MGSDII Impact | The Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative

2024 Impact Report

MGSDII Impact Report 2024

The Experiences

Student Testimonials

“Academically and personally, going to Israel was life-changing. Time in Technion’s Jet Propulsion Lab brought to life topics that we had studied in the classroom all year. We bonded with Israeli engineering students over our shared interests and project. I am excited for them to visit San Diego so we can further our research. As someone who isn’t Jewish, visits to the ancient sites of Caesarea and Acre (Akko) gave me the perspective that so much had happened in this little but important part of the world. I would love to return to learn more!”

Cameron BaileySan Diego State University, Class of 2020

We immediately connected with the students and all had intriguing cultural questions for the others, especially because these students had already served in the military. The first lecture was from Israel’s previous Head of Desalination and Water Technologies– which is a BIG DEAL! Our experience learning at Azrieli was incredible, and we can’t wait for their students to come and visit us to continue this partnership!

Mimi RobertoUniversity of San Diego, Class of 2021

I learned just how vibrant Israel’s culture is, full of wonderful people, beautiful scenery and a lively social life. I am excited to learn -more about Israel and how I can incorporate what I learned on this trip into my life moving forward.

Sabrina SmithUniversity of San Diego, Class of 2021

Our class had the pleasure of being students of Dr. Yaal Lester. His first lecture discussed the aspects of analyzing wastewater, which is used to develop a treatment plan for reuse. The lecture prepared us for our time in the lab where we would analyze our specific wastewater sample and determine the exact level of each type of pollutant. It was the perfect way to apply what we had been learning in the classroom at USD.

Chad BearUniversity of San Diego, Class of 2021

Visiting Professors

The professorship was one of the most enjoyable and meaningful professional experiences in my academic career. I connected with students from across the world… learned about their unique perspective and shared my knowledge, experience and expertise about Israeli politics, foreign policy, international relations, history, and culture. Being Russian Israeli allowed me to show students how diverse the Israeli society is, while guest lecturers from Israel brought by MGSDII to my classes showed the full spectrum of Israeli culture. Thank you to the MGSDII and its supporters for providing me with such a positive and memorable time in San Diego. I look forward to staying in touch with MGSDII and with my students and welcome them to visit Israel!

Luba Levin-BanchickProfessor of Political Science at SDSU

University of San Diego “Water in California and Israel: Challenges and Solutions” collaboration with Azrieli College of Engineering

Chell Roberts, Dean, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, University of San Diego

“The Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering at University of San Diego (USD) is proud to offer students Israel learning opportunities through our MGSDII partnership. In 2017, I, along with several other USD professors, traveled to Azrieli College of Engineering in Jerusalem to begin discussing collaborations between our universities. This was the first time many of us had been to Israel. The trip resulted in a new course, “Water in California and Israel: Challenges and Solutions.” Students learn first-hand the similarities and differences between California and Israel, a leading expert in water sustainability and innovation. Over the past two years, entire classes travelled to Israel to meet their counterparts, learn together, and visit the best examples of Israel’s engineering mastery, such as Hadera Desalination Plant.”

Read the class thank-you notes!

4000+

Students have taken Israeli studies courses

340

Students from Israel and San Diego have participated in academic exchanges

Visiting Israeli professors teaching 62 classes on modern Israel