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Undergraduate Fellows

Meir Alelov '15

Meir was born in Holon, Israel.  His family emigrated from Russia to Israel, and in 2001 when Meir was eight his family came to the States.  Meir graduated from the Newark Academy in Livingston, NJ where he was active in Chess, Improvisation and Red Cross clubs.  In addition, he was a captain of the swim team and a President of Friendship Circle, an organization that helps children with special needs. Meir plans to pursue a major in Neuroscience.

Julia Blanter '13

Julia was born in Boston, MA and graduated from Governor's Academy in Byfield, MA. She frequently travels to Russia as both her parents emigrated from Moscow, Russia. She is interested in majoring in economics, math and medicine.  At Brandeis, Julia hopes to work with children and explore educational opportunities in the Jewish community. Julia is the Vice President of External Affairs in the Brandeis University Russian Culture Club.

Karina Gaft '14

Karina was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and moved to the States when she was a year old. Karina graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, MA. She is interested in majoring in biology and mathematics at Brandeis, as well as pursuing various languages including Russian, Hebrew, and Arabic. Karina was the teen co-chair of Y2I (Youth to Israel), a nonprofit organization that sends teens to Israel, and had the pleasure of spending her summer there in 2007.

Lev Gorfinkel '13

Lev was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia and moved to Israel when he was two years old. After living in Israel for eight years his family moved to Massachusetts. Lev graduated from Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA. He is a Chemistry major but would also like to either major or minor in Biology. Lev is planning on going to medical school and becoming a doctor after graduating from Brandeis.

Eleazar Jacobs '13

Eleazar was born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York, NY. Eleazar is a member of the National Hebrew Honors Society, Arista National Honors Society, Big Sibs and NCSY as well as the Brandeis track team. At Brandeis, Eleazar plans to major in economics and business and pursue a degree in Law after graduation.

Dina Kapengut '14

Dina was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and moved to Nebraska when she was six months old. Dina graduated from Union County Magnet High School in Scotch Plains, NJ. She plans to major in neuroscience and philosophy. While at Brandeis, she hopes to continue her hobby in art and music. Dina also hopes to further her interest in medicine by getting involved with a non-profit organization and children's hospital.

Daniel Koch '13

Daniel was born in Brooklyn, NY after his family moved to New York from St. Petersburg, Russia. Dan graduated from Fair Lawn High School in Fair Lawn, NJ. He is majoring in mathematics and minoring in economics and philosophy.  Daniel is investigating the actuarian profession. He is also an enthusiastic amateur photographer. His interests include music and travel. 

Annie Livit '13

Annie was born in Kingston, PA two years after her parents emigrated from Minsk, Belarus. Annie graduated from Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA. Annie plans on double majoring in Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy, with a minor in business. She is the VP of external affairs in Russian Club,as well as the freshman representative for the Tennis Club. She wishes to pursue a medical career while staying closely connected to the Russian Jewish community. 

Julia Livit '13

Julia was born in Kingston, PA two years after her parents emigrated from Minsk, Belarus. Julia graduated from Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA. She plans on double majoring in Business and Health: Science, Society and Policy. She is an active member in various clubs on campus, including VP of Publicity in Russian Club, Hooked on Tap and Adagio, and tennis club. She wants to pursue a career in pharmaceutical management and, in the future, wants to volunteer in Israel.

Frederick Rozenshteyn '13

Frederick was born in White Plains, NY. His parents and older brother emigrated from Ukraine in 1983. He graduated from Fair Lawn High School in Fair Lawn, NJ. Freddy is interested in majoring in biology and psychology. Frederick has been an enthusiastic and valuable member of the tennis team. He would like to pursue a career in medicine after graduation.

Daniel Shpolyansky '14

Daniel was born in Uzbekistan and emigrated with his family to the Bronx, New York when he was two years old. Daniel graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. He volunteered at St. Patrick's Home for the Aged during his freshman year. During his teenage years, he gained work experience at the Riverdale Diner as a waiter. At Brandeis, he plans to study economics and politics. Daniel also aims to be very involved in the Brandeis Genesis Institute and the student government.

Esther Tandetnik '13

Esther was born in Be'er Sheva, Israel. She graduated from Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, MA. She plans to major in psychology and minor in Near Middle Eastern Studies. She was a member and coach of her high school swim team, as well as a lifeguard at the Frances and Jacob Hiatt Jewish Community Center.

Lena Vaynberg '13

Lena was born in California. Lena's mother emigrated from Azerbaijan and her father from Belarus in the 1980s. Lena graduated from the Chadwick School in Palos Verde's, CA. She is interested in studying biology, Spanish, and Russian at Brandeis and pursuing a career in medicine. In high school, she was involved in the student government, served as President of the Jewish Culture Club and engaged in community service. At Brandeis, Lena is involved in the pre-health society, is Co-Vice President of External Affairs of Russian Club and is a member of the freshmen living learning community.

Allan Volf '15

Allan was born in Ridgewood, NJ, five years after his parent emigrated from Odessa, Ukraine.  When Allan was four years old his family relocated to San Diego, CA.   Allan graduated from Torry Pines High School, in San Diego, CA.   Allan played piano for more than eight years and while in high school volunteered at a food bank.    Allan’s interests include math and physics and he plans to major in economics. 

Victor Zhivich '13

Victor was born in St. Petersburg Russia. He graduated from Westborough High School in Westborough, MA. He is interested in biochemistry and neuroscience. As his community outreach project in 2009-10, Victor video recorded his grandfather and great uncle's life stories in St. Petersburg during the blockade.  After graduation, Victor hopes to continue to volunteer in the Russian Jewish community.

Julia Zaltsman '15

Julia was born and raised in Marblehead, MA.  Her parents emigrated from Chelyabinsk, Russia. Julia graduated from Marblehead High School, where she was a member of the varsity tennis team and the National Honors Society.  She served as the treasurer of the Free the Children club, focused on fundraising for children education in third world countries. She also volunteered as a math tutor at the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and My Brother's Table. Julia is interested in both sciences and humanities, and she is strongly considering pursuing a neuroscience major.

Liz Zharovsky '15

Liz was born in Skokie, Illinois. Her parents emigrated from Kiev, Ukraine and spent six months in Italy before moving to Glenbrook, Illinois.  Liz graduated from Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, IL.  She worked as a tutor at her high school’s supplemental education center and volunteered at a local hospital. Liz served as the Vice President of Programming in the National Conference of Synagogue Youth.  She plans to major in Neuroscience with a possible double major in Psychology and a minor in Russian Studies. Her goal is to go to a medical school upon her graduation from Brandeis and become a neurologist.

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