2023 Stories

Stories from January 2023 through July 2023 are available on our previous website, BrandeisNOW.

August 2023

A group of students posing for the camera

August 8, 2023

The Lurie Undergraduate Fellowship offers opportunity to learn policy and create community.

Hip-hop artist collage

August 10, 2023

In his class Hip-hop History and Culture, Professor Chad Williams charts the trajectory of the musical genre from its roots in the African Diaspora to Cardi B.

Students engaging with posters at SciFest

August 15, 2023

After countless hours dedicated to summer research, undergraduate students across the sciences shared their findings.

Arghavan Khosravi, The Orange Curtain, 2022. Acrylic on canvas over shaped wood panel, on wood panel. 64 1/2 x 49 in.

August 17, 2023

Iranian artist Arghavan Khosravi’s first comprehensive museum survey is now on view.

Brain with puzzle pieces out

August 18, 2023

Elizabeth Mahon, a psychology PhD candidate, spent the summer in the Lifespan Lab working to identify the precursors for Alzheimer's disease.

Declan Tsuyuki speaking to two visitors at the Boston Aquarium.

August 18, 2023

As a summer intern at the New England Aquarium, Declan Tsuyuki ’25 turned his environmental studies knowledge into engaging conversations about ocean conservation.

Aviva Gornick ’25 in front of the Massachusetts State House

August 18, 2023

Thanks to a WOW Fellowship and a classroom connection, Aviva Gornick ’25 spent her summer at the Massachusetts State House, turning her passion for women’s issues into hands-on experience in policy, advocacy and public service.

Dina Gorelik at the Jewish Public Library Archives.

August 18, 2023

Driven by a passion for Yiddish, Dina Gorelik ’24 spent a semester in Montreal uncovering and preserving Jewish history at the Jewish Public Library Archives.

Lucas Forman conducting a test in a river.

August 18, 2023

Through an internship with the Hoosic River Watershed Association, Lucas Forman ’24 gained hands-on experience in environmental monitoring — translating classroom skills into real-world impact.

Declan at the New England Aquarium

August 18, 2023

Internships can provide students with amazing opportunities and experience, but they aren’t always financially accessible. The World of Work Fellowship changes that for Brandeis students.

August 28, 2023

The incoming students unpacked their belongings, greeted their new roommates, said goodbye to their families, and began their Brandeis journey on Sunday, August 27.

Students walking down steps, their images blurred

August 28, 2023

The newest Brandeisians filled their residence halls and said goodbye to their families on Move-In Day, on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023.

Ephraim Zimmerman seated with a laptop computer

August 30, 2023

Ephraim Zimmerman ’25 came to Brandeis with a vision: to learn the skills he would need for a future in quantitative finance and software engineering.

Three colorful paintings on a gallery wall

August 31, 2023

“Lives Eliminated, Dreams Illuminated” pairs photographs of young women murdered in the Holocaust with paintings and music. The exhibition opens Sept. 7.

A then/now style image with an archival photo on the left and a current photo on the right. Both photos show students sitting on a wall

August 31, 2023

Join the entire Brandeis community - alumni, friends, family, students, and staff - for an anniversary celebration 75 years in the making this October.

September 2023

Jeffrey Shoulson

September 5, 2023

Meet the new Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Jeffrey Shoulson.

Rupam Saha works at a computer the Physics lab

September 8, 2023

Rupam Saha, a fourth year physics PhD candidate, talks about his work designing self-limited structures.

September 14, 2023

In September 2023, Cameron Samuels ’26, Executive Director of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, addressing book bans affecting students across the country.

Noah Risley

September 19, 2023

Noah Risley ’24 spoke with Brandeis Stories about upcoming major Student Union changes, the importance of inclusivity, and ways to get involved in student government.

September 20, 2023

Tree for the Taking — founded by Sam Aronson ’20, Heller MBA’23, and Alden Kennedy, Heller MBA’23 — is crafting guitars for a more sustainable future.

September 20, 2023

Follow the Brandeis Klezmer band members who are not only reviving this rich musical heritage but also sharing it with the world.

Person dressed in yellow performs on stage, a person wearing a Flounder fish costume is seen in the background

September 20, 2023

A cast of 65 performers and 32 stage technicians brought “The Little Mermaid” to stage in an impressive 24 hours.

October 2023

Drew Weissman

October 2, 2023

Drew Weissman ’81, GSAS MA’81, P’15, H’23, has won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with collaborator Katalin Karikó, H’23, for their work on mRNA vaccines.

Four students outdoors

October 4, 2023

As the university marks its 75th anniversary, current students are forging the future. Eitan Marks ’24, however, is dedicated to conserving the past.

Person typing at a computer/Getty Images

October 6, 2023

A Brandeis internship program is giving undergraduate students real world experience while bringing innovation to the university community and beyond.

Deborah and Shlomi Matias

October 11, 2023

Deborah and Shlomi Matias, the daughter and son-in-law of Ilan Troen ’63, the Stoll Family Professor Emeritus in Israel Studies, were shot to death early Saturday morning in their home in Beersheba, Israel, by Hamas terrorists. Here, Troen offers a first-person account and perspective.

A woman starts to cry during a rally in support of Israel at the Boston Common.

October 11, 2023

Alexander Kaye, the Karl, Harry, and Helen Stoll Assistant Professor of Israel Studies and director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, answers questions on the attacks and what the future may hold.

People celebrating inside the gala tent

October 16, 2023

Thousands of proud alumni, students and families filled campus Oct. 13-15 to celebrate the university's 75th anniversary.

A person high fives the Brandeis Judge mascot's gavel

October 16, 2023

See photo highlights from the weekend.

Images of Israeli hostages snatched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas last week in a surprise attack into Israel, plastered on a wall outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv on October 16, 2023.

October 17, 2023

Professor of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Yehudah Mirsky was in Israel on Saturday, October 7, during the terrorist attacks by Hamas. He shared his personal reflections on what happened and their implications for Israeli society and politics.

Crown Center panelists in conversation

October 23, 2023

Two in-depth discussions — one hosted by the Crown Center for Middle East Studes and one by the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies — examined the attack on Israel by Hamas and the unfolding war in Gaza.

Medal

October 24, 2023

Pioneering neuroscientist Eve Marder ’69 and Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry Emeritus Gregory Petsko each received the National Medal of Science, the highest recognition the nation bestows on scientists and engineers.

Two people standing around a fire.

October 26, 2023

Professor Helen A. Berger, a Scholar at Brandeis University's Women's Studies Research Center, took some time to explain her path to researching witchcraft, the modern reclaiming of the practice, and its connections to feminist movements.

From left to right, University Professor Anita Hill, Professor Sarah Deer (The University of Kansas) and Professor Crystal Feimster (Yale University) speak during Slavery, Citizenship, and the Afterlife of Gender-Based Violence at the Heller School .

October 30, 2023

Moderated by University Professor Anita Hill, the panel of leading scholars discussed the logic of settler colonial genocide and sexual violence against Native and enslaved Black women with regards to the delineation of citizenship.

Tressie McMillan Cottom delivers remarks in the Gittler Prize ceremony.

October 31, 2023

In a visit to Brandeis, the cultural critic and sociologist urged to students to defend the right to be curious.

November 2023

three soldiers in fatigues

November 3, 2023

Gary Samore, the Crown Family Director of the Crown Center for Middle East Studies and professor of the practice of politics, analyzes the possibilities of the conflict in Gaza spreading further into the Middle East.

Marco and Mahmoud pose with two team mates.

November 6, 2023

Inspired by their win at Brandeis University’s DeisHack, Marco Qin ’24 and Mahmoud Salah ’24 have taken their coding talents to some of the most competitive college Hackathon events in the country.

ibs peace scholars

November 6, 2023

Brandeis International Business School students from South Sudan, Ukraine reflect on scholarships that changed their life.

Wolfgang Baumeister

November 6, 2023

Baumeister was chosen for his pioneering work in the development of cryo-electron tomography.

Jerry Cohen

November 6, 2023

Professor emeritus Stephen Whitfield, PhD’72, remembers his colleague Jacob “Jerry” Cohen.

first generation student day

November 8, 2023

Faculty and students from the Graduate School of the Arts and Sciences share their first generation students experience.

Vimal sits in chair in motion

November 10, 2023

New research from the Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Lab examines how small vibrating devices could help astronauts keep their bearings.

Allie poses for photo

November 13, 2023

Slated for November 13-18, this year’s I Am Global Week features events hosted by student groups, faculty, campus partners, and the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

two people sword fighting

November 17, 2023

Throwing punches, sword fighting, and starting duels. For Anika Hahn ’25, the fight captain of Brandeis University’s production of Twelfth Night, these are a major part of every performance.

Brandeis Magazine cover

November 30, 2023

The Winter 2023/2024 edition of Brandeis Magazine delivers compelling features, captivating photos, and a recap of the university’s 75th-anniversary celebration.

Students dancing

November 30, 2023

Brandeis Stories spoke with Emma Stott ’25 and Liliana Aspromonte ’25, this year’s co-presidents of the club, to get a behind the scenes look at their production of The Nutcracker.

December 2023

Koby and Benedict

December 7, 2023

The fellows, both undergraduate and graduate students, work alongside the team at the Foundation’s offices at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Focusing on areas of their individual interest, fellows tackle real-world challenges through research, outreach, and engaging with philanthropic donors.

Candles in the snow

December 7, 2023

Helen A. Berger, resident scholar and expert on contemporary Paganism, shares insight on the Winter Solstice celebration.

sunset at lights

December 8, 2023

In response to issues that emerged in the wake of the Hamas attacks, the war in Gaza, and campus events, Brandeis canceled all classes Dec. 5 to hold a special community wide teach-in.

Drew Weissman receives Nobel Prize from King of Sweden

December 11, 2023

The immunologist, along with research partner Katalin Karikó, H’23, received the prize for research that led to the COVID vaccines.

Robin Wall Kimmerer stands in the woods

December 12, 2023

The celebrated ecologist, educator and author will visit campus this spring.

robots on book getty image

December 15, 2023

Peizhao Li, PhD’24, a candidate in computer science, has received a $55,500 Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Institute of Justice.

December 28, 2023

Revisit memories from the past year at Brandeis.