May 7, 2004 -- Esoteric to some, studying Biblical poetry was a natural choice for Malka Zeiger Simkovich, a 2004 graduate of Stern College for Women and its S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program. This fall, she will pursue a master's degree and PhD in that field through Harvard University’s program in Near Eastern languages and civilizations. More Commencement News Mrs. Simkovich double majored in Jewish Studies, concentrating in Bible, and music. “A PhD in Biblical poetry fuses two areas of study, Tanakh (Bible) and music, both of which I love equally,” she said. Next year she will also teach Tanakh at Maimonides School in Brookline, MA, and serve as a mentor to female students. She plans a career in formal and informal education and hopes to establish programs for women. Michelle Levine, PhD, assistant professor of Bible, mentored Mrs. Simkovich in her honors thesis, “Critical Analysis of International Prophesies in the Book of Isaiah.” “Malka’s knowledge of music gives her an interdisciplinary sense to rhythm and meter of Biblical poetry,” said Dr. Levine. “She is enthusiastic about her studies and demonstrates the ability to interrelate different disciplines of research. Malka will make a fine teacher and scholar.” David Glazer, DMA, assistant professor of music, said, “Malka is an inquisitive, curious, and dedicated student who picked up on abstract principles very quickly. She is knowledgeable about so many different things and through our conversations she has educated me almost as much as I educated her.” During her years at Stern, Ms. Zeiger wrote for The Observer, worked as a tutor in the writing center, and sang in the choral ensemble. She also enjoys playing the piano.