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About
Embarking on the journey toward a Master's in Computational Biology, my path has been anything but linear. Just a year ago, terms like “OS” were unfamiliar, and my laptop’s primary use was for online chess. Yet, this unconventional trajectory reflects not indecision, but rather a deep-rooted passion for scientific inquiry and an unwavering drive to apply knowledge for the betterment of humanity. My academic and professional experiences—spanning from medicine and microbiology to military service—have forged a resilient, interdisciplinary approach that I now bring to the field of computational biology.
My passion for science was first kindled at home by my father, a pediatric neurologist, whose intellectual rigor inspired me to pursue medicine. Over time, this interest matured into a fascination with the biochemical underpinnings of life and the philosophical dimensions of cognition. My academic pursuits took me through programs in biological sciences and philosophy, as well as religious and ethical studies in Israel, where I also served as a medic and sergeant in the Israeli Defense Forces. The rigorous physical and mental discipline instilled during my military service, particularly during Operations Brother’s Keeper and Protective Edge, equipped me with resilience, adaptability, and leadership—traits that continue to define my academic and professional endeavors.
After returning to civilian life, I reoriented myself toward the sciences with a strong focus on biomedical research. I pursued a B.S. in Biochemistry at Binghamton University, where I also earned a certificate in Evolutionary Studies and took on leadership roles in student organizations such as the Biochemistry Club and Chabad of Binghamton. Graduate coursework at City College of New York under Dr. Kevin Ryan further expanded my scientific skill set, particularly in molecular biology and lab safety protocols. I complemented this academic foundation with certifications in EMT-B, phlebotomy, EKG, and BLS, all of which reflect my commitment to hands-on medical practice and a systems-level understanding of human health.
A pivotal moment came during my preclinical medical studies at Tel Aviv University, where I encountered the emerging field of computational biology. It became clear to me that the future of biomedical research lies at the intersection of biology and data science. The potential to unravel complex biological questions using computational tools is not only intellectually exciting but also holds transformative possibilities for healthcare. This realization led me to pursue a Master’s in Computational Biology at Boston University, where I am now deepening my knowledge of machine learning, systems biology, and bioinformatics.
Today, I stand at a unique intersection of experiences—clinical, academic, and service-oriented—all of which inform my approach to science. I bring with me a rare blend of biochemical training, computational curiosity, leadership under pressure, and a genuine commitment to public service. My ambition is to contribute to scientific advancements that improve human health and deepen our understanding of life at a molecular level. As I continue this journey, I remain driven by the same curiosity and dedication that have guided me through every chapter thus far.
Skills & Expertise
Computational Biology
Data Analysis
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Public Speaking
Leadership
Medical Procedures
Phlebotomy
EKG
EMT-B
BLS
Lab Safety Training
IACUC
Hazmat/HazWaste Training
OSHA Compliance
C-14 Certification
Research Writing
Scientific Communication
Academic Editing
EHR Management
Military Leadership
Crisis Management
Public Health
Event Coordination
Python
Research Interests
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics
Scientific Writing
Public Health
Neurobiology
Medical Technology
Computational Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Systems Biology
Medical Research
Human Cognition
Leadership and Diplomacy
Military Medicine
Data Science in Healthcare
Connect With Me
Experience
Research Volunteer
- Internship
Research Internship
Physician Assistant/ Medical Scribe
- Oversaw patient check-in, taking height and weight and administering TOVA diagnostic computer tests Worked with insurance companies and diagnostic labs to set up an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system Prepped exam rooms in between visits and maintained equipment Took notes on doctors' and patients’ comments during regular visits for addition to patients' chart
Volunteer
Microbiology Research Internship
- Explored biofilm formation and its impact, with contributions to "Mycobacterium smegmatis: Vaccinomics Insights and Applications".
Sergeant and Medic, Paratroopers Brigade
- Responsible for leading platoon of 36 soldiers in combat during Operation Brother’s Keeper and Operation Protective Edge. Received specialized training and served as Medic while stationed at operations centers Decorated twice by Company XO and Battalion Commander, received citations from the Nassau County Legislature and New York State Assembly
Education
Boston University (BU)
Tel Aviv University (TAU)
The City College of New York (CCNY)
Binghamton University (BU)
Conferences & Seminars (3)
Artificial Intelligence and Nutrigenomics in Clinical Care Can Affect Large Scale Population Health; A Review
Conference: Tel Aviv University Sackler Research Symposium
:10.13140/RG.2.2.22903.91046
Computer Learning Can Streamline Development of Delivery Constructs Increasing the Bioavailability of Nutraceutical Compounds
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations may allow for more precise targeted therapeutic use of bioactive dietary metabolites such as phenolic compounds [1]. The protective construct allows pure nutrient formulations to overcome effects of first pass metabolism and access sites across the blood brain barrier; yielding precise effects [2]. Nutrients and bioactive metabolites resulting from gut digestion are thus brought into focus as potential candidates in the development of targeted therapies as well as interesting lead compounds for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's [3]. A system of Machine learning for predicting LNP formulations was developed by Wang et al. and displayed the ability to optimize mRNA carriers and delivery [4]. Inherent to this system is a process of computer-simulated in vitro pharmacodynamic and cross-reactivity testing that could be more widely applied to many delivery systems [5]. The ability to predict optimal delivery constructs, as well as simulate a compounds interactome, could lead to the discovery of novel clinical applications for nutrient compounds and revolutionize the therapeutic development pipeline [6]. In this review we synthesize key current literature involving the optimization of lipid nano particle encapsulated nutraceutical compounds using machine learning methods. We further strive to assess the limitations of such systems and the predictive capabilities of computer simulated in vitro models. Finally, we discuss how such therapies might fit into the landscape of nutrition and preventive medicine. Nutrients and the Gut-Brain Axis: Novel Neurotherapeutic Applications •The gut microbiota has a unique reciprocal interaction with the brain, a series of interactions referred to as the gut-brain axis. •The microbiome acts as a positive modulator on the brain by digesting compounds normal human cells don't and producing secondary bioactive metabolites such as polyphenols that can cross the blood-brain barrier and have antioxidant properties, extending a neuroprotective effects against brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders (Figure 1) [7]. • In exploring the clinical application of these compounds, however, it was found that even concentrated formulations of the active metabolites, administered orally, failed to reach significant levels in the in the brain majorly due to problems crossing the blood-brain barrier [8]. •Trapani et al. [9] discuss a solution to this in the development of polyphenol-lipid nanoparticles. These were delivered sublingually or intranasal and due to their small lipophilic nature are easily able to be absorbed across the oral or nasal mucosa and effectively bypass the blood brain barrier by accessing the olfactory or trigeminal nerves.
Lipid Nanoparticle Encapsulated Bioactive Gut Metabolites: Potential Therapeutics for Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders
In this review we synthesize key current literature involving the optimization of lipid nanoparticle encapsulated bioactive metabolite compounds for formulation of targeted therapeutics and their potential in treating neurologic disorders, specifically neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Presented at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 88th Symposium on Quantitative Biology: Brain Body Physiology
Certificates & Licenses (5)
BLS, EMT-B certifications
EHOS lab safety trainings: IACUC training, Hazmat/ HazWaste Training, OSHA training
Leadership and Diplomacy in Global Times
Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC)
BLS
Awards & Achievements (2)
🏆 Citation
Description
🏆 Citation
Description
Publications (5)
Mycobacterium smegmatis (M.sm) is frequently used as an alternative model organism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) studies. While containing high sequence homology with M.tb, it is considered non...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects 50 million people worldwide, an increase of 35 million since 2015, and it is known for memory loss and cognitive decline. Considering the morbidity associated with AD,...
Human gut microbiota plays an important role in health, broadly influencing metabolism to the immune system and drug resistance to pathogenic colonization. Since antibiotic resistance is on the rise,...
Several decades after the discovery of the first antibiotic (penicillin) microbes have evolved novel mechanisms of resistance; endangering not only our abilities to combat future bacterial pandemics b...
Approved therapies for managing opioid addiction involve intensive treatment regimens which remain both costly and ineffective. As pharmaceutical interventions have achieved variable success treating...
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