“We did it, and you can, too,” was the message six Ma’ayanot alumnae conveyed at Ma’ayanot’s annual STEAMTalks. STEAMTalks introduce students to Orthodox women in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) careers. This year, all panelists were Ma’ayanot alumnae who not only excel in their careers, but model a balanced life of work, family, Torah and other avocations.
Rebecca Peyser Boiarsky (‘10, bachelor’s, Stern, masters in biomedical engineering, Columbia) worked as a Bioinformatics Analyst at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and is currently pursuing a PhD in computer science at MIT. Jordie Gilbert-Homick (‘08, PhD in biomedical engineering, Johns Hopkins) is a lead reviewer of medical devices for the FDA, and fondly remembers Ma’ayanot’s first Mishmover, which has since become an annual event.
Elianna Kaplowitz (‘09, bachelor’s, Barnard, MPH in epidemiology and biostatistics, CUNY School of Public Health), who has great memories of the fun and learning at Ma’ayanot shabbatons, currently runs studies in the OB/GYN department at Mount Sinai Health Systems, and analyzes data from large clinical trials.
Rachel (Klar) Sklar (‘14, B.S.E. in mechanical engineering, Cooper Union), Ma’ayanot volleyball champion, is a commercialization engineer for PespiCo, and organizes a weekly Gemara shiur for women in her community.
Shiri Tsour (‘10, bachelor’s/master’s, NYU Tandon School of Engineering), an award-winning Gemara student while at Ma’ayanot, is a senior associate scientist at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, and is pursuing a PhD in bioengineering at Northeastern alongside her full-time job.
Meena Viswanath (‘06, S.B., MIT, master of science in civil engineering, Georgia Tech) works for Geosyntec Consultants, ensuring construction around landfills is environmentally safe. She also writes Yiddish crossword puzzles for the Yiddish Forward!
Each alumna is an incredible role model, and students were inspired to hear about their journeys and how the Ma’ayanot value of striving for excellence in all areas of life stays with students even after graduation.
