Hi everyone, my name is Judy, and I’m really excited to be joining the Futures Initiative community! My background is in computational chemistry and biophysics, where I’ve studied fundamental researches, such as electron transfer in photosynthesis, as well as applied problems in drug discovery. Along the way, I’ve worked on projects that combine molecular simulations, machine learning, and data analysis to gain a deeper understanding of how molecules behave and how these insights may lead to new therapies. I find it incredibly meaningful to explore science at the molecular level, but equally important to think about how that science connects to broader systems—whether it’s in healthcare, business, or education.

Teaching has been a central thread throughout my journey. I currently serve as a Physics Instructor at City College of New York, where I have the opportunity to guide students through challenging material and encourage them to see physics not just as equations, but as a way of making sense of the world. I’ve also worked as a Macaulay Honors College Admissions Reviewer, an experience that sharpened my perspective on educational access, equity, and the diverse pathways students take into higher education. These roles have deepened my belief that education is most powerful when it opens doors and expands opportunities, particularly for students who may not have had traditional advantages.

At the same time, I’ve been building experience in biotech consulting, venture capital fellowships, and equity research. I’m especially interested in biotech and pharma because they sit at the crossroads of cutting-edge science, urgent unmet medical needs, and innovative business models. I enjoy diving into pipelines, analyzing clinical data, and exploring the financial and strategic factors that determine whether a drug reaches patients. This work has given me an appreciation for how science translates into impact when paired with thoughtful business development and commercialization.

What excites me about the Futures Initiative is that it’s a community committed to exploring and shaping the future of higher education in ways that are inclusive, experimental, and transformative. My own journey has been about bridging worlds between science and business, teaching and research, theory and practice. And I look forward to contributing to conversations that ask how we can make education more equitable and more connected to real-world challenges. I hope to bring a perspective rooted in curiosity, cross-disciplinary learning, and a genuine desire to see students, researchers, and communities thrive together.