Alumni Spotlight Dr. Avi Ma’ayan, BS'97, MS'01

Forever a Knight, Dr. Avi Ma’ayan runs toward ways of making an impact.

As a member of FDU’s Division I cross country teams, Avi was part of the 1993 Northeastern Conference Championship squad, inducted into the Knights Hall of Fame, and still lists running as his most cherished hobby.

As a student – and later professional – Avi leaped into the burgeoning world wide web as it launched during his time at FDU as an undergraduate student and combined his love of science and medicine with computer science to become one of the most sought-after experts in his field. Currently the Director of Bioinformatics at Mount Sinai Hospital (as well as a Professor of Pharmacological Sciences), Avi continues to be on the cutting edge of computer science and medicine in his quest to help people live healthier lives.

He stays involved with FDU through his volunteer efforts on the newly formed Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering where he earned both of his degrees.

Learn more…

Name: Dr. Avi Ma’ayan

FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: BS in Computer Science, ’97; MS in Computer Science, ‘01

Campus(es) where you studied: Teaneck/Hackensack

Family: Wife, Sherry Jenkins, whom Avi met on the women’s track and field team and also has two degrees from FDU.

Current occupation/volunteer efforts: Professor, Department of Pharmacological Sciences; Director, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics. Learn more about the work Dr. Ma’ayan does in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB3BgSL4rXE

Hobbies & Interests: Running

What is your favorite memory of FDU? Eating pizza and watching TV with my track & field teammates at Jeepers.

Were you involved in any specific activities at FDU: Track & field and cross country teams.

What was your favorite place on campus and why? Computer lab; enjoyed learning computer programming and using the internet when it was born.

Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: My girlfriend at that time who is now my wife and still by my side 30 years later.

What keeps you connected to FDU? Memories.

One piece of advice for current FDU students? Be proud of the school, it is a great college.

Where you can find me on social media:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avi-ma-ayan-6a61271a/.