RE Log Spring 2018

18 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2018 found math courses such as calculus hopelessly theoretical, but the sciences seemed relevant, engaging and useful. He earned his BA in biology at The College of Wooster. He claimed an MS in zoology at Ohio University, then went on to Clark University in Worcester, Mass., earning his PhD in biology. From there, he traveled to the University of Miami for post-doctoral research in neurobiology. It was around that time that he developed an interest in road racing. He watched a marathon for the first time, and witnessed the finish of well- known wheelchair athlete George Murray. Murray’s ability to overcome the challenge of his wheelchair inspired Crabtree, who started running 10-kilometer races, then marathons (he would eventually complete six; his best marathon time was three hours, 31 minutes). His passion for running fit perfectly with his love for the sciences. He learned in his youth that his body could fail him; as a young researcher, he sought to understand the limits of the human body and mind. At the University of Miami, a National Institute of Health (NIH) fellowship funded his re- search in neurobiology. He also served as a visiting professor and helped coach the school’s cross country team. He began to imagine a career teaching at a university, yet it became clear the University of Miami didn’t have a fulltime professorship to offer him. He was offered a job at Juniata College in Huntington, Pa. His wife Sharon, a Miami native who was in the geology department at UM, balked at moving to a colder climate, so Crabtree began rethinking his career plan. A fellow faculty member who was acquainted with Barbara Lester, the chair of the science department at Ransom Everglades, suggested he reach out to her. Crabtree hadn’t given any thought to teaching at a private high school but, at that point, needed a job. So he secured an interview. On to Ransom Everglades Crabtree showed up in a suit to interview with Lester, who was immediately impressed with his dress and enthusiasm for his doctoral research. She believed he would make a great addition to RE’s science department, and advocated for his hiring. When Crabtree arrived to Ransom Everglades for his first day on the job, he was feeling pretty good about himself and his credentials. “Doc’s class changed my interests… He made science understandable, and he was the kind of teacher that always wanted the best for you … I am now a medical student and have to thank Doc for inspiring my love for medicine.” Nicolette Roque ’12 Master’s program at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health “The confidence that Doc helped instill in me led me to the Duke track team, where I competed in the heptathlon. I am so grateful … He coached me with humor, gentleness and patience, and I will always be thankful for his influence in my life.” Jenny Stadler Krueger ’93 Founder and executive director of RISE UP!, a ministry that teaches character in elementary schools