Stefan Bodnarenko
REMEMBRANCES
Memories of Stefan remain with us, and his wisdom
gives us strength. Please feel free to contribute your remembrances of Stefan by sending them to the Smith
College Psychology Department care of David Cutler (dcutler@email.smith.edu) :
"Stefan was both witty and inspirational, traits manifested in his infectious laugh, his easy manner with students and colleagues and the jovial way he taught his classes. He always had time for a quick joke or a simple conversation, especially if he could tell that you weren't feeling well or had something on your mind. There are so many reasons why we miss Stefan today, but not the least among them is that he truly brought out the best in everyone. Wherever you are these days, Stefan, just know that we miss you here and have no doubt that you are welcome there."
David Cutler
Academic Assistant
Smith College Psychology Department
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"Stefan gave me an amazing gift. This gift is given by few people, but yearned for by many. It costs no money to give, yet it is extraordinarily valuable. In many cases it is the limiting factor for success; for without it many lose hope. This gift can inspire perseverance in the pursuit of excellence and in the face of adversity. It provides assurance that someone believes you have the potential to excel.
Stefan gave me the gift of encouragement; he believed in my intellectual potential, and I attribute much of my academic improvement to him. I was blessed to have crossed paths with him."
Marissa Simms '07
Student & Lab Technician
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"Stefan had a tremendous way of greeting people. He would tilt his head back, and, with an enormous smile and small laugh, ask how you were. It would make you feel as though you were the most important person in the world to him at that moment.
Everything that Stefan did, he did with intense enthusiasm. As a professor, Stefan worked diligently to hone his teaching methods to be as effective as possible with students. But he was more than a professor — he was also a mentor and a friend.
In the lab Stefan was less concerned about churning out papers than about teaching us how to research, to think and to approach a problem. He wanted to teach us how to tell a story with science. It was not unusual to hear him say, “I’ve already made my career; now I’m trying to help you make yours.”
That phrase was not meant in just a professional sense either. Stefan taught us about life and people and how to make the most out of the situations we encountered. He would talk with us about our academics or about life, and his advice seemed almost fatherly. It was just a way he had of making us always feel comfortable. Stefan will be missed dearly."
Kristin Alligood '08
Student & Lab Technician
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"In his students, Stefan first and foremost instilled a sense of dignity. For him, dignity was the cornerstone around which he formed his lifelong values, such as responsibility, respect for others and diligence. Driven by these virtues, Stefan never succumbed to insincerity, incompletion or anything falling short of his standards for professionalism.
From the very beginning, his relations with students were based on respect and commitment. This powerful combination immediately evoked a sense of purpose, an inspiration to take charge, make discoveries and formulate personal scientific questions.
Stefan worked relentlessly. Yet, his expertise never stifled his ability to stop and marvel at the beauty and intricacy of nature. Having experienced both the glory and the trials of being an intellectual authority, Stefan succeeded at retaining supreme human ethics. Impressive and humble, confident and careful, he was one of a kind. Stefan will remain loved and revered by all whom he touched with his charm."
Lyudmyla Kovalenko '09
Student & Lab Technician
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"I met Stefan over J-Term of 2006 in my first year here at Smith. I had heard he was not going to be teaching his Intro to Neuroscience class before I planned to leave campus during my junior year, and I only had a limited amount of time to get to know the faculty.
He agreed to meet with me, but then I never heard back from him. So I tried again, this time with better luck. When I went in to see him, he told me he was impressed by my persistence. When he began to explain what he did here at Smith, he spoke with such great passion about it that, when he asked me if his research compelled me, I had of course been convinced that the retina was the ONLY part of the nervous system I should study.
I worked in his lab over the summer of 2006 and into the following academic year. He took time to get to know me as a person, not just as a research assistant and student. I didn’t realize until nearly the end of that summer that he reminded me a lot of my father. They both had completely grey hair, sported mustaches and were oddly the same age. I came to think of him as a friend, as one of the only faculty at Smith who earnestly cared about my course in life.
I don’t have any words to express the loss, but it’s still there. He was a great man, and no one who met him will ever forget his considerable presence."
Hanna Sherrill '09
Student & Lab Technician
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"In Memory of Stefan: A Professor, Mentor and Dear Friend
I never thought that day would come, but now you are gone and left are some who miss you more each passing day. I can’t believe you were taken away.
You gave so much, you had more to give. The hardest part for those who live, is knowing what we lost that day. I can’t believe you were taken away.
I thank God for the class time and friendship we had at Smith, the shortness is what makes me sad. There was so much more I had to say, to tell how you made such an impact on my life today. I can’t believe you were taken away.
Your angelic spirit from within, I will always keep. Memories of "G protein coupled receptors" and "second messenger systems" filled me ‘til I went to sleep! That warm glow of past yesterday at Smith. I can’t believe your were taken away.
I hope you are in a better place, and again someday I will see your face. To tell you how much you gave me faith, for this I will nightly pray. I can’t believe you were taken away."
Barbara Jennings-Spring '05
Neuroscience Major
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"I cannot imagine my life today without neuroscience, and that's been true since the first lecture of Stefan's Intro to Neuroscience class. It was his enthusiasm that persuaded me to abandon my fear of science and math, and I recall specifically sitting in the back of Stoddard that first day of class, thinking "Oh, no. Oh, no...I'm going to be doing this. I can't see myself doing anything as exciting as this."
To say this was a turning point for me is an understatement; I remember choosing Smith for its lack of fundamental curriculum, so that I would never have to take a science class again. I had intended to be a history or government or English major, or something equally unimaginable now. It was Stefan's excited, approachable manner and his obvious love for his subject that awakened in me the enthusiasm, the determination and the courage to attempt an area of sudy I was convinced was my weakpoint.
I always loved Stefan's classes. He was witty and quick, and his lectures were full of the kind of jokes that flew by you so quickly, you wanted to pay extra attention to catch them. He so patently loved teaching, which inspired his students to want to do their best.
As a freshman, and later (even though I wasn't his official advisee), I was known to show up at his office, excited by some idea or question that occurred to me during his lecture. He took my often-naive hypotheses seriously, and directed my enthusiasm towards specific articles, helping me put together real projects.
It was Stefan that first gave me the grandiose idea that as an undergraduate I could assemble a Phase I drug trial in humans based on an observation, and I attribute a large part of my success in that endeavor to his trademark positivity and his confidence that I could do it. If he ever doubted the extent of what we could accomplish, we never sensed it from him. When I needed letters of recommendation for my first application for a summer internship at NINDS, it was Stefan who not only offerred to do so but who took the extra time to help me focus my interests and select specific mentors to apply with. I have no doubt that it was his advice that led to the circumstances that allowed me as wonderful an experience as I had during my years there.
He gave me advice I knew he took to heart: "Don't doubt yourself because you don't have much prior research. Enthusiasm will be worth more than experience." His suggestion of a PI he thought I'd work well with led me to my first real professional mentor, Judie, and to the resulting cascade of events without which I would not be on this path today.
What I learned from Stefan more than anything was that I had the power and ability to make any project I felt strongly enough about happen. He taught me precisely how to be resourceful in the scientific community. I don't think I realized just how well prepared I was as a fledgling scientist until I left, and many of those lessons were chiefly his.
Regardless of the consequences, Stefan always put teaching before his own professional development. He played such a major role in growing the Smith Neuroscience program into what it is today, fighting for its resources and recruiting so many of us Smith "Neuro alumnae."
I will always fondly remember Stefan and the program to which he devoted so much energy, a department which infused in us such a love for neuroscience and such an advantage in our continuing studies. Thank you, Stefan, for all you did to help us grow."
Rachel Wurzman '05J
Graduate Student
Neurophysiology and Biophysics
Georgetown University and NIH/NINDS
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"It is in both shock and in sadness that I write to you regarding the passing of Stefan
Bodnarenko. He was truly a unique professor and individual who freely shared
his knowledge, enthusiasm and encouragement with his students.
"Stefan was a wonderful sounding board for me as I shaped my career goals. He
raised the bar for me at Smith, and helped me to believe that I am excellent.
Stefan was my mentor, my teacher and my friend. He reminded me that
anything I am passionate about is within my reach. I know that he will be
deeply missed by anyone who had the fortune of knowing him."
Jacqueline Cahillane '04
Psychology Major
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"I am so shocked at this news.
Stefan was my first exposure to neuroscience in psychology. I still remember his enthusiasm in mentoring us -- I will never forget how, in our discussion group, he had us stand up, join hands and pretend we were a neuron going through the process of an action potential. That moment stands out in my memory as being one of the key experiences that has lead me to pursue electrophysiological psychological research in academia as my career path. That moment made neuroscience and the workings of the brain accessible to me.
That moment has also inspired me to always remember to be enthusiastic in teaching. That kind of enthusiasm is palpable to students, and can inspire incredible growth and discovery."
Amy Vaughan Van Hecke '98
NIMH Postdoctoral Fellow
Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago
Assistant Professor of Psychology (Fall, 2007)
Marquette University
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"I remember the exact moment I decided that Stefan Bodnarenko had to be my advisor. It was during a Introduction to Neuroscience class. We were learning about the retina, and he exclaimed with passion: "Yoooouuur retina is the saaammme retina as a froggie's retina!"
We all started to giggle. "What other professor could capture your attention with such fun and enthusiasm about the retina as Prof. Bodnarenko?!," I thought to myself. "This man just said froggie! He must be my advisor!"
Stefan made learning about some pretty complex topics such a treat. I couldn't wait to get to his class, and whenever I had a chance to take a class with him I grabbed it. He was also one of the most caring people and professors I've met. He truly did put his students' needs before his own, and was always smiling and cracking jokes.
I remember him telling me one day how much he loved what he did, and how it was important for him to help us find our own path. The message I always walked away with after talking with him was: "You can work hard and it's important to find something you love to do and make something of it, but don't forget to have fun and enjoy life."
I hope we all keep this message with us as we remember him."
Jennifer Manos-Collet '02
Advisee & Neuroscience Major
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"Stefan was only my adviser for a couple of months, but I remember his kindness, encouragement and his passion for teaching as some of the brightest elements of my Smith experience.
I loved his class -- his enthusiasm for dendrites was infectious. So was his enthusiasm for just about everything. And he was always there for his students: he took me into his lab when my first research adviser passed away, even though it meant that he had to train me late in the semester and scramble to find tasks to keep me busy (I will always look back on that year of cleaning connective tissue off ferret eyeballs fondly!).
Stefan had the rare gift of taking a genuine interest in whatever was troubling his students, and when I realized that perhaps neuroscience was not my primary passion, he gave me the gentle push that I needed to pursue my other dreams. He even wrote a recommendation letter that helped me to land my first job several years later, in a field completely unrelated to his interests.
That's the kind of person that Stefan was--caring and generous with his energy to everyone who came into his life. I will miss the vitality that he radiated, and his incredibly welcoming grin. Anybody who was ever on the receiving end of that smile will deeply mourn his loss."
Fiona Somers '05
Advisee
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"I have many fond memories of all my Smith professors, but Stefan as a person has always stood out in my memory. He possessed such an infectious radiance, it was impossible to walk into his classroom and not suddenly feel your spirits lift.
I enjoyed every moment of my Intro to Neuroscience class with him, especially because Stefan made the topic fascinating. His passion for the material and his exuberance for teaching created an atmosphere of exhilaration in his classroom. It will be a powerful message for his family and friends to hold onto, knowing how significantly he touched so many students.
In early January of this year, my mom passed away very unexpectedly. I know that there are no words to remove the pain or to help make sense of what has happened. May this outpouring of love and rememberances for Stefan provide some source of comfort in these tough times. My heart and deepest sympathy go out to Stefan's family, friends and loved ones."
Marisa Martinez-Himes '00
Psychology Major
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"I am so devastated by this news, I don't even know where to begin.
Stefan was my academic major advisor from 2001-2004. Many people teach, but do not have the calling. Stefan had a calling to teach. He was born for this purpose.
He was dynamic in all his ways. Coming from an underserved high school in Brooklyn with little exposure to Neuroscience, I was afraid to sign up for his Intro to Neuroscience course. I am so happy that I did. I quickly declared it as my major and excelled. It is with his help I am now applying to medical school and awaiting decisions.
I just pray that his soul is in peace and that his family is comforted by the testimonies of his students."
Lucine Petit '04
Neuroscience Major
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"I remember leaving your Introduction to Neuroscience class one cold spring day in 2000, profoundly and absolutely astounded.
We had just learned about the brain's ability to rejuvenate parts of itself. People's abilities to live with half a brain. The exact function of rods and cones. How smell chemically triggers memory. We memorized the pathways. How head trauma does not mean the end of life. And I never knew any of it before. I had never even imagined it. And I remember weeping openly for the beauty of it.
I remember how excited and empassioned I felt in finally starting to realize what it was all about. How we all search for meaning in life. And how my search had led me to an interest in neuroscience and how it all made sense. And how your role in all of this was so important.
During class, a classmate and I would giggle at the way you would say "mini-potential." We were almost positive you did it purposely. Mimicking Mike Meyer's character in the Austin Power movies as he said "mini-me." We caught the glint in your eye. We tried to stifle our laughter. It only egged you on.
Three years later, you taught my Biopsychology Seminar. There were about seven of us in that class, and I presented fervently on Reward Deficiency Syndrome. And you were so animated and enthusiastic and energetic that many of us did not believe you were being real. But we all loved your class. And sat in rapt attention, still, and enthralled as you spun tales of impossible dendritic regrowth, bird-song acquisition studies in gold finches, the eternal nature versus nurture debate and so on.
You would also ask about our days and how we were, taking us aside and inquiring as to whether or not we felt well enough to attend class that day, all the while expecting and settling for nothing but the best from us. At the end of the semester I remember the way you congratulated us seniors. Wished us well. Told us you were proud of us. I adored you; as a teacher and as a human being.
And everytime I came to visit following my graduation, I had just missed you. I never did see you again. My life has taken me on a slightly different path from that which I had originally intended. My physiological focus in psychology from Smith led to a subsequent nursing degree. Several months ago I accepted a new job and in the spring I will begin work at Children's Hopsital Boston. On the neurology floor.
And you will never know how much your dedication, intellectual wealth, focus, kindness and care played in not only that decision, but in my love of neuroscience. Thank you. I will miss you."
Ann Kabza '03
Psychology Major & RN
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"It was my first semester at Smith, and I was taking the quintessential Introduction to Psychology class. I
remember Stefan running all over the large lecture room where we had
nightly "guest" lectures from different psychology professors. He
was incredibly passionate about the material, constantly holding the
large class' attention.
No offense to the other psychology
professors, but he was definitely my favorite that
semester. As a teacher myself, he is one of many Smith professors I
remember as being someone I want to model.
The fact that he taught
me for only an hour and a half at most and had such an impact on me
is testimony to what a great teacher he really was."
Alicia Kachmar '03
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For photos of Stefan, please go to Photos page of this website.
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