The success of Knowles in achieving the goal of nurturing promising teachers of science and mathematics in just a few years has been spectacular! Through strong leadership and a strong staff, they have guided a dynamic group of teachers who are fulfilling the vision of the founders, and have already had a profound influence on the education of these subjects to America’s high school students.”

Lucy’s Story

Dr. Lucy Balian Rorke-Adams joined the Knowles Board of Trustees in April 2015. Dr. Rorke-Adams was a Senior Neuropathologist, Division of Neuropathology, at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a Clinical Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania for 50 years.

Dr. Rorke-Adams began her career in clinical psychology. Following graduation from the University of Minnesota Medical School, and the completion of a general rotating internship and a residency in Anatomic and Neuropathology at Philadelphia General Hospital, she chose to focus on pediatric neuropathology—a long-neglected field. Her pioneering studies of the normal/abnormal development of the infant brain, childhood brain tumors, the effects of inadequate oxygenation during the perinatal period and various nervous system disorders unique to children resulted in the publication of 294 peer-reviewed papers, multiple chapters in textbooks and two books. She has served on the editorial boards of leading journals, including the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental NeurologyBrain Pathology and Pediatric Neuroscience.

Throughout her legendary career, Dr. Rorke-Adams has received many honors, including being elected President of the American Association of Neuropathology and receiving the Bronze Plaque from that organization for her contributions to the advancement of the field of neuropathology. She has been awarded honorary membership in several international neuropathology societies and in the American Society of Neuroradiology. Additionally, Dr. Rorke-Adams received the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003. In 2010, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia established the Lucy Balian Rorke-Adams Chair in Pediatric Neuropathology. She served as Secretary of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the oldest organization of physicians in America. The University of Minnesota bestowed an Outstanding Achievement Award on her on November 1, 2017.

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia unveiled a portrait of her in November 2021, and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia unveiled a second portrait in March 2022.

Rowan University bestowed an honorary Doctor of Letters degree on her following her commencement address to the 2023 graduating class on May 6, 2023.