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Dr. Racheli Wakshlak obtained her PhD in Chemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and specializes in materials science, particularly in ceramic and glass materials.

Her research focuses on the intersection of chemistry and materials science with the realms of craft, art, and design. According to Dr. Wakshlak, adopting an interdisciplinary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of processes and phenomena, leading to novel discoveries that may not emerge within individual disciplines.

In her current research, she explores the Implementation of advanced ceramic materials technology into traditional ceramics and glass production methods. Specifically, she is developing kiln-free glasses and glazes using the sol-gel technology, thereby expanding the range of colors and effects that can be achieved.
Her objective is to revolutionize traditional creative practices by introducing innovative solutions to address environmental challenges such as the climate crisis, energy scarcity, and the toxicity of metal colorants. These issues pose significant obstacles to traditional practices, necessitating adaptation and change within the artisanal and industrial sectors.

Dr. Wakshlak is a lecturer of various courses at Jerusalem multidisciplinary College including Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, and of Ceramic and Glass Technology courses at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.

Ayelet Noam-Rosenthal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree (magna cum laude) in early childhood mental health studies from the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare at the Hebrew University, where she is currently a Ph.D. candidate.

Ayelet is working at the Haruv Institute as the director of learning programs in the field of early childhood and social work. Ayelet is also teaching courses at the Hebrew University and the Haifa University. 

As part of her training in childhood mental health, Ayelet gained experience in interventions with at-risk families and children in situations such as high-conflict marital crises, emotional difficulties of young children, and difficulties in parent-child relationships.

Between the years 2013-2016 Ayelet was responsible for simulations in the area of social welfare at MSR – the Israel Center for Medical Simulation at the Sheba Medical Center.

Professor of Sociology, Ph.D. Hebrew University, Emeritus at Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ, USA), editor-in-chief of Contemporary Jewry, co-P.I. of NSF RED grant to advance diversity of engineering, 2019 Marshall Sklare awardee, 2019 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Senior Research Award Rowan University. Published widely in fields of gender, family, Jewish identity.