This week, Shenkar celebrated 13  years of the Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree Program in Polymer Materials Engineering (with thesis), headed by Prof. Hanna Dodiuk, and 12 years for the doctoral research (Ph.D.) collaboration with University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) sponsored by the Pernick Foundation. Prof. Shmuel Kenig, Vice President and head of the Research, Development and Creativity Authority, hosted the evening. The evening was part of a Shenkar Board of Trustees meeting that coincided with the annual graduate exhibition.

Shenkar had the honor of hosting UML's Prof. Joseph Hartman, Provost and Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Joey Mead, who holds the title of "Pernick Nanotechnology Professor". The two travelled to Israel specially for the event and spoke about the long-running doctoral research collaboration with the Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, and was recently extended until 2030, with the support of the Pernick Foundation.

“I’m excited to be here and to continue the collaboration between us,” said Prof. Hartman. “This wonderful collaboration has resulted in twelve joint doctoral graduates of our institutions.” Prof. Hartman revealed that the University of Massachusetts also began as a technical institute conducting textile studies and research, like Shenkar. He praised the collaboration and expressed hope that it would continue for many more years.

Prof. Mead, who leads the joint doctoral program with Shenkar, praised the Department of Polymer Materials Engineering's students who have joined the doctoral program and highlighted their commendable academic level and achievements.

Other speakers included Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli, President of Shenkar, and Prof. Yoram Halevi, Dean of the Pernick Faculty of Engineering.

Dr. Eyal Cohen, Dr. Tehila Nahum and Dr. Orli Weizman – all graduates of the Department of Polymer Materials Engineering's doctoral research collaboration program with UML – also took to the stage. They spoke about their constructive experiences at both institutes and their pathways into senior positions in industry after finishing their degree.

Top of the page: (Right to left) Prof. Mead, Dr. Tehila Nahum, Prof. Yoram Halevi, Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli, Dr. Orli Weizman, Dr. Eyal Cohen, Prof. Hanna Dodiuk, Prof. Shmuel Kenig, Prof. Joseph Hartman