Voices of the Class of 2025: Graduate reflections
By Sheila Georger
Photography by Dan Holmes and Gaelen Morse
May 13, 2025
Graduate students at Brandeis pursue rigorous academic work shaped by personal values, strong mentorship and the freedom to grow into confident professionals and leaders.
These three members of the Class of 2025 reflect on their experiences — and the insights that will carry them forward.
Jourdan Parent
“Never underestimate the value you add.”
Community, flexibility and collaboration led Jourdan Parent, PhD’25, to Brandeis.
“I chose Brandeis because there was a strong sense of community within the department and across the school,” she said. “I appreciated that the department recognized students as individuals and designed the program with the flexibility to provide students with personalized training experiences.”
As a doctoral student in psychology, Parent valued the chance to work closely with peers and mentors while pursuing research tailored to her interests. Her biggest takeaway: “recognizing the value of collaborations and diverse perspectives to foster both scientific and individual growth.”
She is especially grateful to her advisor, Anne Berry, as well as the staff and students in the Neurochemistry and Cognition Lab and the broader psychology department for their support and encouragement throughout her graduate journey.
Parent is currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
To her fellow graduates, she offers this advice: “Know your worth. You bring unique experiences, skills, and perspectives — never underestimate the value you add to any space you enter.”
Sheindl Spitzer-Tilchin
“Change doesn’t happen overnight.”
Sheindl Spitzer-Tilchin, MA’25, came to Brandeis for its commitment to learning, creativity and community — especially within Jewish life.
“I chose Brandeis because I wanted to be pushed academically in an environment that encouraged learning, critical thinking, and caring deeply about serious global and systemic issues,” she said. “I wanted to be at a college where my creative abilities could grow and flourish, and where I could make mistakes and grow as an individual.”
As a student in the Hornstein Program for Jewish Professional Leadership, she explored her academic and creative interests while building meaningful relationships across campus. “My biggest takeaway is that it’s important to advocate for yourself and use your voice, and that change doesn’t happen overnight,” she said.
She credits the Hornstein administration and her peers for their support, and shares special thanks to her professor, lab advisor and mentor Ziva Hassenfeld. She also found joy and connection through Kaos Kids, the a cappella group Proscenium, and her best friend.
Now that she has completed her degree, Spitzer-Tilchin plans to take a year off before attending rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary, beginning in fall 2026.
Her advice to fellow graduates: “Remember to be OK with uncertainty, celebrate your accomplishments, and always remember that you have a purpose to make the world a better and safer place.”
Elizabeth Dina Mahon
“Lean into what excites you.”
Elizabeth Dina Mahon, PhD’25, chose Brandeis for its collaborative culture and strong mentorship — qualities that shaped every stage of her graduate experience.
“I chose Brandeis because it felt like the right fit — small enough to foster real connections but big enough to challenge me,” she said. “The culture here is more about collaboration than competition, which was really important to me.”
As a doctoral student in psychology, Mahon conducted research on dementia risk factors in the Lifespan Lab with advisor professor Margie Lachman. “Our work together allowed me to thoroughly delve into and enjoy my research,” she said. “Thank you to Dr. Lachman for providing me the many opportunities, independence and constant support to pursue everything I was interested in. I am sincerely grateful.”
Competing in the Three Minute Thesis competition helped her discover a love for sharing research in ways that resonate across disciplines. “Thank you to the Center for Career and Professional Development, and especially to Marika McCann, for inspiring me to believe in my success, in 3MT, and in my career.”
Now working as a data analytics manager at a tech company, Mahon leads a team focused on translating complex data into actionable insights. She mentors early-career analysts, develops scalable tools, and helps others understand not just the “what,” but the “so what.”
To her fellow graduates, she offers this advice: “Believe in yourself, even on the days when things feel uncertain or challenging. Growth happens when you push past self-doubt and trust in your abilities. Surround yourself with people who uplift, challenge, and inspire you… Don’t hold yourself back out of fear of failure; some of the best opportunities really come from that simple first leap.”
