What are you currently doing? 

I recently graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemistry with a concentration in pharmacology. My college experience was greatly characterized by my undergraduate research experience. I work in a biomedical engineering lab designing and synthesizing polymers and small molecules for drug delivery applications. Additionally, I have just solidified my post graduate position. I will be working as a post bac researcher in the Kenner Rice lab within the NIDA Institute of the NIH. The lab works to design and synthesize novel small molecule drugs that target opioid receptors and reduce side effects experienced with current opiates, such as dependence and tolerance.

What accomplishment are you most proud of from the last 2-3 years?

I am the third author on a publication in Polymer Chemistry, published in 2023. Additionally, I was named an Alternate for the 2024-2025 Fulbright open study research award. 

What are your goals for the next few years?

I plan to work at the NIH for two years, growing personally and professionally and then will pursue a PhD in chemistry or biomedical engineering. 

What are the 1-2 most important things you learned from your experience at AJA?

I attribute my love of learning with my time at AJA. I think growing up in a school setting that valued the Jewish ideal of curiosity, challenging things, and asking “why” instead of just “what” shaped me into a student who learns for the sake of learning, and not for the sake of gaining information. 

I think growing up in a school setting that valued the Jewish ideal of curiosity, challenging things, and asking “why” instead of just “what” shaped me into a student who learns for the sake of learning, and not for the sake of gaining information. 

What was your favorite assignment or learning experience at AJA and why?

In eighth grade, each student got to do something called a Passion Project. We were told to develop a meaningful project that reflected interests of our own. At the time, I was very into theater, and I created an acting class that would be offered as an elective in the AJA middle school. It was offered as a legitimate course for all middle school students for one trimester, and I had developed lesson plans and activities ahead of time for every class. I think that this assignment reflects the way that the intimate and out of the box environment of AJA affords extremely unique opportunities for the students. This assignment is a testament to the level of creativity and trust instilled in the students, and I grew into a more confident leader because of it.

What advice do you have for current AJA students about life after AJA?

Enjoy it!! I think when I was a student there it was easy to dwell on the aspects of my school experience that were “atypical” compared to other kids my age. In reality, it’s the uniqueness that allows its students to gain so much more than just an education. Enjoy all the weird and fun quirks and lean into it completely!!