School of Science and Engineering Celebrates Exceptional Alumni

April 8, 2019 | by Benjamin Morris

Kimberly Foster, Michael D. Chafetz, Stasia Widerynski, Warren R. Bourgeois, Shep Perrin

L-R: Kimberly Foster, Michael D. Chafetz, Stasia Widerynski, Warren R. Bourgeois, Shep Perrin

Azaleas and irises aren’t the only things blooming on Tulane’s campus. Each spring, the School of Science and Engineering showcases its brightest talent at its Alumni Awards ceremony. The 11th annual ceremony took place on April 4, honoring Dr. Michael D. Chafetz, Stasia Widerynski, and Dr. Warren R. Bourgeois, III.

An expert in neuropsychology, Dr. Michael D. Chafetz (B.S. 1975, M.S. 1978) has for decades worked at the intersection between clinical and forensic investigation and the law. A fellow of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and a frequent consultant to federal authorities, Dr. Chafetz received the 2019 Outstanding Alumnus Award.

A third-generation Tulanian, Stasia Widerynski (B.S. 2015) is an Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education Research Fellow at the CDC in Atlanta. Her current research investigating environmental exposure and public health will serve as the basis for her graduate work. Widerynski received the 2019 Outstanding Young Alumna Award.

A New Orleans native, Dr. Warren R. Bourgeois, III (B.S.E, 1978, M.D., 1982, Residency, 1987) has served others throughout his career. Following his position as a surgeon with the US Air Force, he has given his expertise to medical, civic, and educational institutions throughout New Orleans for over twenty-five years, yielding his 2019 Outstanding Service Alumnus Award.

“It is a true pleasure to recognize three amazing alumni who each embody the spirit of Tulane,” said SSE Dean Kimberly Foster.  “In my first nine months at Tulane, I am continually impressed by the passion and achievements of our alumni. Congratulations to our 2019 Alumni Award recipients!”

Shepard F. Perrin, III (B.S.E., 1983) president of the SSE Board of Advisors, agrees: “It is amazing to see the accomplishments of our Tulane SSE alumni year over year in diverse fields such as psychology, environmental science and chemical engineering. Once again SSE has an outstanding group of award winners.”

Benjamin Morris is a freelance writer in New Orleans.