About Brown University

Dr. Karen Haberstroh is a distinguished educator and researcher at Brown University, serving as a Lecturer in the School of Engineering and Associate Director of Engineering Programs in the School of Professional Studies. With a background in biomedical engineering, including degrees from Brown University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Haberstroh brings a wealth of experience to her roles. Her research has focused on innovative nano-structured polymeric materials for soft tissue engineering applications. Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Haberstroh is deeply committed to advancing engineering and science education, particularly in increasing diversity in STEM fields. She has worked tirelessly to forge connections between Brown University and the Providence Public School system, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

James Egan is a distinguished Professor of English at Brown University, specializing in early American literature and digital humanities. He joined Brown in 1991 after completing his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Professor Egan's research uniquely combines traditional literary scholarship with innovative digital approaches to analyze and interpret texts

Ravit Reichman is an Associate Professor of English at Brown University, specializing in modernist literature and its intersections with law, historical trauma, and psychoanalysis. Her research and teaching explore how literature engages with complex social and psychological phenomena in the modern era.

Dr. Fred J. Schiffman is a distinguished hematologist-oncologist and medical educator at Brown University and Lifespan. He holds several prestigious positions, including the Sigal Family Professor of Humanistic Medicine at Brown, Vice Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine, and Associate Director of the Categorical Residency Program. As Associate Physician in Chief at The Miriam Hospital, Dr. Schiffman specializes in malignant and non-malignant hematological problems and spleen disorders. A graduate of NYU Medical School, he completed his training at Yale New Haven Hospital and the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Schiffman has made significant contributions to hematology research and medical education, publishing extensively in both areas. His commitment to humanistic medicine is evident in his leadership of innovative programs that bridge the arts and medicine, exemplifying his dedication to holistic patient care and medical training.

Dr. Jay Baruch is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates medicine, humanities, and the arts in his roles as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Brown University's Alpert Medical School and director of the Medical Humanities and Bioethics Scholarly Concentration. His academic work focuses on incorporating creative thinking, writing skills, and artistic approaches into clinical medicine, leading to innovative collaborations with institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design. Dr. Baruch is also an accomplished author, having published two award-winning short story collections that explore the complexities of healthcare relationships. His interdisciplinary approach extends to his leadership roles in organizations such as the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities and his involvement in various arts and health initiatives. Dr. Baruch's contributions to the field were recognized with the inaugural Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award in 2016, underscoring his commitment to fostering empathy and creativity in medical education and practice. Through his diverse endeavors, Dr. Baruch continues to champion the integration of humanities and arts into healthcare, aiming to cultivate more holistic and compassionate approaches to medicine.