paepke Center for STEMM Innovation, a research program propelled by a visionary gift from alumnus Owen Paepke ’72 and led by Dr. Lacy Chick. We are proud to continue investing in programs that keep Hawken at the leading edge of hands-on science and medical education.

We also recognize that a significant number of our students are already deeply committed to this field; in fact, 40% of the Class of 2025 indicated plans to pursue majors preparing them for careers in the medical sciences. To recognize and celebrate this rigorous work, we are excited to introduce a new Medical Sciences Pathway for high school students, beginning with 9th graders in the 2027–2028 school year. Overseen by Ms. Lauren Coil-Sherck and Dr. Claudia Tausz, this pathway will allow qualifying students to combine the best program elements from both the Upper School and Mastery School. In addition, students will gain hands-on experience with community partners, creating a customized learning journey and earning a Medical Sciences distinction upon graduation.

Together, these initiatives reflect a transformative moment for science at Hawken. We are proud of the direction this work is taking and deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, and partners who make these opportunities possible. For more information, please visit medicalsciences.hawken.edu.