Should I study in Israel or stay in the USA?
That’s a question I asked myself before coming to the PhD program at the Technion.
I graduated from UF (University of Florida) were I was also working in break-through research with worldwide names in the field of Diabetes.
Finally I decided….Yes, I will go to Israel.
Although not at any cost. I was determined to go to Israel and be successful.
My colleagues were shocked to find out about my plan to leave my research but I formulated a smart and calculated plan to attend the Technion.
At UF, I was doing research in stem cells therapy working in an outstanding clinical/immunological study in T1D (type 1 diabetes).
I fell in love with science, research and working with patients. I truly felt so rewarded when I got to interact with little children with T1D and adults (I didn’t care about the long hours in the lab).
In order for my plan to work I needed to go to the best school Israel could offer. Coming from the States, I realized (from professors, doctors, students and others) that Technion has the best reputation worldwide. There! I want to go there! Accepted to the Technion….. the sky is the limit.
YAY, I got accepted! Now part B of my plan was to look for a good research lab where I could grow academically and achieve my goals. As I said, it was important for me to know that I would be able to do both core and clinical research. It was also crucial to find a good mentor (since I had a very good experience before). After going on interviews and looking into lots of labs I came across an article by Professor Andrew Levy. Online, I read that Prof. Levy's lab deals with Diabetes and cardiovascular disease(CVD), they discovered a therapy with antioxidant and they found a protein called Haptoglobin as an indicator for risk for CVD in Diabetic patients. BINGO!!!!! This lab is dealing with everything that I'm looking for; clinical trials, animal model etc.
So I wrote to him, and thought to myself: "please Prof. Levy just call me for an interview please please please" and" if I’d get the interview – I'm in for sure". He did. My first impression - Wow he is going to be a good mentor. In reality – he was not just a good mentor…..he is an amazing person and an excellent PI.
Prof. Levy actually let me explore other interests in science (just the way I like). Although he is keeping me focused he listens to me and I feel I could come and talk to him anytime about anything! It felt so rewarding when he listened to my gut instinct, gave me full support and sent me to Holland to train on Micro-Ultrasound. He trusted me!!
Today I have my own research model and I feel so content with my work and I love what I am doing in the lab!
I came to a wonderful lab. Here, we are a family. And I think it makes all the difference between working and doing what you love to do. I can't believe how lucky I am.
Hilla Lee Viener,
Prof. Andrew Levy's Lab
The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine - Technion