Greetings from New York

Oz Moalem, 28, is a PhD bioengineering student. A member of Prof. Orit Shefi's research group, his research focuses on nerve rehabilitation and studying damage and abrasion of neuronal cytoskeletons due to mechanical stimulation. “Our goal is to characterize natural repair mechanisms at the nanometric level as comprehensively as possible, to create a foundation for innovative treatments of neural injuries in the future,” he explains.

Last August, Oz traveled to Columbia University in New York for a conference focused on biomolecular motors. Oz presented his research in the conference, organized by Professor Henry Hess, a leading researcher in the field. “The audience showed great interest in my presentation, asking questions. Throughout the conference, I met and networked with many researchers and students whose research overlaps with ours. Some had previously collaborated with Orit. For others, especially the students, this was the first time being exposed to Israeli research, and I was glad to pique their interest in a different aspect of our country than what they’re used to hearing. Especially during this period, it was even more important for me to represent the wonderful research happening in our country.”

About his advisor, recently appointed dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Orit Shefi, he says: “Orit has been giving me her support throughout my research with her knowledge and experience, she encourages all sorts of new ideas and research directions I propose, but knows how to get me back on track when I get too scattered.”