Bronx Science Alumni Magazine | Spring 2024

GRADUATION SPEAKER MAGGIE SIFF ,92 HONOR

RISING COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES ADMIRE

WELCOME

Dear Fellow Bronx Science Alumni,

This spring is my 25th reunion from Bronx Science. I remember so much about those last moments of my senior year—our prom at Tavern on the Green, graduation at Madison Square Garden, and more—but mostly I remember just hanging out with friends outside. It seems we were forever in the courtyard just talking and laughing. I recall the excitement about going to college but also sadness at friends all going to different schools.

Twenty five years later, I am proud to still call those friends my best friends and at my 25th reunion, it was amazing to see just how many people in my class are still friends. The Bronx Science bond is truly special.

Between class reunions and Alumni Day, we had thousands of Bronx Science alumni join us for Alumni Reunion Weekend and hundreds of students volunteered. Every alum I spoke to is so proud of having gone to Bronx Science and it is amazing to hear their remembrances. The stories and memories through 85 plus years of Bronx Science history are simply unprecedented. I am excited to see what we capture in our Oral History project and look forward to growing our collection of alumni experiences!

It is my hope that all of our current students have equally wonderful experiences and develop the same lifelong friendships that so many of us are lucky enough to have.

Stay involved at Bronx Science and come visit!

Best,

Eleanor Coufos ‘99 President Bronx Science Foundation

FOUNDATION BRONX SCIENCE

UPDATE

Spring has been as busy as ever at Bronx Science, for both our bright and ambitious students and the Foundation alike!

Alongside our work supporting the academic experience, extracurricular activities and student financial aid, this year the Foundation has also significantly enhanced its role in guiding students through the college process, as you’ll read in more detail on pages 21–23. We are deeply grateful to all of the alumni who have volunteered their time, expertise and gifts to make a variety of support available to juniors and seniors throughout the complex admission process.

We also sincerely thank all those who participated in our Career Symposium, which took place virtually on March 3. Alumni from a wide array of fields spoke by Zoom to students and fellow alumni about their professional journeys, and in the process opened our students’ eyes to the myriad possibilities ahead of them.

Speaking of careers: it has been a pleasure to connect with so many alumni through our Industry Networking events this year. Beginning in December, we hosted a series of receptions for alumni working (or aspiring to work in!) in the following industries:

Law

Entrepreneurship

Media

Finance

Medicine &

Healthcare

STEM

We also hit the road to see alumni who have relocated far and wide since their time at Bronx Science, with events in Austin on February 29, San Francisco on April 17, and Hong Kong on April 29. We look forward to making it to additional cities next school year!

We are so excited to wrap up another incredible year with our (first-ever!) Young Alumni Ball, Reunion, Alumni Day and Commencement. It is such a joy to host these opportunities to enable Bronx Science community members to connect and celebrate our amazing students.

We hope that all alumni will consider supporting the Foundation’s work providing resources to enhance the student experience and foster connections within the Bronx Science community by making a gift before the fiscal year ends on June 30, 2024.

Your donation can support any of the following priorities:

Green & Gold Fund: For unrestricted giving to meet the most pressing needs of the school, these funds may be directed to student financial aid, academic enhancements, the college process, extracurriculars and more. This is our area of greatest need.

Capital Improvements: Funding stateof-the-art facilities for our students to learn and socialize, from ongoing updates to our lab equipment to the upcoming complete remodel of the student cafeteria.

IDEAS Initiative: Created to foster innovative thinking beyond the classroom, the IDEAS initiative supports our annual hackathon and Makerspace, our two robotics teams, and the Summer Institutes.

Speech & Debate: Since 1969, we have had one of the country’s most successful Speech & Debate teams. Donations ensure all students can pay travel costs and registration fees, regardless of financial means.

Gifts can be made online at bxscience.edu/give, by phone at 718-817-7800, or by mail. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team at foundation@bxscience.edu for assistance or to discuss your giving options.

Thank you. We can only continue Bronx Science’s legacy of excellence with your help!

MAGGIE SIFF ,92 GETS A SECOND CHANCE AT BRONX SCIENCE GRADUATION

ARTICLE BY ANNA KOONTZ ’25

Maggie Siff ’92 skipped her high school graduation.

A dedicated member of the Speech & Debate team, she had advanced to the final round of a national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota. She decided to follow through with the competition instead of dropping out to fly back to New York and walk across the stage with her classmates dressed in caps and gowns. Now, more than thirty years later, the

renowned actress is returning to attend her first Bronx Science graduation – not as a student, but as the keynote speaker. This position is a tremendous honor, offered to one alum each year who has demonstrated great vision, tenacity, and success in their career and life passions.

“I’m thrilled to be coming back,” said Siff. “I can’t wait to look out into the sea of faces and remember what it was like to be where you [students are in life].”

The graduation ceremony will take place at the United Palace Theater in Washington Heights, and it certainly won’t be the first time that Siff has spoken from a stage. Ever since she was a little girl growing up in the Bronx, Siff knew that she wanted to be a performer. She seriously considered going to LaGuardia High School to focus on acting, but her mom encouraged her to attend Bronx Science instead.

“There’s so much time for that,” Siff remembered her mom advising after she mentioned her dream of becoming an actor, “so prioritize getting a good education.” Siff followed this advice and explored new things instead of concentrating on one. Although she still

loved theater, Siff realized that she was equally passionate about academic learning and discovery. “I was really excited by [Bronx Science] and the bigness of it, the chance to be in such an intellectually stimulating environment.”

Amidst the exams and heavy workload, Speech & Debate became her creative outlet. Siff competed in several categories including duo and oral interpretation, but dramatic interpretation was her favorite because of its close similarities to acting. “I was always looking for long monologues, for one character I could really sink into,” she reflected.

Her stellar performance at competitions caught the attention of the drama coach at Regis High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Manhattan. They needed girls for their school play, so Siff agreed to help and commuted downtown after school to attend their rehearsals.

When Siff went on to Bryn Mawr College, she continued to participate in as many theater productions as her school offered. However, she decided to major in English. To her, this wasn’t a digression of interests but an enhancement, a chance to grow through studying a different, complementary form of storytelling. A few years later, she attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and completed an MFA in acting.

Since then, Siff’s career has spanned a diverse range of form and style, from small theater productions to major television shows. Most notably, she played the lead roles of Wendy Rhoades in the television series Billions, Tara Knowles in Sons of Anarchy, and Rachel Katz in Mad Men. She has also appeared in episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and Law and Order, among several other series.

At a Speech & Debate tournament (second from left)

As a mother of a ten-year-old daughter, Siff appreciates the stability of long-form television roles, while also acknowledging the challenges of sustaining a character for several years. Shorter jobs can be a refreshing contrast, such as playing the part of Lady last summer in the Tennessee Williams play Orpheus Descending. “It’s a rarely produced play, and an impossibly beautiful, larger than life character. Getting to play [Lady] was, for me, one of my personal highlights.”

Siff is naturally interested in the complexities and nuances of life. It’s the reason why she gave herself a balanced education in high school and college instead of hyperfocusing on acting, and a necessary trait in order to fully envelope any character that she plays. When Siff

delivers her speech to the class of 2024, she plans to expand on this mindset by encouraging students to explore a variety of interests.

“What I remember from Bronx Science is a very deep urge to achieve,” reflected Siff. “It’s really propulsive, it moves you forward in the world, and it’s amazing. But I think that energy can work against a deeper curiosity in people.”

Siff hopes that Bronx Science graduates will not be limited by perfectionism and trapped to a narrow path in life. Instead, embrace the motto that the school was founded on: Inquire. Discover. Create. From her time as a high schooler to her current career, Siff serves as a model of these values and an inspiration to others.

CLASS OF 2024 VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

ARTICLE BY HALLEL ABRAMS GERBER ’24

In a school so devoted to STEM, numbers hold tremendous value. For Class of 2024 Valedictorian Manuel “Manu” Bosteels and Salutatorian Nora Berisha, their high averages represent only one facet of their many achievements and interests.

Manu has a GPA of 99 and Nora of 98.95. Within the classroom, both passionately engage in a plethora of subjects, including AP Calculus BC and AP American Studies. Nora shared, “I had Calculus with Mr. Fomin last year, which was my most difficult class, but I don't think I would be here without it. It completely changed my work ethic and my perspective on school, grades, and education… [it was a reminder that] there's power—and enjoyment—in learning.”

Beyond a shared love of learning, both commit to giving back through the Big Sibs program, mentoring incoming ninth graders as they acclimate to Bronx Science. Nora is a Big Sib, while Manu serves as a director of the program.

Manu also co-leads both the Mock Trial and Moot Court Teams, as well as the Science Theory Club. He further explained, “Moot court cases ask whether or not students can exercise a certain constitutional right in schools. That means it is immediately applicable to my daily life, and I am always finding out something new about the extent of my rights, or lack thereof…These kinds of questions and the research involved is a big part of what got me interested in philosophy, as they often bring up moral and ethical questions that don’t

Class of 2024 Valedictorian Manuel “Manu” Bosteels (left) and Salutatorian Nora Berisha (right)

always agree with what the Supreme Court has said. It is complicated, but also particularly fun, when the arguments we come up with agree with the law but contradict our gut feelings.”

This spring, he also joined the ultimate frisbee team, saying “it has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the week—it is a really fun sport and the people on the team are great. We did lose every league game this year…but regardless, it is an amazing time.”

Nora is an active member of Senior Council and tutors outside of school. “I like extracurriculars where I get to help or connect with others in some way. I was raised in a really big family, so because of that atmosphere, I've always liked to do things where I interact with others in a positive way. Creating events for Senior Council or helping my Little Sibs [current ninth graders in an advisory] get through science and reassuring them while also pushing them to challenge themselves a bit.”

Manu is headed to Yale University to study physics and philosophy. His interest in physics stems from reading Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson ’76, another Bronx Science alum, and his first physics class last year. “For me, physics was the first time a teacher began the year talking about learning a new way of thinking—and [were right].”

Manu continued, “I love Bronx Science a lot, and I am happy to be able to speak at the very end of our time at this school. My classes and teachers here have pushed me to understand my interests and skills better and learn how to organize myself. My three years here have also taught me about the kinds of people I want to surround myself with. My friends today are easily the best people I have ever met: they are intelligent, funny, opinionated, interesting, and kind. I definitely feel ready to graduate—ready to celebrate, spend time with my friends over the summer, and move into college in August—but I am sad to be leaving Bronx Science.”

Nora similarly reflected on all that it’s taken to get to this point, and the hope for what’s to come. “It's like everything has paid off. [Graduating] is very bittersweet, but the image I get is the sun coming out after a storm. We’ve all been through so much, and now that graduation is coming, the mood and atmosphere are completely different.” Berisha intends to major in mathematics and statistics at Princeton University.

Manuel Bosteels and Nora Berisha will deliver their speeches at the Class of 2024’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at The United Palace Theater.

STUDENT PROFILES OF THE CLASS OF 2024

Each year, an incredible and inspiring collection of students graduate from Bronx Science and this year is no exception. To honor the class of 2024, we are spotlighting 12 of the impressive graduates—from their unique backgrounds and valued contributions to Bronx Science, to where they’re headed next.

ALPHA KEITA BY

LIZA GREENBERG ’25

“Struggle now, relax later.”

At least, that is the mantra of Alpha Keita, star basketball player and captain of the Boys Varsity Basketball team. “Mentally, you don’t like something nagging in the back of your mind,” he said. “You're not truly free, you are delaying the inevitable. If I get the hard part done now, then I truly can relax.”

Perhaps that's how Alpha is laser-focused during game time, calm and concentrated. “It appears like I am nonchalant on the court. I watch back my film and games, and if I do something crazy I never really celebrate after, I just walk off.”

Yet Alpha’s unflinching persona certainly pays off. This year he averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game. Over the past two years on Varsity, he’s scored gamewinning shots and clinched key victories, including against longtime rivals Dewitt Clinton and Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus.

Alpha is more than an exceptional player, he is also a respected and confident team leader. “I try to keep it so we are all getting done what we need to get done. The team sees if I’m serious about it, it’s time to do work.”

CLIO HUBER BY DARA KING ’25

From competing with Math Team since Freshman year to being on varsity volleyball and varsity basketball even during the height of the pandemic, there’s no question that Clio Huber is a dedicated student. In fact, hard work is an attribute that she learned from a young age thanks to her parents being business owners. “I’ve grown up working at their businesses so I've developed a good work ethic at a young age,” Clio said. This childhood has paid off, as Clio is attending Middlebury College next year to study Math.

Clio has been a team player over the years, participating in three different sports (volleyball, basketball, and frisbee), math team, and NHS. She has developed a community of close friends through these teams and enjoyed her time at Bronx Science. Reflecting on her favorite part of the school, Clio said, “I like how everyone here is a nerd. Whether they admit it or not, they are actually geniuses, and I like that.”

MARIA CUEVAS MATEO BY CLAIRE ELKIN ’25

Maria Cuevas Mateo’s time at Bronx Science has been all about challenging those around her to think about the world a bit differently. Born in the Dominican Republic, Maria spent time at six other New York City public schools before landing at Bronx Science for high school.

Maria challenged the concept that only a single type of person has the ability to succeed. A goal of hers at Bronx Science was to show that “you don’t have to be well off in order to be successful at this school.” As a Captain of Bronx Science’s Congressional Debate Squad and the school’s first novice member to qualify for the Tournament of Champions, Maria’s motivation fueled her to become a record-breaking, unforgettable legacy on the school’s debate team.

“When we think of the word Congress, we think of old white men in suits,” said Maria. “Being a Congress debater allowed me to switch that perspective in my head, but also being competitively successful gives me the influence to switch that in other people’s heads.”

Maria’s motivation to succeed, not only for herself but for others, is strengthened through

other passions. As a co-president of the school’s Student Diversity Committee and the Faculty Diversity Hiring Committee, Maria’s ongoing fight for equity within the school community is profound. “A lot of the times when we see people in leadership positions, they're a certain archetype,” said Maria. “I really wanted to switch that and change that perspective, which I think I did with all of these leadership positions.”

Maria will attend Yale University in the Fall, which has been a dream of hers since she was a kid. “You don’t really hear much about a Hispanic girl from the Bronx going to Yale. I wanted to achieve this dream so that underclassmen, not only at this school, can see that you can do it.”

ESTHER GELMAN

BY ISABEL GOLDFARB ‘25

Growing up on the Upper East Side, Esther Gelman always had a wide range of interests. From a young age, Esther was immersed in music and the arts, taking piano lessons from the age of six and frequently attending the opera. She participated in activities including yoga, swimming, and dance at the 92nd Street Y. Even though her parents enrolled her in many activities, Esther grew up in a household that valued selfmotivation over parental pressure. This upbringing instilled in her a desire to excel for her own satisfaction. “I want to make my family and myself proud,” Esther said.

As a student at Bronx Science, she has pursued an academically rigorous path, completing twelve AP courses with her favorites being in AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History, and AP Calculus BC. Her academic ambitions are matched by her involvement in various extracurricular activities. She has thrived in leadership roles, such as the president of the Bioethics Club, where she increased membership significantly, and co-president of the Spanish Language Debate Club. At the end of her junior year, Esther was also elected as Senior Council President because of her clear passion about her friendships at Bronx Science.

“At Bronx Science there is friendship everywhere, friendship that creates collaboration,” Esther said “The person that you can bond with in physics class is not a best friend because of your shared love of physics, it's about talking when you're not supposed to be or consoling each other after tests.”

Esther came to Bronx Science to discover what she was most passionate about and is leaving with a variety of academic achievements and lifelong friendships. She plans to double major in Biochemistry and Spanish Language and Culture at Brown University.

JHOAN ROSARIO

BY HALLEL ABRAMS GERBER ’24

Jhoan Rosario dedicates himself to forming meaningful connections wherever he goes. Interning at the Telephone Reassurance Program for the Riverdale Neighborhood House, he planned events and made weekly calls to provide emotional support to housebound seniors. Now he works in their media department, creating content to communicate with community members.

Inside the classroom, he works to build bridges as well, whether literally in classes like electrical engineering, or between concepts and real-world application with physics. He has found these types of “hands-on” classes particularly meaningful as conduits of critical thinking, problem-solving, and friendship forming. A true team player, he also plays basketball.

Jhoan reflected, “The most important thing I've learned at Bronx Science is how determination can take you a long way. I learned that with a focused mindset and the support of positive-minded peers, any challenge can be overcome. Additionally, the notion that ‘if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room’ has resonated deeply with me. It's taught me the importance of surrounding myself with individuals who inspire and challenge me to grow, fostering an environment where continuous learning and improvement thrive. These lessons have not only shaped my academic journey but also influenced my approach to life.”

This drive will follow Jhoan to Skidmore, as he continues to make meaning from the world around him.

KUN-HYUNG ROH BY ISABEL GOLDFARB ’25

Kun-Hyung Roh's journey from Seoul, South Korea is a story of ambition fueled by a deep, personal cause. Witnessing his grandparents' struggles with dementia and Parkinson’s disease inspired Kun-Hyung to dedicate his high school experience to conducting medical research. “I found that Bronx Science had the research programs to support my goals. I do not regret my decision to move to America for Bronx Science,” Kun-Hyung says.

At Bronx Science, Kun-Hyung found his passion in AP Calculus BC, a subject that challenged him to delve into the intricacies of mathematical theories. His teacher, Mr. Fomin, was more than an instructor. “He will always be my lifelong inspiration and mentor in my heart.”

Kun-Hyung’s crowning achievement to date is his groundbreaking work on an AI software developed for a Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) project. This innovative tool is designed to identify potential treatments for dementia, inspired by Kun-Hyung’s desire to help his grandparents. Impressively, one of his softwares predicted drugs had successfully reversed disease progression in lab models and is poised to enter clinical trials for ischemic stroke. Looking to the future, Kun-Hyung is determined to meld his interests in biology and computer science to revolutionize the field of drug discovery. His dream is to launch a biotechnology firm that tackles age-related diseases, promising to advance the race against time in medicine. Kun-Hyung Roh is not just preparing for a career—he's gearing up to change lives.

ELLA STANLEY

BY HALLEL ABRAMS GERBER ’24

When describing Ella Stanley, the first word that comes to mind is effervescent—and not just because of the alliteration with her name. Whether discussing her dogs and animal science or the joy of singing karaoke through a bus window on the way to a gymnastics tournament, Ella lights up when discussing her interests, of which there are many. One of her favorites—and her intended major in college—is animal science.

Ella was initially “blown away” by Bronx Science’s abundant course offerings in biology and animal science. “I distinctly remember seeing the animal behavior class when looking at the course guide in 8th grade and being eager to get to take it. Now I'm in that animal behavior class and taking field trips to the Bronx Zoo to see animals up close. It’s a dream come true.”

Making meaningful memories is not new to Ella, who constantly pushes herself to try different things. In her senior year alone, she joined both the girls’ gymnastics team and the school musical—in which she plays the lead—for the first time. Building on thirteen years of dance and a musical background in flute and piano, she wanted to immerse herself in all Bronx Science has to offer. She’s continued to do so in her course load as well, speaking with equal passion about the fields of Spanish and coding.

This drive continues into her work at the Bronx Zoo, engaging with youth as a Discovery guide and developing leadership as a cohort leader. She intends to build upon this experience when she continues studying animal behavior at Cornell University. Inspired by her own dogs, she considers becoming a veterinarian or engaging in academic research. Ella’s spirit never falters, whether it’s dancing unapologetically with friends or planning fun outfits for senior days. In bright colors and high energy, she shows up as her full self.

MELODY JIANG

BY DARA KING ’25

Melody Jiang’s life fits together like puzzle pieces, intertwining with each other cohesively. Despite Melody’s many interests, she is able to balance conducting research at Columbia, being the captain of the FeMaidens robotics team, and being vice president of Key Club.

For Melody, Bronx Science was the dream – with a dedicated STEM program and an advanced research program, the school helped Melody get involved in the research field early. Melody’s current research interest, biomedical engineering, was influenced by another one of her passions: the robotics team. Melody learned about engineering from the FeMaidens and wants to apply engineering thought processes and problem solving skills to the rest of her interests. Key Club is also a major part of Melody’s life, she loves connecting with people through service and building valuable lifelong skills.

Cheering her on from the sidelines, Melody’s mom, godmother, and research teacher, Dr. LaGrassa, have supported her in her many journeys. “They have really shown me what it means to be women in STEM, to be persevering in a field you don’t always belong in yet still finding your place in it.”

As Melody heads off to Yale, she is ready to add onto her puzzle while remembering its original pieces. “I'm excited to start my college journey but also to remain connected with all that Bronx Science has taught me and all the people that I found through the school.”

PRITIKA PATEL

BY LIZA GREENBERG ’25

Whether she was presenting to dozens of teachers, speaking to hundreds of admitted students, or bulldozing her way through the hallway on the way to class, Pritika Patel took Bronx Science by storm this year.

A year ago, Pritika and her co-founder, Malena, developed the idea for the Gender Equity Board (GEB). After realizing that some of Bronx Science’s most advanced physics classes had starkly unequal enrollment by gender, they tackled the problem by creating a task force that has spent the year trying to fix the gender enrollment gap in collaboration with school leaders.

“Gender disparities are a societal issue. They're not necessarily something you can actually conquer, but through these projects, we've been able to chip away at it, and have a tangible impact on the Bronx Science community,” she said. This year Pritika and fellow GEB members have presented to teachers about classroom culture, hosted mock lessons for physics classes, and analyzed survey data to pinpoint focus areas in academic confidence.

By also writing for the school newspaper, serving on the Student Diversity Committee, and directing the Sexual Assault Prevention Board, Pritika focused her energies on improving Bronx Science and advocating for the student community. “I've tried to give voice to those who aren't necessarily represented. I'm first-generation, low-income, a person of color, and a girl, so there are a bunch of disparities in nearly every single sector of my life. I think all of those things and the intersectionality between them led me to want to uplift others and the community around me,” she said.

Pritika plans to stay in pursuit of these noble goals as a freshman at Georgetown University.

ROMI DRUBETSKOY

BY CLAIRE ELKIN ’25

Looking back at herself as a Freshman, Romi Drubetskoy observes that she is an “incredibly different person.” Of the countless lessons learned — beyond those in Calculus and American Studies — most important was forming the perspective that mistakes are not what hold the most significance. Rather, it is how you build yourself up from them.

As President of the Bronx Science Speech & Debate Team as well as a Captain of the Congressional Debate Squad, Romi has dedicated a great deal of her time to some of the school’s most popular teams. Her passion for Speech & Debate is not just due to the lessons learned amid competitive success, but the difficulties she overcame along the way.

“Can it be super stressful and is losing horrible? Yes. But arguably, even these moments build up character,” Romi said. “Debate has everything. It teaches you how to come back from rejection. It teaches you things about the world you may not have known. It teaches you to learn things about yourself. And it teaches you how to communicate with others. At the end of the day, that is completely irreplaceable.”

Drubetskoy is also on the school’s Holocaust Museum Advisory Board. She has strongly encouraged more opportunities for the museum to be open to students—something she considers to be her greatest achievement during her time at Bronx Science, having realized the importance of involving herself in a community that stimulates important conversation. “Bronx Science is a place where anyone can talk about things that you're passionate about without feeling stupid, which is a really important space to have,” she reflected.

UMME ANUSKHA

BY ANNA KOONTZ ’25

For most students, Umme Anushka was the obvious choice for this year’s Student Body President. Her expertise was evident after three years of serving other positions on the student council, competing in Model United Nations, and interning with the New York State Senate. She plans to continue developing her passion for politics next year, as a Government major at Harvard.

Umme is particularly interested in the intersection between politics and healthcare. From leading the Public Health and Biostatistics Club to participating in programs on social justice, she’s ever exploring the relationship between these two fields. “As a society, these are the elements that we need to work on the most,” Umme explained. “If we have strong government leaders, they can enact policies that will help people have a better quality of life.”

Within Bronx Science, Umme’s main goal is to elevate school spirit amid the rigorous academic atmosphere. However, she also hopes to diversify school leadership. As an underclassman, Umme rarely saw people who looked like her or shared a similar background as the dominant leadership of her extracurriculars. “I decided to run so I could be a role model to others. People who look like me could look up to me,” Umme said.

In turn, Umme takes inspiration from her own role model, her mother. When Umme was five years old, her family immigrated from Bangladesh to the United States. Despite the major life transitions, her mother continually encouraged her to work hard and value her education. It was her mother who first pushed her to run for Student Body President when she herself was hesitant. Now, being a leader has become second nature.

WARREN YUN BY LIZA

GREENBERG

’25

For Warren Yun the endless screen time and social media scrolling of the pandemic may not have been a mindless waste of time like it was for many. For Warren, binging YouTube videos was how he came across the channel for the Sciborgs, Bronx Science’s award-winning robotics team.

Once the pandemic was over, he joined the programming group of the team in his sophomore year, putting his coding skills to good use. Now, Warren is a highly accomplished programmer and plans to major in robotics engineering and computer science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is also a beloved and dedicated leader and mentor for underclassmen on the team.

“In the end, I think the most rewarding part of being a student leader is seeing your hard work pay off. Sometimes I look at how far my team has come in just a single year, and I'm always proud of the things they do,” Warren said.

2024 MEISTER LECTURERS

Named after the founding principal of Bronx Science, Dr. Morris Meister, the Morris Meister Lectures celebrate the intellectual accomplishments of Bronx Science alumni while also providing an opportunity to engage in intellectual discourse with fellow alumni. The Morris Meister Lectures are held annually during Alumni Day; this year’s lecturers are Sital Kalantry ‘90, Dr. Matthew Longo ‘98, and Marilyn Nance ‘71.

SITAL KALANTRY, ’90

BY LIZA GREENBERG ‘25

Sital Kalantry, ’90 is a distinguished legal scholar and advocate renowned for her commentary on human rights law and gender equality in both the United States and India. Over her career to date, she has emerged as a leading voice in the field of international law, delving into issues of gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and immigration.

She is currently a tenured professor and associate dean at Seattle University, also serving as director of the India Center. Kalantry spent her early years in India and, once living in the US, returned frequently

to visit family. In college, she recognized that she felt privileged to have prestigious educational opportunities, including having the chance to go to Bronx Science and Cornell. Kalantry attributes her interdisciplinary and international focus to her dual upbringing in the US and India, which allowed her to understand the culture and history necessary for working with the Indian court system.

At Bronx Science, Kalantry can “remember being exposed to these issues we hadn't thought of,” she said. In a social science class, a Holocaust survivor came to speak, and the experience was “formative to understand the inequalities of the world and the brutality that happened.” Later, Kalantry decided to devote her life and career to human rights and justice.

Kalantry holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Relations from Brown University. Her groundbreaking work, including her latest book Court on Trial, published in 2023, have received widespread recognition. Her visionary

leadership has led to the establishment of pioneering initiatives like the Cornell International Human Rights Clinic and the Avon Global Center for Women & Justice. Kalantry has received numerous awards and grants, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

Kalantry says she doesn’t think she has been back since her time at Bronx Science but is honored and looking forward to delivering the Meister Lecture. “I’m excited to be back and reconnect,” she said. “I always talk about my experience and how proud I am.”

DR. MATTHEW LONGO '98

BY AVIV KOTOK ’25

Dr. Matthew Longo ’98 is an esteemed Assistant Professor at Leiden University, where he teaches political science and theory, and an author of numerous books, articles, and essays.

Dr. Longo was drawn to the study of political theory, specifically with border concerns, through his travels. After graduating from college, he spent years traveling and being fascinated by border crossings; captivated

by the structure provided by borders, and how random and arbitrary travel permissions are. His first book, The Politics of Borders: Sovereignty, Security, and the Citizen after 9/11, explores how border security changed after the events of 9/11 and won the Charles Taylor Book Award. His latest book, The Picnic, highlights the fall of the Iron Curtain between Hungary and Austria, and the end of the Soviet Union.

Reflecting on his writing, Dr. Longo said, “It is the thing that gives me the greatest pleasure professionally. Generally, I find the process of writing to be a huge pleasure, and so whether or not the books do well (or even if they turn into books), they already feel like a great success simply due to the pleasure of the experience.” Furthermore, he is satisfied knowing that he is engaging with his readers and making an impact on people’s lives. He enjoys being able to fulfill his writing aspirations, while simultaneously teaching students and watching them learn and grow.

Dr. Longo described his time at Bronx Science as “some of the best years of my life.” He found his high school experience to be so wonderful that he wishes he could go back and do it all over again.

After graduating from Bronx Science, Dr. Longo conducted research as a Clayman Junior Research Fellow in Politics and Political Ideas at St Anne’s College, Oxford. He went on to obtain a PhD from Yale University and received the 2016 Leo Strauss Award for Best Dissertation in Political Philosophy.

MARILYN NANCE ‘71

BY BIANCA QUDDUS ‘25

Marilyn Nance, a luminary in multimedia art, has profoundly impacted the cultural landscape of the United States and the African Diaspora. Through her photography, Nance has captured and preserved moments epitomizing late 20th-century African American life and spirituality, with an extensive archive that documents and celebrates the richness of Black culture.

Nance's photography is characterized by its deep exploration of human connections and spirituality within the African American community. A two-time finalist for the W. Eugene Smith Award in Humanistic Photography, her work offers intimate glimpses into diverse settings, from churches in Brooklyn to the vibrant streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, shedding light on the multifaceted expressions of faith and identity within these communities.

One of Nance's notable endeavors was her documentation of the Black Indians of

New Orleans and the Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina. Through her lens, she captured the vibrant traditions and cultural practices of these communities, preserving their heritage for future generations. Additionally, as the official photographer for FESTAC '77, she captured this significant PanAfrican event, creating a valuable historical record of Black and African culture globally.

Beyond photography, Nance is a pioneer in digital art and technology, leveraging her degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program to connect communities through digital storytelling. Her groundbreaking "Soulsista" website, established in 1994, showcased her innovative approach to digital storytelling, while her work as one of the internet's first radio disc jockeys highlighted her versatility as a multimedia artist. She also advocates for archival preservation, and was recognized by the Smithsonian Institution for her efforts in preserving traditional culture.

As the matriarch of The Santana Project, an intergenerational, interdisciplinary art collective, Nance continues to inspire and mentor emerging artists. Her work, featured in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Library of Congress and The Brooklyn Museum, underscores her commitment to celebrating and preserving the African Diaspora's cultural heritage, inviting viewers to explore the rich tapestry of African American life and spirituality.

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES RISE DUE TO ALUMNI SUPPORT

ARTICLE BY ISABEL GOLDFARB ‘25

For generations, Bronx Science has functioned like an interconnected, evolving ecosystem—students, faculty, college advisors, school leaders and alumni all deeply invested in ensuring Bronx Science graduates are able to achieve their full potential. However, this ecosystem cannot flourish without external resources and support and one critical area where that is most true is the college admission process. College admissions have become increasingly complex and competitive each year. Students at large public high schools tend to be at a disadvantage compared to those at smaller private schools—less funding, fewer faculty dedicated to college admissions, and more competition amongst students vying for those limited resources. In addition, many may come from families who are unfamiliar with college applications and financing.

This is why the Bronx Science Foundation has strategically developed and invested in programming over the last several years with the objective to ensure that each Bronx Science student can have a personalized, high-quality experience when it comes to considering and securing their best college option. This strategy and the resources that have been allocated have paid off: Bronx Science has seen significant improvements in the number of students sent to top 30 schools with an increase from 22% in 2016 to 30% in 2024.

The impressive increase of admittance at top schools is directly correlated to the investment in college programs, sponsored solely by the Foundation, such as:

Advising and Expertise: We sponsor the Director of the College Office position, held by Ms. Ellen Fisher. Ms. Fisher, a longtime Bronx Science teacher, is a sought after national expert in College Admissions. She sits on the advisory boards of several colleges, has worked with the college board and has developed college advising programs nationally. Ms. Fisher works directly with students to help them craft their narratives.

Supplemental Essay Review:

Bronx Science’s essay review matches each student with a qualified alum to make sure students' essays are phenomenal and representative of who they really are. This is by far the most important part of the application and with alumni help, we are able to review more than 1,200 supplements annually.

Interviewing: Project Accepted was the first step of our renewed focus on the college process more than ten years ago. We bring hundreds of alumni to campus to help students practice their interview skills. Even beyond interviewing, these meetings help students focus

their applications, gain confidence and learn how to share what makes them so extraordinary.

College Liaisons: Our young alumni volunteer to be “on call” for quick questions about college applications, to facilitate visits or simply to share more about the experience there.

Informative Panels: With each passing year, the Foundation hosts more and more diverse college panels such as ones with a focus on women's colleges, engineering, and liberal arts.

College Visits: The Foundation underwrites college campus visits for students who would otherwise not be able to afford them. Such trips are crucial to determining the right fit for a student.

College Guide: The Foundation and College Office teams have created a curated college guide, an all in one toolkit with key resources and programs to help students and families throughout the process.

The Foundation continues to expand the programs we offer to ensure students are more informed and confident in applying to top colleges, and present the most authentic narrative of their candidacy. All of these programs have only been possible with alumni support. Our hundreds of alumni volunteers and generous donors have made all the difference.

SPOTLIGHT ON MALENA GALLETTO ’ 24

This spring, senior Malena Galletto was accepted into every Ivy League college in addition to many top 30 schools such as Georgetown, Wellesley and Amherst. Although Malena is an excellent student who has always gone above and beyond, Malena attributes part of her success to the aforementioned programs. “Being low income and a first generation college student, I depended heavily on the resources provided by the Foundation to make sure I applied to the right schools and had my essays proofread.” says Malena. “I feel very fortunate to be part of such a vibrant community that has played a crucial role in shaping my learning and personal growth.” Malena continues. After much deliberation, Malena has decided to attend Harvard University with a double major in classics and physics.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

PATRICIA PARK ’99

ARTICLE BY DARA KING 25

Transformative moments from teenage years shape who many of us are today. Patricia Park ‘99 details these experiences, using the perspective of high school students as mediums for her themes, sometimes even including her alma mater in her novels. Park’s experiences and perspectives flow through her acclaimed works, in particular her complex experiences as an Korean American.

For Park, writing is a way of processing the world and letting underrepresented voices be heard. “I really loved hearing the sounds of people's voices, the dialogue that would come out and I would try to picture my own fiction in my head.” While at Bronx Science, writing was a constant companion on her four hours-a-day commute; poetry and story building were decidedly better escorts than homework. She explained, “I would observe people around me, because people on public transit are really ‘TMI’ [too much information], and I would listen to their stories.”

Despite its STEM focus, Bronx Science was an amazing training ground for Park's literary career. “I had Ms. Zullo

[now Zullo Casale] and I loved studying Greek mythology under her. I learned so much about literature while taking her class. I think being a New York kid, going from one library to the next and meeting [classmates] for a project, it really was an education in New York City—which features so prominently in my books.”

Decades later, Park still feels the influence of the school, particularly in her writing, “Even though I was terrible at math and science themselves, I actually think I have a scientific way of thinking about the writing process.” This was seen most prominently with the ending of Re Jane, which Park restructured over three years. She says, “I think about things in terms of changing one variable at a time, what is the constant changes.”

Park graduated from Swarthmore with a Honors English literature major and psychology minor, then completed her MFA at Boston University. She is a tenured Associate Professor at American University, teaching the MFA Creative Writing Program. Her debut novel, Re Jane, is a Korean American retelling of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, a NYT Book Review Editor’s Choice and the recipient of the American Library Association Award.

“I’m really interested in coming-of-age stories and I think characters who are trying to figure out their identity and are on the precipice of that big moment are really interesting.” Her love for these kinds of stories combined with the influence of her students led Park to her favorite genre: Young Adult, or YA. “I just loved the kind of freshness of voice that happens in so much of YA… it really drops you into the immediate moment.”

Finding this immediacy in high school life, Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim is Park's sophomore novel that follows the struggle of a multicultural teen to fit into her communities. Highlighting the increased violence faced by Asians after the pandemic, Park's most recent release, What's Eating Jackie Oh?, follows a Bronx Science student as she confronts rising conflicts ranging from Asian American violence to advocating for her self-interests. The book came to fruition after her 2022 NY Times Opinion essay, ‘I’m Done Being Your Model Minority’ was published. Park’s writing shed light on the under-reported issue and focused on Asian voices.

Park's novels tell stories of Koreans in Queens, characters spanning her ‘Park Multiverse’ who represent the multitude of identities and experiences that she hadn’t seen written before. Park also exposes herself to new experiences that she wouldn’t know how to write about. She is a method writer who worked in a deli to better understand the main character of What’s Eating Jackie Oh?, a cook, and recently began stand-up comedy for a future novel.

Park’s motivation to write is to connect and help readers feel seen. “It took me awhile to find my group at Bronx Science, to find a sense of belonging,” says Park. “I read a lot when I was there. I read so many books and I felt less lonely on the page, so I want to recreate that experience. If I can touch one reader and make them feel less lonely—I would like for them to feel seen.”

PLANNED GIVING:

ROGER HERZ ’51

ARTICLE BY CLAIRE ELKIN 25

“If you were Mayor of New York tomorrow, what would you try to accomplish?” was the first question asked by Roger Herz ’51, proclaimed NYC social activist, whenever he met someone new. Whatever their answer would be, Herz would offer a solution on how they could effectively engage in the process of making their hope become a reality. Herz, described by his sister as a “strong adversary of the status quo,” dedicated his life to bettering the world around him.

From a young age, Herz had a strong commitment to his passions. “Since Roger was a child, he knew what was right and what was wrong in his eyes.” said Carol Brull ‘56, Herz’s younger sister. “He wasn't going to bend in any way to anything other than what he felt was the right thing to do.”

After graduating from Bronx Science, Herz earned a degree in Journalism and Political Science from Syracuse University, and went on to gain a degree from

Columbia University, finally settling down in New York City where he lived for his life’s entirety.

From fighting for congestion fares and improved public transportation to helping found the New York Hall of Science (with fellow Bronx Science alumni), it was difficult for Herz to focus on just one facet of NYC that he hoped to improve. “Anything that he found there was some injustice in, he wanted to fix it,” says Brull.

With a primary focus on improving city transport, Herz was always at the forefront of any city council meeting, persistently catechizing officials about the state of the city. “They definitely rolled their eyes whenever he would show up to a meeting,” Brull said with a slight smile, recalling all the times Herz frequented the bimonthly meetings. “But they did this because they knew they would have to really answer things. He always backed up any points he made with his drive and facts.”

Herz bought his first bicycle as an adult to support the 1966 New York transportation strike and boost environmentalism through cleaner forms of transport. From here, Herz simply decided to promote biking—to him, an all around better way to live—for the rest of his life. Despite a plethora of opposition

from city mayors and other officials, Herz continued to advocate for this greener transportation alternative, being one of the five co-founders of Transportation Alternatives in 1973. He just wanted the government to be good and as efficient as it could be.

“

A strong adversary of the status quo.

Herz passed away in 2022 at 88 years old. Having been frugal throughout his lifetime—despite his success—he left all of his money to be donated to nonprofit organizations. When asked about where her brother’s lasting impact will be seen, Carol Brull answered, “I can tell you, his legacy will be all over the place – literally!”

Herz was always dedicated to encouraging those around him to not just improve, but to realize what was wrong with the world and be able to improve upon it themselves. This value has been carried on to where his legacy is being left now. The funds are going towards operations to “not take care of just those who need it, but to have them not need to be taken care of,” says Brull. “His life was dedicated to all these things that will hopefully now come to fruition and bring rewards to society in general.”

Brull has also left a portion of Herz’s money to Bronx Science to be primarily

used to bring students to Albany to see legislation in action and learn from the experience to not only better understand how their government works – as Herz encouraged everyone to make an effort to do so – but to also possibly incorporate into their own thoughts of future professions. The gift is also planned to go towards a new bike rack for the school, carrying on Herz’s strong belief in biking as a cleaner form of transportation, especially for all those Bronx Science commuters!

Bronx Science is extremely grateful for Roger Herz’s generous donation to the school that has paved the way for more students to be as active and passionate as Herz was. Herz’s legacy will be seen throughout the school, New York City, and the world through his ongoing hard work and dedication.

YOUNG ALUMNI

BALL

ARTICLE BY SAMAMA MOONTAHA ̓21

Picture this: Friday night, May 31, 2024, atop the Harbor NYC rooftop, overlooking the Hudson River under a retractable glass roof. The scene was set for our inaugural Young Alumni Ball, and it was truly magical.

Courtesy of our DJ, nostalgic hits filled the air as young alumni dressed their best, celebrating the Bronx Science experience that brought them together. Especially for our COVID graduates, the night was a special opportunity for those who missed their prom or senior year experiences.

The Ball invited alumni from the graduating classes of 2014 to 2023, with everyone at varying stages of their career. As such, the event posed a great networking opportunity, sending our attendees off with new friends and new leads, in addition to renewed classmate connections. With complimentary branded gear handed out at the end of the event, the night was complete.

The energy was infectious and the dance floor was full of movement and laughter. While the night is over, we can’t wait for the next, and we hope to see more alumni celebrate how much they have grown since their Bronx Science days. To those who missed out, keep your eye out for next year! Until then, let the memories of this incredible night keep the Bronx Science spirit alive.

CLASS NOTES

Susan Pashman (Greenfield) ’59 has announced the publication of her new book, "A Walk in the Park: Kinesthesia in the Arts of Landscape," a new theory of artistic expression that builds on John Dewey's "Art As Experience." The piece uses recent developments in neuroscience, such as those of Antonio Damasio. Fittingly celebrating her 65th reunion, her lifetime of research on the quantifiable bases of artistic expression began when her Bronx Science physics teacher, Abraham Baumel, assigned a paper on ‘anything related to physics’ and she began to explore what she considered the "physics of art."

Marilyn Nance ’71 shared, “The late 60's were some political times. We entered Science during a 3 month long teacher's strike and were part of the students rights movement, anti war movement, women's liberation movement, post civil rights movement, etc. There's a book about Bronx Science during the strike, A Year Without An Autumn by Robert Rossner.

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 1963’s FUNDRAISING

Did you know that Julian A. Gold, M.D. ’66, is the Mayor of Beverly |Hills? After serving on the Beverly Hills City Council, Gold was elected as Mayor in both 2015 and 2018 and is currently serving his third Mayoral term (2023–2024).

To honor their 60th Reunion, last year a cohort of members of the Class of 1963 endeavored to raise $75,000 for Bronx Science. This effort was given a terrific injection of energy and Wolverine pride when classmate Dr. Claudia Goldin ‘63 was honored with a Nobel Prize.

The class goal then became twopronged: to raise $25,000 to name the student lounge space in the cafeteria for Dr. Goldin, and an additional $50,000 to underwrite AV equipment for the newly renovated Meister Lecture Hall in honor of the entire Class of 1963.

Joan Gibbs ’71, a Black Lesbian Attorney, Activist and Movement Giant who has recently passed away, was honored with an hour-long Out-FM Progressive LGBT Radio Tribute.

Zeil Rosenberg ’74 shared, “Finished up 2 years testing Covid vaccines and am now happier working at a small Pharma company developing a unique new mpox and smallpox vaccine that also blocks transmission.”

Jean Pao ’85 has been selected for the Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award.The PRA’s are considered the highest honor for career civil servants, recognizing the important contributions of public servants across the federal government. You can read more here.

Thanks to 111 members of the Class of 1963, and the tireless efforts of Phyllis Hershon, Bret Gerstenhaber and Marty Cobern, the $75,000 goal was met in March 2024. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments and officially dedicating the newly named spaces in the 2024-2025 school year. On behalf of the entire school community, we sincerely thank the Class of 1963 and the committee for their contributions to ensure the present and future success of Bronx Science.

IN MEMORIAM

We are saddened to share news that the following Bronx Science alumni have passed away. Our thoughts are with their friends and loved ones.

Murray Gerstenhaber ’44

Herman (Hal) Baron ’46

Jay Silverman ’47

Alexander L. Kisch ’48

Robert Lysenko ’48

Crawford Sabin ’48

Kathryn (Friedman)

Goodman ’49

Nancy Cahn Schuster ’50

Allen Bard ’51

Philip Lubitz '51

Martin Nusynowitz ’51

Bill Saltzman ’51

Simon Blauman ’52

Daniel Josephthal ’52

Seymour Kaye ’52

Alan Stevens ’52

Frances (Lautman)

Zicherman ’52

Teri Kaplan Bardash ’53

Allan L. Brent ’53

Gabriele Wallace Lubitz '53

Sandy Berliner ’54

Lieby (Miedma) Bouchard ’54

Peter Gruenberger ’54

Jay Kappraff ’54

Thomas Unkenholz ’55

Lynn Klausner Einbender ’56

Martin Shapiro ’56

Stephen Katz ’57

Margaret Sirot ’57

Joseph Cernik ’58

Shelly Kupper ’58

Richard Elkin ’59

Daniel Gardner ’62

Robert Levine ’62

Marsha Aronson ’64

Joan Gibbs ’71

Glenn David Martin ’74

Mark Hogarth ’76

Patricia Phillips ’80

STANLEY L. BLUMENSTEIN ’63

April 13, 1946—March 29, 2024

Bronx Science lost a fierce advocate and leader this year. A 1963 graduate of the school, Stanley L. Blumenstein returned to teach physics at Bronx Science and became principal in 1994. He focused on growing science programs while also expanding elective course offerings across all disciplines. He retired in 2000 and continued his advocacy for Bronx Science through the Alumni Foundation. Stan possessed a sharp intellect and gentle manner, and was known for his willingness to listen and consider all perspectives. He entered the building each and every day with a pleasant smile and a personal comment for everyone he encountered on the way to his office. Stan was the unique sort of man who valued every person in the school and made a concerted effort to learn something from each of them—adults and students alike. He engaged in conversations about sports, physics, research and the arts easily and with the same level of interest. He was known for his insistence on thanking people for their work very regularly with beautifully composed notes. Stan never turned away a student or staff member, no matter how busy he might have been. We relied on his leadership and support long after he retired. Bronx Science Alumni will value the contributions of Stanley L. Blumenstein, Principal Emeritus, as an example of our collective success.

The Foundation will be hosting a memorial service for him this fall. All alumni will be welcome to attend—more details to follow.