Laura Grafe Accident Philadelphia, PA Death and Obituary – The Bryn Mawr College community is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of Dr. Laura Grafe, a respected member of the Department of Psychology, who tragically passed away in a fatal car accident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The accident, which occurred on Monday, has sent shockwaves through the academic and local communities. Dr. Grafe, a brilliant neuroscientist, beloved professor, and compassionate mentor, was 38 years old.
Dr. Grafe joined Bryn Mawr College in 2018 and quickly distinguished herself as a cornerstone of the Psychology Department. As one of the founding faculty members of the Bi-Co Neuroscience major and minor—a collaborative program between Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges—she played a pivotal role in shaping a forward-thinking, inclusive curriculum that bridged disciplines and encouraged diverse perspectives in neuroscience. Her vision and leadership helped lay the foundation for a program that continues to thrive and inspire students.
A scholar of great depth, Dr. Grafe held dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Physiology & Neurobiology and Psychology from the University of Maryland, earned in 2008. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania in 2013, followed by a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to understanding how stress influences the brain, especially in the context of sex differences, hormonal impacts, and sleep—contributions that advanced both neuroscience and women’s mental health research.
In the classroom, Dr. Grafe was known for her intellectual clarity, engaging teaching style, and deep empathy. She taught courses such as Behavioral Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, and Stress Neuroscience, consistently earning praise from students for her ability to make complex material both accessible and relevant. Her mentorship was equally valued; she invested time and care in nurturing student research and inquiry, fostering an environment where academic curiosity could thrive.
Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. Grafe will be remembered most for her warmth, humility, and generosity of spirit. Colleagues and students alike recall her as someone who brought light and positivity wherever she went—offering support, encouragement, and kindness freely. She was a trusted mentor, a loyal friend, and a deeply valued member of the Bryn Mawr community.
Dr. Laura Grafe is survived by her husband, Corey, and their two young children. In the wake of this sudden loss, Bryn Mawr College has made support resources available for grieving students and employees, including counseling services and spiritual care through the Interfaith Chaplain.
As the community mourns, it also remembers a remarkable woman whose legacy will endure in the students she taught, the research she conducted, and the lives she touched. Dr. Laura Grafe leaves behind not just a record of excellence, but a profound and enduring impact on all who knew her.
