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Maurice Yakoun, MD

Specializing in digestive surgery  

The Academy has offered opportunities for contact support and communications services as well as professional and personal development.

Maitreyi Muralidhar

Student member

Joining the Academy as a young member has truly been a remarkable experience. Through the mentoring platform, I was able to connect with students across the globe and meet amazing mentors who have played a huge part in my life! I am grateful for all the skills I picked up from doing the challenges like scientific reasoning and critical thinking, which will surely go a long way!

Federico Del Giorgio Solfa

Industrial Designer
National University of La Plata  

The Academy has allowed me to interact with academics from all over the world, share reflections and undertake joint initiatives. Likewise, from meeting people from different cultures, I have been able to deduce various methodologies for applied research.

Faria Khan

Postdoctoral Fellow
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health   

I joined as a mentor in 2018 when I was a PhD student. I took part in academy’s mentoring programs, interacted with young students who wanted to learn more about STEM and in turn benefited by learning how to be a good mentor to young students.

Richard W. Hurst

Forensic Geochemistry and Mineralogy Consultant 

I have been a member since December 1984 when I became an Elected Member of the Academy. I am heavily involved in forensic environmental work and have found the articles on energy, the environment, and related matters very useful in my endeavors over the years.

The Academy’s Lyceum Society: A “Think Tank”

Herb Klitzner sits on a bench and poses outside for the camera.

A Lyceum Society member follows his research across decades and finds a second wind among friends and colleagues.

Published February 12, 2018

By Marie Gentile, Mandy Carr, and Richard Birchard
Academy Contributors

When you’re a 200 year-old organization there are limitless stories to tell about the distant past. But we also love to share tales from our much more recent past, particularly when told by some of our members who have been with the Academy for decades.

Today, we want to share the insights and perspective of long-time Member Herb Klitzner, who joined the Academy in 1970, just as he was beginning his graduate studies. He went on to work on computer-based projects with a variety of organizations, from the Port Authority of New York to Nabisco to the City University of New York (CUNY).

Tell us a little bit about what you were doing around the time you first joined the Academy.

I began my doctoral studies at CUNY Graduate Center in an innovative hybrid program combining Computer Science and Educational Psychology. I joined the then-existing Linguistics Section (because of my interest in cognition and developmental psycholinguistics) and was invited to participate in their Advisory Committee, as a graduate student representative.

A couple of particularly interesting things came up during my doctoral research. When I started in 1970, I was engrossed with the possibility of using mathematical quaternion group theory in cognitive models. I talked with Jean Piaget in 1971 at a conference and learned he had used them “from the very beginning” of his career. I experimented with these ideas for about three months and then put it aside for lack of finding local faculty knowledgeable in both quaternions and psychology to work with.

Then, in 1977, as a later part of my doctoral research and project development, I designed an innovative computer center for the blind at CUNY/Baruch College. The center still exists today, having served thousands of people for 40 years now.

I understand that your interest in quaternions, in particular, has continued for some time. Can you tell us a little bit more about the developments of this number system, which has proven very useful in understanding mechanics in three-dimensional space? 

Roughly 30 years after I first became interested in the subject, Ben Goertzel, an internationally-based artificial intelligence (AI) and mathematical researcher took up the same question with a research group he organized, and wrote an elegant theoretical paper representing working memory by using “mirrorhouses,” including reflected triangles and tetrahedra represented by quaternions and octonions

And more recently, I became fascinated with the quaternion field having a Phoenix-like nature, from a historical/developmental point of view. After initially giving a talk to the Academy’s Lyceum Society and publishing the talk, I was contacted by a number of researchers interested in the subject. One of them asked me to write a book chapter for Multisensor Attitude Estimation, which I did, describing the little-known but dramatic proliferation of research and application of quaternions starting in 1985, and continuing to the present day, which rescued quaternions from their obscure reputation.

Subsequently, I published a paper with Terry Marks-Tarlow and Martin Hay, describing the potential of quaternions to model trade exchange processes in a special way, and perhaps to model perspective-shifting processes in the brain.

You’ve worked across industries and have a wide-ranging curiosity, which we’ve only gotten a small taste of here. What helps keep you interested in pursuing such rigorous topics? 

My supportive matrix for this recent research came from the members of the Lyceum Society, which I joined in 2007. I joined because the Lyceum was presenting interesting programs at a monthly informal brown-bag lunch gathering at the Academy headquarters. As things turned out, joining gave me a second wind.

At the moment, I’m working on a book that grew out of a series of talks I gave at the Lyceum from 2009 through 2017. The Members of the Lyceum have offered much encouragement, advice, and humor, and many have become friends.

You’ve spent a lot of time now in the Lyceum Society. Why is it so valuable to you? 

In my personal story, the success of this human chain of involvement and development began with the nurturing “think tank” atmosphere of the Lyceum Society, which increasingly functions as an imaginative and talented community within the Academy and a source of new perspectives. More of these Lyceum-catalyzed creative interactions and personal development stories can be expected to come in the future.

Established in 1993, the Lyceum Society is comprised of the Academy’s retired and semi-retired Members from diverse backgrounds and professions. Meetings feature lectures and discussions with scientists from around the world and also provide participating Members with the opportunity to give self-directed presentations and seminars based on their own specialties or new research interests. Learn more about the Lyceum Society and how you can join here

Innovative Contributions for the Betterment of STEM

A woman smiles for the camera.

Academy Member NseAbasi NsikakAbasi Etim, PhD is promoting science beyond boundaries. Read on to learn about her work in our virtual mentoring programs.

Published October 27, 2017

By Marie Gentile and Richard Birchard
Academy Contributors

Each mentor in our network has their own personal reasons for giving back. For Academy Member NseAbasi NsikakAbasi Etim, PhD, serving as a mentor in our virtual programs fulfils her dream of contributing to the success of science around the world.

A busy lecturer and researcher at Akwa Ibom State University in Nigeria, Dr. Etim makes the time to mentor multiple students in our virtual programs designed to advance young women’s pursuit of STEM careers. Her dedication to her mentees is remarkable and requires coordination across multiple time zones (not to mention persevering through power and internet outages which, she reports, are quite common in her country). What makes it all worth it? Knowing that her mentees are inspired and fulfilled.

We recently caught up with Dr. Etim at the 2017 Global STEM Alliance Summit, where she met some her virtual mentees in person for the first time. Read on to learn more about Dr. Etim and her inspiring work in the Academy’s mentoring programs.

Tell us about the path that led you to where you are today?

I have always had a strong passion for the development of my nation [Nigeria] and the world at large through discoveries, inventions, and empirical research that can solve both national and international problems. This led me to choose my science education and career.

I have wanted to be a scientist since my childhood because I love everything about science—the discoveries and inventions, the ability of scientists to proffer solutions to real life problems. I love that science is able to unravel mysteries. I love the fact that science is everywhere: in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the air we breathe, and the way our body works. Science is a tool that has been able to serve humanity and the universe as a whole.

What projects are you currently working on?

I, along with the other members of my research team, am currently investigating the physiological responses of Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits) to Justicia schimperi (hunters weed) which is a forage commonly consumed by animals as well as humans. This research is led by a renowned professor of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Jarlath Udoudo Umoh. We want to examine the effect of consuming this forage on rabbit growth, blood profile, and organs in order to ascertain its safety. We also want to determine whether the forage is a growth-promoting agent and whether it has adverse effect on reproduction.

I was also recently nominated by the Academy and was selected to participate in the 14th Annual Meeting of the STS forum in Kyoto, Japan, as part of their Future Leaders Network and their Dialogue Between Future Leaders and Nobel Laureates. I joined other outstanding scientists, industrialists, and policy makers in an exchange of ideas on how to strengthen the success of science and technology and how to bring lasting solutions to the problems that arise from the application of science and technology. Together, we brainstormed how to strengthen the lights and control the shadows of science and technology.

Dr. Etim with her mentees in the GSA Summit photo-booth.

Have you ever encountered any roadblocks along the way?

Coming from a developing country, I have encountered too many obstacles in the course of pursuing my career. These range from financial constraints, inadequate research equipment or facilities, and a lack of mentors to guide me and expose me to opportunities earlier in life.

I have also encountered poor power and water supply as well as a lack of internet connectivity. And, even though the successes of the few resilient and resolute scientists do benefit society, many scientists are neither applauded nor celebrated.

All this would have been enough to extinguish my passion but I still forge ahead towards my goal of becoming a great scientist.

What do you do for fun?

When I am not working, I love watching movies and reading novels. I also love singing and dancing.

Why do you mentor with the Academy?

I choose to mentor with the Academy in their Next Scholars and 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures programs because I want to live my dream of contributing to the success of science globally. I wanted to actualize and hone my inborn mentoring skills and to be the mentor that I did not have.

I want to be a part of the success stories of the next generation of scientists; to inspire and motivate them towards becoming the future of science. I also want to provide proper career guidance to the students in the Academy. I want to train, advise and guide the students to develop self-confidence to be able to face their daily challenges without wavering. I mentor in order to help students in the Academy’s programs achieve their life goals.

Being an Academy mentor is one of the best things that has happened to me recently. I now have a formal platform where I can contribute to the future of science by inspiring students to be the next generation of scientists. My three mentees in Academy programs are from the United States, from Ethiopia, and from South Africa. Considering my daily hectic schedule as a lecturer and researcher, wife and mother, meeting my mentees involves a lot of commitment, sacrifice, and hard work. But because of my strong passion, I enjoy everything I do.

Dr. Etim with her mentees and the view from the Academy.

When I meet with my mentees and we discuss their academic experiences and future career, I usually find myself remembering the experiences I had in school and the choices I made that brought me where I am. This way, I’m always able to suggest practical solutions to their challenges.

What was it like meeting your mentees in person at the GSA Summit for the first time?

It was really an exciting moment of my life. After spending months mentoring them in a virtual space, I was really looking forward to meeting them in person. I was planning a surprise for them by dressing very formally—different from the casual look in which they usually see me during our virtual meetings. I later changed my mind and wore African attire on the first day of the Summit to make it easy for them and other people to recognize me on that day without any introduction.

It was a great meeting between me and two of my mentees who were able to make it to the Summit. I so much admired the bond that I noticed between the two of them soon after I introduced them to each other. They immediately united like sisters and were caring for me like their mum. My mentee that resides in New York City even took us out to many places for sight-seeing.

Together, we all participated in the various activities at the Summit. I also want to extend my gratitude to the Academy for awarding a scholarship to one my mentees who won the 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures Monthly Mentee Highlight Award. This made it possible for her and her mum to travel all the way from Ethiopia to attend the Summit in New York City. It also made it possible for me to meet her in person for the first time.

What is it like to mentor students in a virtual program?

It is a great experience to be connected to students online. Through the virtual platform, I am able to communicate, share ideas, listen to their dreams, opinions, fears and concerns, and I reassure them that success is possible when they believe and work hard.

From a distance, I am able to encourage students miles apart towards becoming great future scientists. Mentoring in a virtual program has helped me to promote science beyond boundaries. My greatest reward is the smiles on the faces of my inspired and fulfilled mentees.


Peruse our mentorship opportunities, and sign up today!

#WhereScienceLives: Biologist Aida Verdes

Meet a member whose research and field work sheds light on longstanding evolutionary questions.

Published September 25, 2017

By Attila Szász
Academy Contributor

Aida Verdes on the boat heading out to dive off the coast of Abu Dhabi, during an expedition to collect polychaete worms and mollusks.

Academy members conduct their work in a vast range of settings. As a biologist researching marine invertebrate evolution, Aida Verdes is no stranger to doing research in unusual and unexpected places: her work has her out in the field, going on diving expeditions and conducting research aboard floating laboratories worldwide.

Originally from Madrid, Spain, Verdes is now based in New York City, where she is a PhD candidate in evolutionary biology at the City University of New York (CUNY). She is affiliated with both CUNY’s Holford Laboratory and Luminescent Labs, a collective of explorers using “science, technology, and art to understand, share, and protect nature’s living light.”

Verdes studies the genetic basis of convergent evolution, the process by which non-related organisms independently evolve similar traits. She told us: “Studying evolutionary convergence can provide important insights into long standing evolutionary questions such as whether the same genes determine convergent traits in unrelated species. I am studying these questions in marine annelid worms that have independently evolved the ability to produce light (bioluminescence) and venom.”

Check out photos of her at work below:

Do you want to be part of this impactful scientific community? Join today!

WhereScienceLives: Geologist Leslie Molerio-Leon

From rainforests to volcanoes, meet an Academy member whose work in geology has taken him to 42 countries spread across five continents.

Published September 24, 2017

By Attila Szász
Academy Contributor

Trophic assessment and maintenance of Chongon Reservoir. Chongon reservoir and dam in Guayaquil, Ecuador, needed a detailed study of the causes of eutrophication and engineering solutions to improve water quality and navigation. Photo was taken during the cleaning of the aquatic vegetation.

Geologist, hydrogeologist and Academy member Leslie F. Molerio-Leon is Head of Engineering in the environmental division at Inversiones GAMMA S.A. in Havana, Cuba. He has been working in the field of geology and hydrogeology since 1969 and has been involved in over 400 geological, geomorphological, geotechnical, surface hydrology and hydrogeology, civil engineering, hydraulic, hydroelectric, polymetallic mining, oil & gas, environmental, natural risks and speleological explorations, investigations and projects in 42 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and the Caribbean. He has also worked as a researcher and consultant on several projects sponsored by numerous United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.

Currently, Leslie is on assignment in Ecuador conducting geology and hydrology work following the reconstruction of the country after the earthquake of April 16, 2016.

“It has been really amazing to work and learn in multiple environments: in the humid tropical forests, the alpine regions, the African deserts and jungles, surrounded by volcanoes or under the stress of earthquakes; and particularly as speleologist,” Leslie said. “I have enjoyed the wonder of caves not only as an explorer but mainly doing scientific and applied research for groundwater development and protection.”

Check out photos of him at work below:

Do you want to be part of this impactful scientific community? Join today!

#WhereScienceLives: Educator Jason Osborne

Have you ever participated in a live interview while hanging from a cliff face? Jason Osborne has. Learn more about why and how.

Published September 22, 2017

By Attila Szász
Academy Contributor

Jason during a Google Science Fair live interview while hanging from a 110-foot cliff along the Chesapeake Bay. Google broadcasted the live interview through Jason’s smart phone to students around the world.

Getting scientists and students to work together on meaningful scientific research that’s also engaging is not an easy task. We work to do it through The New York Academy of Sciences’ (the Academy’s) Global STEM Alliance programs, but we’re also always interested in seeing how others do similar work. That’s how we learned about Jason Osborne.

Jason is currently the President and Co-Founder of Paleo Quest and the Chief Innovation Officer at Ector County Independent School District in Odessa, Texas. And he’s been everywhere from the White House to Google to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to champion STEM learning and citizen-science projects.

At Paleo Quest Jason focuses in particular on leveraging citizen-science to advance paleontology and geology. On this work in particular, Jason told us: “I love contributing to science and helping to figure out our prehistoric past. I get to choose my scientific questions and field excursions. How cool is that? I also share experiences and my field research with K-12 students.”

Check out photos of him at work below:

Do you want to be part of this impactful scientific community? Join today!