ALUMNI STORIES
Your story is part of the rich tapestry that is Hebrew University. Share your experiences, insights, and achievements with the world. Contribute to our vibrant community blog, showcasing the diverse paths taken by our alumni. Together, let's weave a narrative that inspires generations to come.
Menty Bayleyen
Menty Bayleyen, an Israel native, cherished her time at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) from 1999 to 2003, studying International Relations and Sociology-Anthropology. This experience, marked by academic growth, critical thinking development, and lasting friendships, profoundly influenced her. After earning her B.A., Menty taught languages and advised students until 2010. Her passion for academia then led her to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) for a master's in Higher Education Management, where she also engaged in various leadership and mentorship roles.
In 2013, Menty relocated to New York City to manage admissions and clinical placements for New York University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, a role she held for five years. She returned to Penn as the Associate Director of Admissions at Penn Dental Medicine, focusing on admissions management, student advisement, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Her career path was inspired by her positive experiences at HU, reinforcing her commitment to higher education.
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David Lee Parker
David Lee Parker, a contemporary dancer from Long Island, New York, credits his year abroad at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, part of the Hebrew University's Rothberg International School, for profoundly inspiring his artistic journey. Trained at Long Island High School for the Arts and Mason Gross School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in dance performance, David was captivated by the dance piece 'Decadance' by Ohad Naharin, leading him to study dance in Jerusalem. He highlights the unparalleled artistic and cultural richness experienced at the Jerusalem Academy, surpassing his participation in prestigious summer programs at the Ailey School, American Ballet Theatre, and Gibney Dance. In Israel, David dedicated his time to refining his skills and performing at notable venues, contributing to his growth as a performer. He has since worked with acclaimed choreographers, performed at the Joyce Theater in New York, and joined dance companies, continuing to build his career in dance.
Jing Song
Jing Song from China, inspired by her aunt, pursued her dream of studying abroad by joining the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) after earning her M.D. From 2007 to 2010, she conducted biochemistry research as a post-doc, focusing on anticancer drugs and metabolic diseases. She then embarked on a Ph.D. in immunology at HU, contributing to the development of a new drug candidate for multiple sclerosis.
Living in Israel expanded Jing's worldview, significantly influencing her personally and professionally. Now a postdoctoral research associate in Seattle at the Benaroya Research Institute, Jing works on rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases, has authored numerous medical publications, and presents her research internationally.
Jing credits her time at HU for her successful career in immunology, highlighting the invaluable research skills and mentorship she received, which paved the way for her contributions to the field.
Dr. James Brief
Dr. James Brief, an alumnus of Hebrew University and Chief Medical Officer of FoodMarble Digestive Health, studied at Hebrew U from August 1999 to January 2000, focusing on Hebrew, Talmud, Jerusalem's history, and Middle Eastern mythology. His experience at Hebrew U, especially witnessing Israel's humanitarian response to Turkey's earthquake, inspired him to volunteer in Haiti after its earthquake in 2010. This act of kindness influenced his career in pediatric gastroenterology.
In 2016, during his fellowship, he co-founded FoodMarble after learning about a project to develop a portable hydrogen breath test device, AIRE, from an Irish engineer, Dr. Aonghus Shortt. AIRE, a pocket-sized breath analyzer, helps users understand how undigested foods cause symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain by measuring fermentation gases. It aims to improve users' understanding of their digestive systems and diet by analyzing breath samples and tracking food intake through an app, providing insights into foods that might cause discomfort.
