Who We Are

Who are you?
That can be a hard question to answer, really. At its limit, the response is your massive life story, still being told. It seems to me magical that without any effort by you, your story builds itself as you live, your events and feelings swirling and joining in deep, rich ways. I believe our stories radiate from us like multicolored clouds, stretching through time. Your strands intertwine with those of others in intricate ways, weaving together a picture of who you are.
 
But here, I mean ‘who are you?’ as a precis, the coalescence of something larger into a nugget that answers the question.
I’ll try it, starting with around 100 words.
I’m a woman with pronouns she/her, I am white and Jewish. My country of origin is South Africa, and my home is in the United States. I’m the mother of four wonderful daughters. I’m a devoted member of Northeastern University, a professor and academic leader, dedicated to the power of higher education. I am proud of my fascinating research, uncovering how the face and brain of the embryo are built. I love students and teaching. I’m honored to be Dean of the Northeastern College of Science and proud that together we’re building the Good Power of Science. (92)
 
Let me try to get to the nugget in ~10 words:
I’m a woman, South African, Jewish, white, mother, Northeastern University professor (11)
 
Now your turn. Who are you?
 
Why are we doing this exercise on a Friday, with turbulence all round – in the weather, tragic events, the political climate, worrying about personal freedoms and impediments to our important work? Because who you are, who all of us are together, is the point. Because together, in the Northeastern University College of Science, we are a strong, supportive community. Our important core work of groundbreaking education and brilliant research benefits from the many ways we are unique individuals who work in collaboration. In the College of Science, we are unwavering in our commitment to a culture of respect, where each person is valued, and each person belongs. Together, we are building the Good Power of Science that will last hundreds of years. Thank you for being part of our community. Thank you.
 
Please take care of yourself. We are here to support you. Please look at the helpful university FAQ.