Oct 28, 2008 — Samuel Blass, chemistry major at Yeshiva University’s (YU) Yeshiva College (YC), is one of four scholars chosen as a 2008 winner of the first annual Henry Kressel Research Scholarship, established to perpetuate YU’s student research community. The scholarship seeks to embody the commitment to intellectual rigor, creativity and pursuit of knowledge that defines Yeshiva University.

Mr. Blass, who is researching how proteins crystallize, was one of only four students across the country selected to NASA’s Undergraduate Student Research Program at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He is being mentored by Dr. Neer Asherie, YC assistant professor of physics and biology.

“Sam’s dedication to research is admirable; it is a privilege to work with him,” says Dr. Asherie, who first met Mr. Blass in his Introduction to Physics course in 2005. “I expect his research as a Kressel Scholar will lead to exciting discoveries.”

The scholarship funding provides a stipend of $7,500 for the academic year, with additional grant monies available for travel or research support. Academic mentors to the scholars also receive a $2,000 grant to offset costs of supervising the student’s research. Recipients are expected to spend at least one intensive summer and academic year on the project. Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will lead student sessions publicizing their work to catalyze a larger intellectual discussion on the topic.

Mr. Blass, a Paramus, New Jersey native, praised the Kressel Scholarship for providing him with the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of highly experienced experimentalists.

“What makes YU unique is that it is a major research university with a distinctly Jewish flavor,” says Mr. Blass. “It has also allowed me to develop close relationships with faculty that would have otherwise been impossible at a larger school. The curriculum challenged me to produce my best work.”

Dr. Henry Kressel, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate, funded the program with the goal of expanding student-faculty research. “The idea is to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and to get a taste of the exciting world of research,” says Dr. Kressel. “My expectation is that this program will lead to a richer intellectual environment at Yeshiva University and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies.”

Oct 28, 2008 — Malka Bromberg, physics major at Yeshiva University’s (YU) Stern College for Women (SCW), is one of four scholars chosen as a 2008 winner of the first annual Henry Kressel Research Scholarship. The scholarship was established to perpetuate YU’s student research community and seeks to embody the commitment to intellectual rigor, creativity and pursuit of knowledge that defines Yeshiva University.

The scholarship funding provides a stipend of $7,500 for the academic year, with additional grant monies available for travel or research support. Academic mentors to the scholars also receive a $2,000 grant to offset costs of supervising the student’s research. Recipients are expected to spend at least one intensive summer and academic year on the project. Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will lead student sessions publicizing their work to catalyze a larger intellectual discussion on the topic.

Ms. Bromberg, who is being mentored by Dr. Anatoly Frenkel, head of the physics department at Stern College, is researching the synthesis and characterization of functional carbon nanotubes. The Philadelphia native has been an aspiring physicist since the fifth grade when she read a book about Niels Bohr and quantum physics.

“Malka is a phenomenally motivated and independent young researcher,” says Dr. Frenkel. “She has truly made a positive impression on me with her determination to perform hands-on research.”

Dr. Henry Kressel, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate, funded the program with the goal of expanding student-faculty research. “The idea is to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and to get a taste of the exciting world of research,” says Dr. Kressel. “My expectation is that this program will lead to a richer intellectual environment at Yeshiva University and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies.”

Oct 28, 2008 — Ari Lamm, a Jewish studies major at Yeshiva University’s (YU), is one of four scholars chosen as a 2008 winner of the first annual Henry Kressel Research Scholarship, established to perpetuate YU’s student research community. The scholarship seeks to embody the commitment to intellectual rigor, creativity and pursuit of knowledge that defines Yeshiva University.

“As a firm believer and proponent of the Torah U’madda ideology embodied by Yeshiva University, I am grateful for the myriad of opportunities provided for serious commitment to both Torah studies and worldly knowledge,” says Mr. Lamm, a West Hempstead native. “The Kressel Scholarship has allowed me the privilege of engaging in both at the same time.”

The scholarship funding provides a stipend of $7,500 for the academic year, with additional grant monies available for travel or research support. Academic mentors to the scholars also receive a $2,000 grant to offset costs of supervising the student’s research. Recipients are expected to spend at least one intensive summer and academic year on the project. Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will lead student sessions publicizing their work to catalyze a larger intellectual discussion on the topic.

Mr. Lamm’s research will focus on the intellectual history of the Amoraim (ancient scholars) of the Babylonian Talmud. His mentor is Dr. Yaakov Elman, professor of Judaic studies at YU and an associate at Harvard University’s Center for Jewish Studies.

Dr. Elman believes his pupil has a bright future ahead. “Ari has the intellect and capabilities that a career in scholarship or the rabbinate requires,” says Dr. Elman. “He is deeply concerned with the problems of the world and will do his part to correct them. His creative mind and outstanding personality will allow him to impact whatever audience he addresses.”

Dr. Henry Kressel, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate, funded the program with the goal of expanding student-faculty research. “The idea is to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and to get a taste of the exciting world of research,” says Dr. Kressel. “My expectation is that this program will lead to a richer intellectual environment at Yeshiva University and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies.”