Describing herself as a charismatic, level-headed people person, this Chicago native has a story like no other. Graduating a year early, Claire is passionate about the brain, and we know you’ll find her story as extraordinary as we do.

Claire Erickson is a Buckeye through and through and will be graduating from Ohio State earlier than most of the people with whom she started. Next, she is preparing to pursue a higher degree in the field of Neuroscience.

When asked what she was passionate about, she said, “Honestly, it is the brain. Neuroscience is 100% my passion, and as frustrating as it can be, whenever I feel like I am questioning what I want to do, I think about what initially interested me in science.”

She has wanted to pursue a higher degree in the field ever since the 5th grade. “I had to do a non-fiction book report and picked up a book on the brain,” she explained, “and the first line changed my perspective…”

Claire recited the first line from that book and talked about how the brain became so fascinating to her. The passing of her grandfather, who was showing signs of dementia, reaffirmed her decision and choice to study and research neurodegenerative diseases because of their effect on our elderly population.

Beyond her love of the brain, Claire is extremely involved here at Ohio State. Not only is she a Neuroscience ambassador, Claire is also a University Ambassador. You may have seen this familiar face as she continues to lead tours around campus, recruiting future Buckeyes. On these tours, Claire advises students to take advantage of the involvement opportunities here.

“Having an open mind with getting involved can open and close so many doors for you,” she said, “and it never hurts to try.” If you haven’t seen her lead a tour on campus, you may have seen her face on Homecoming Court or perhaps as a member of the university’s Senior Class Honor Society, Mortar Board. On top of these involvements, Claire is also a research assistant focusing on one of the most common brain disorders, Alzheimer’s disease.

You may be thinking that Claire must have an opinion on the hit movie Concussion, which focused on Dr. Bennet Omalu’s work on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Inspired by the movie, Claire applied and received an Honors & Scholars Grant to study CTE and its triggers. Conducting research on Alzheimer’s and learning more about concussions, Claire hopes to work with other graduate students doing clinical research, using eye tracking as a diagnostic tool for measuring concussions. With her work, Claire hopes to add to the research in this field, and in the future, plans to do science policy work with traumatic brain injuries and concussions.

The neuroscience program and research opportunities are two things that attracted Claire to The Ohio State University. On campus, her favorite spot to point out on tours is the patio on the RPAC that faces the stadium.

As for off campus, Claire enjoys running downtown by COSI. Claire said she enjoys running Columbus’ many trails, exploring and getting to see the city. Group fitness classes have also made Claire’s time here at Ohio State a fun one. However, one of the hardest lessons she had to learn during her time here was how to study.

“I came to college thinking that studies would be the same as high school, and I sure learned how to adjust,” she said. With graduation upon her, Claire is hopeful about carrying Ohio State with her after she leaves. With this glimpse into her journey, we hope you’ve found it as extraordinary as we do.

By Erin Lee

Taking time out of his busy schedule, this third-year sat down with the Communications Team in the Ohio Union to tell us about his challenging experiences here at The Ohio State University thus far. We have no doubt you will find this future lawyer’s story as extraordinary as we do.

Thurgood Marshall once said that “a man can make what he wants of himself if he truly believes that he must be ready for hard work and many heartbreaks.”

LeRoy shared that he looks up to Marshall and that this quote applies to his own life experiences. Seeing Thurgood Marshall’s influence on the legal field, LeRoy plans to continue on a similar path to create the change he wishes to see in the world. His only solution is to get involved.

LeRoy has high aspirations for his future career in the legal field. Reigning from Harlem, New York, this busy Criminology major offered us a look into his life at Ohio State. When asked about his involvements, LeRoy could only laugh and say, “I’m involved in everything.”

LeRoy serves as an Inclusion Advisor for the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) on campus. Bridging the gap between student organizations and USG, LeRoy works to raise awareness amongst student organizations about the resources available to them.

In addition to his role in USG, LeRoy also serves as President of the student organization Band of Brothers. This student organization focuses on providing resources and space for the development of African American men on campus.

With brotherhood in mind, LeRoy also told us about his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He smiled as he said, “#KappaChapterCares – serving the people for the culture.”

Continuing on with his involvements, LeRoy talked about his active role as a Diversity Ambassador, a member of the Department of Social Change and a member of the Bell National Resource Center.

With one goal in mind, LeRoy wishes to make his way back home to Harlem to change the face of legal representation for black people. “With things going on in society today and understanding the environment I grew up in,” he said, “I want to help those behind me that look like me.”

Ready for the work ahead, LeRoy explained how he wants to help others get to where he is, because he didn’t get where he is on his own. As a black male on campus, his journey at Ohio State has presented challenges, but is getting easier. Resources like the Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center, the Black Student Association and Band of Brothers have made it easier for him.

“With everything going on today in the news, it’s hard for me to walk in a classroom sticking out like a sore thumb, and trying to understand what others’ thoughts are of me,” LeRoy said. With these thoughts in mind, one way LeRoy gives back to Ohio State is through outreach efforts to black children in urban communities with his work in the Department of Social Change.

LeRoy said that he is most proud of his involvement in planning and coordinating the department’s annual event, A Day in the Life of a Buckeye. This event has been transformational for LeRoy, and he enjoys seeing how he can make a difference. LeRoy served as a host his freshman year, answering questions and providing guidance. Today, the student he supported back then attends Ohio State.

“I was with him for the day,” LeRoy reflected, acknowledging that he knows he “had some push in him being here today.”

LeRoy describes himself as passionate, silly and impactful. Responding to Thurgood Marshall’s sentiments of heartbreak, LeRoy shared that accepting failures has been one of the hardest lessons he has learned at Ohio State thus far. As salutatorian of his high school, LeRoy talked about the difficult transition of coming back from setbacks. Crossing off his recent study abroad experience to Oxford University in England, we can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.