Top Jefferson Moments of 2020
The Nexus looks back at a year like none other.
History will never forget 2020. COVID-19 dominated all facets of life, and The Nexus began its coverage back in February and continued it throughout the year. We ran pieces on COVID’s impact on mental health, how alumni pitched in to make PPE, student volunteer efforts and much more. While the pandemic grabbed the headlines in 2020, many other issues also took center stage—most notably, the death of George Floyd and its aftermath. Take a closer look at the biggest Jefferson stories from the past year.
Job Search Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How can students stand out in this uncertain climate? Be as responsive, reliable and adaptable as possible—and think of creative ways to make the employer’s life easier.
A Renaissance Woman
In Dr. Jennifer Booker’s book “The New Normal”—a mix of memoir and scholarly work—she vividly recounts how she came out to family members, friends and coworkers. The nursing student also describes the full transition to be medically and legally recognized as a woman.
Fashion Alumna Helps Create Newest American Girl Doll
Liana Richardson landed her design dream job after graduating in 2017. “Dolls are really teaching nurturing, compassion, empathy and emotional-intelligence skills,” she explains.
Michelle Konkoly returned to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital this summer as a Sidney Kimmel Medical College student. She worked under the same doctor who cared for her nearly a decade ago.
Med School Rotation Brings Student Back to Magee After Devasting Spinal Cord Injury
Michelle Konkoly says she feels like she can accomplish almost anything after having to learn to walk again. She won four medals at the 2016 Paralympics.
George Floyd Was a Mother’s Son, Our Son
Two mothers share their perspectives on privilege, racism and fear. In late spring, students, faculty, and Jefferson Health residents and staff gathered in Lubert Plaza to kneel for White Coats for Black Lives.
College of Nursing grads entered the workforce under untraditional circumstances.
Jefferson Nursing Grads to Support COVID-19 Efforts
“Our grads are prepared at the highest level,” says Dr. Marie Ann Marino, dean of the Jefferson College of Nursing. “They will make a huge impact on patient care, especially during this current crisis.” The College of Nursing moved to a new state-of-the-art campus this year, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported.
Students Celebrate in Untraditional Match Day
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sidney Kimmel Medical College students learn their next career step.
SKMC Student Works on Dr. Fauci’s Team Fighting COVID-19 Pandemic
Neel Nabar reflects on a hectic and surreal spring of working to “guide intelligent vaccine design” and more at the National Institutes of Health.
Members of the Class of 2020 reflect on their time at Jefferson.
Celebrating the Class of 2020
Under extraordinary circumstances, Jefferson graduates look back—and to the future.
At-Home Exercise Programs With Little or No Equipment Needed
Toril Hinchman, Jefferson’s director of fitness and wellness, urges people to be mindful of their physical and mental health during isolation. She also shares the best fitness apps and home workouts with U.S. News & World Report.
Inside the Race to Provide Frontline Healthcare Workers With COVID-19 Testing Kits
Behind-the-scenes students and faculty come to the forefront with an in-house effort to generate important components for 10,000 much-needed testing kits for collecting specimens.
Industrial design student Elena Krupicka won the Pensole World Sneaker Championship for her shoe design that connects the natural world to the urban runner.
The Shoe Fits for Industrial Design Student
Senior Elena Krupicka, World Sneaker Championship winner, will have her design sold at Foot Locker.
MacGyvering the Coronavirus
Jefferson designers rig makeshift ventilators, valves and more, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Faculty Member Shares Myths About Money and Parenting With the New York Times
Common financial advice, demystified and unpacked, by Dr. Angelle Richardson.
