Ariel Levine

B.S., Brandeis University
The Role of GDF-3 in Patterning the Early Embryo
presented by Ali H. Brivanlou

Since Ariel Levine first joined my laboratory as a graduate student in 2002, I have come to cherish her, both as a person and as a scientist.

Her acute intuition has allowed her to unravel embryological problems at the molecular level, achieving excellence concomitantly in embryology, molecular biology and biochemistry. She is not afraid of complexity or the overwhelming amount of work required to demonstrate a point unequivocally. I can attest without hesitation that Ariel is the best, most talented graduate student with whom I have had the pleasure to work. Ariel is an extraordinary young scientist. She has the qualities that distinguish those few researchers who have the ability to make a lasting impact on their field. Neuroscience has been recently characterized as “a discipline of promise not yet of accomplishment.” I agree and suggest that scientists such as Ariel are the kind who can bridge that gap.

You are the only faithful student I have.
Although you will leave eventually,

Remember that I have not been making myself shallow,
with making you eminent.

Just remember, when you teach,
you don’t have to fear
that you’ll be drained.

The command comes to speak,
and you feel the ocean
moving through you.
Then comes, Be silent,
as when the rain stops,
and the trees in the orchard
begin to draw moisture
up their stems.