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.
Amir Goldman
Amir was born in Israel to American parents and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a child. He maintained a strong connection to Israel, which grew over time. Encouraged to study abroad for a year during his college tours, Amir chose the Rothberg International School at Hebrew University.
In 1992, he paused his studies at the University of Pennsylvania to spend his junior year at Rothberg, where he met his future wife, Stacey, on the flight to Israel. The experience was transformative: he learned Hebrew, met lifelong friends, and deepened his understanding of Jewish culture.
After college, Amir and Stacey married and moved to Israel. Stacey studied Torah, while Amir worked at a venture capital firm. They later returned to the U.S. when Amir was accepted to Harvard Business School. Post-graduation, he joined a VC firm that helped Israeli tech companies enter the U.S. market.
In 2006, Amir founded Susquehanna Growth Equity, focusing on software and fintech investments. He also taught entrepreneurial management at Wharton from 2005-2010 and often lectures there.
Amir lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with Stacey and their five sons, remaining active in their community. He has held roles at TL Ventures, BRM Capital, and Robertson Stephens and has served on numerous boards, including B-Stock, HighRadius, and Payoneer.
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.
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.