At Claremont Graduate University, our community has risen to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CGU Heroes series highlights the extraordinary efforts of our students, faculty, alumni, and staff who have made significant contributions during these trying times.

Featured Stories

Full Professor of Research, Community and Global Health

On the Front Lines in Iran: Javad Fadardi’s Story: Javad Fadardi, a research associate professor at the School of Community & Global Health, has been pivotal in aiding Iran’s public health response to COVID-19. He serves on a national mental health committee, develops health-promoting apps, and supports a hotline for those affected by the pandemic. Read More: Full Story


Abdullah Alismail
Dr. Abdullah Alismail, PhD Alumnus, School of Educational Studies (SES), Claremont Graduate University (CGU)

Giving the Breath of Life: Abdullah Alismail’s Story: Abdullah Alismail, a doctoral student in the School of Educational Studies and a respiratory therapist at Loma Linda University Medical Center, manages ventilator inventory and trains future respiratory therapists through innovative virtual curriculums. Read More: Full Story


Adjunct Professor Claremont Graduate University Ph.D., Organizational Behavior (2010 – 2013)

Emphasizing the ‘Human’ in Human Resources: This story discusses efforts by Maren Waggoner and her team at Walmart to address the employment crisis during the pandemic, providing jobs and support to many affected by COVID-19. Read More: Full Story


Dr Dwight Tse | University of Strathclyde
Dr. Dwight Tse, Ph.D., Alumnus, Claremont Graduate University

Helping Older Adults Find Deeper Meaning: Dwight Tse’s research focuses on enhancing the well-being of older adults through meaningful activities, especially under extreme temperatures. His work bridges statistics, behavioral science, and positive psychology to create interventions that improve both mental and physical health. Read More: Full Story


Sue Feldman
Dr. Sue Feldman, Alumna Claremont Graduate University Master’s in Education, Ph.D. in Education and Information Systems & Technology

Changemaker in Health: Sue Feldman: Sue Feldman, recognized as a Changemaker in Health, has made significant contributions to health informatics. Her team developed an online symptom tracker for COVID-19 hotspots, providing crucial data to public health officials in the rural Deep South. Read More: Full Story


Jason Siegel
Dr. Jason T. Siegel, Professor of Psychology Claremont Graduate University

Addressing Pandemic Burnout: Jason Siegel and Team: Jason Siegel and his team are developing strategies to reduce stress and depression among medical residents, one of the most impacted groups during the pandemic. Their research aims to improve well-being and reduce burnout in this critical workforce. Read More: Full Story


Dr. Jason Siegel (left) and Dr. Karen Tanenbaum (right), Ph.D. Alumna, Claremont Graduate University

Supporting Military Mental Health: Jason Siegel and Karen Tanenbaum: This research project focuses on reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behaviors among military personnel experiencing depression. By combining innovative techniques, the study aims to provide effective support for service members. Read More: Full Story


The “CGU Heroes” series exemplifies the extraordinary commitment and innovative spirit of the Claremont Graduate University community. These stories highlight the impactful work of students, faculty, and alumni who have risen to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other pressing issues. From advancing health informatics and supporting mental health among military personnel to addressing pandemic burnout and enhancing the well-being of older adults, CGU Heroes embody the university’s dedication to interdisciplinary research and societal improvement.

The “CGU Heroes” series stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, innovation, and compassion in the face of global challenges, reinforcing CGU’s mission to contribute to a better and more just world. More Stories: Discover more stories of CGU Heroes here.