Six Selected to Participate in Kressel Research Scholarship Program, Now in its Third Year

Six Yeshiva University students will intensify their focus on advanced undergraduate-level research this year as part of the Henry Kressel Research Scholarship program. The scholarship—established by Dr. Henry Kressel, chairman of the YU Board of Trustees, managing director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate—offers students the unique opportunity to craft a year-long intensive research project under the direct supervision of University faculty. “This is the third year of the program and I am delighted with the achievement of the scholars,” said Dr. Kressel. “Our goal was to provide the opportunity for promising students to perform creative research with our outstanding faculty. Not only have these students gone on to excellent graduate and professional schools, but they have also received prestigious fellowships, including our first everCarnegie and Fulbright Fellowships, as well as a National Science Fellowship.” This year’s recipients are Joseph Attias, a philosophy major; Or Pikary, accounting; Ben Rosenzweig, psychology; Michael Turkel, English; and physics majors Dassi Shulman and Aaron Yevick. The students’ research, each conducted under the mentorship of a faculty member, will focus on a variety of subjects. Shulman will be mentored by Dr. Emil Prodan, assistant professor of physics at Stern College for Women, and will explore several fundamental aspects of a recently discovered state of matter called the topological insulating state. “Having access to high-tech science facilities where I can pursue my physics and engineering studies and research opportunities such as the Kressel Scholarship has enabled me to develop my understanding and love of science and propel me forward in my career,” said Shulman, who hopes to pursue a career in structural engineering. Pikary, the first Sy Syms School of Business student to be awarded the scholarship, will be conducting his research under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Kerstein, associate professor of accounting at Sy Syms. “Through Yeshiva University’s strong offering of both Judaic and secular education, I've been able to grow both academically and as a Jew with strong ethical values that can better society,” said Pikary. “I have therefore become particularly interested in researching what types of corporate governance are associated with firms who choose to act ethically to meet their responsibilities under SEC disclosure rules.” The scholars will each receive a stipend of $7,500 for the year, along with travel money and appropriate research-support expenses. Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will present their work to the student body to stimulate a larger intellectual discussion on their topics.