Student Ambassadors, who are declared Judaic Studies majors or minors from any academic year, offer prospective students a personal point of contact for inquiries about the Judaic Studies program. Ambassadors warmly welcome new students into the department and provide valuable student insights into the Judaic Studies experience. Moreover, ambassadors participate in campus-wide fairs and actively contribute to creating student-centric events and activities each term.
Full Name: Maiya Atzmon
Pronouns: She/her
Major(s): Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, and Judaic Studies
Minor(s): Human Anatomy & Physiology
Year in College: Class of 2027
Hometown:
Favorite Judaic Studies Class:
Student Organizations:
Full Name: Samantha Caminker (she/they)
Degrees: Major(s): Judaic Studies, Cognitive Science
Minor (s): Writing, STS (Science, Technology, and Society)
Year in College: Sophomore, Class of 2028
Hometown: Ann Arbor & West Bloomfield, MI
Favorite Judaic Studies Class: Judaic 318 - “The American Jewish Life of DNA”
Student Organizations: Hillel Book Club, Shulchan Ivrit, Hillel Phonathon, Challah for Hunger, Service Engagement Internship
Bio: As soon as I was accepted to Michigan, I knew that I would be taking a lot of Judaic Studies classes. I’ve already had so much fun in the classes I’ve taken, and I’m very excited to continue learning through the Judaic Studies major. I’m also psyched now to be an ambassador of the program to get other students informed about and interested in this awesome department! I was born here in Ann Arbor but moved to West Bloomfield at 12 and only just moved back for college, so I’m still rediscovering the city. (If anyone has recommendations for cool, interesting places, I’d love to hear them!) My biggest interests right now are reading, biking, and listening to my record collection. I’m always happy to meet for coffee to talk about the Judaic Studies department, Hillel, or anything else about my Michigan experience so far!
Full Name: Gaya Pedersen (she/her)
Degrees: Major(s): Data Science Engineering, International Studies - ISNC, Judaic Studies
Year in College: Junior, Class of 2028
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite Judaic Studies Class: Judaic 388, Antisemitism and Philosemitism
Student Organizations: Hillel Student organizations (Shulchan Ivrit + Craft Club), Wolverines on Wheels
Bio: The Judaic Studies Department offers various topics that are extremely important to my identity, be it through history or Hebrew courses. Outside of Judaic Studies, you can find me at the Michigan Hillel or biking around campus!
