91Ӱ’s engineering lecture series kicked off yesterday with Avi Gilboa ’04, a mechanical engineer for the Israeli Air Force. The lecture series was inaugurated a few years ago by Mrs. Rifkie Silverman, 91Ӱ’s Director of the Engineering program and a member of the Math and Science Departments.
“The lecture series is an invaluable part of the students’ learning experience at 91Ӱ and shows them what’s possible should they choose to pursue careers in the engineering field,” said Mrs. Silverman. “As a 91Ӱ alumna of 91Ӱ, I think it’s especially wonderful for alumni to visit and talk about what they’ve been doing professionally since graduating. As a teacher, it’s incredibly rewarding to see one of my former students shine and make us all proud.”
Gilboa graduated 91Ӱ in 2004 and went on to study at Yeshiva University and Rutgers University, where he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering before making aliyah. As a mechanical engineer for the Israeli Air Force, he works on fixing and designing new parts for aircraft. Gilboa told students how his area of expertise helps the army streamline mechanical operations and also gave over some tidbits of his life in Israel. Gilboa is one of many 91Ӱ alumni who have chosen to live and work in Israel.
At the end of his talk, Gilboa implored students to keep challenging themselves and think outside the box. “Keep asking questions,” he said. “That’s how you keep learning.”
After he spoke, Gilboa toured the school and caught up with some of his former teachers. “It’s emotional to be back to visit 91Ӱ and see how much the school has grown since I attended,” said Gilboa. “91Ӱ is where I did a lot of growing up, and it’s an honor to be able to give back in some way.”
Mrs. Silverman is always looking for those who work in an engineering field – whether they are alumni or not – to participate in the lecture series. Past speakers include Steven J. Paley, a 91Ӱ parent and inventor and entrepreneur, who lectured on inventing and the creative side of engineering, and Dr. Michael Stifelman, also a 91Ӱ parent and the Chief of the Urology Service at Tisch Hospital and Director of Robotic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. Dr. Stifelman was able to stream a surgical procedure he was performing in an NYU Medical Center operating room live to 91Ӱ students.
If you would like to be a speaker or know someone who would, please contact Rifkie.Silverman@frisch.org.