AJES Interview Spotlight: Dr. Robert Langer

We are proud to launch the AJES Interview Spotlight Program with a truly remarkable guest: Dr. Robert Langer, one of the most accomplished scientists and engineers of our time.

Dr. Langer is an Institute Professor at MIT, a co-founder of Moderna, and a trailblazer in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biotechnology. With over 1,400 issued patents and more than 40 biotech companies founded from his lab, his influence reaches from academia to the front lines of global health.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Langer reflects on the journey that brought him from chemical engineering to developing life-saving technologies. He shares candid insights on:

• Jewish identity and how it shaped his values, goals, and career

• Innovation and impact — how great science can change the world

• Handling setbacks and turning rejection into motivation

• Advice for young scientists on finding purpose and staying persistent

This is the first in a series of conversations with Jewish leaders in science, technology, and engineering — each designed to spark curiosity, inspire ambition, and build bridges across generations of innovators.

We invite you to watch, share, and be part of the AJES mission to celebrate Jewish excellence in STEM.

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Interview by: Ahuva Halpert (Linkedin)

Ahuva Halpert is a dedicated undergraduate student at Touro University who is currently pursuing a degree in biology. A recipient of the Academic Merit Award from Touro, she is committed to academic excellence and lifelong learning. Ahuva is passionate about science and believes that research is the backbone of healthcare, fueling her aspiration to become a physician. In her free time she enjoys traveling, baking, running, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Edited by: Shayna Weinstein (Linkedin)

Shayna Weinstein is a rising senior in Computer Engineering at the University of Kansas, originally from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Active in women-in-tech leadership and Jewish campus life, she’s committed to building inclusive spaces where innovation and identity thrive together. Shayna brings her love for engineering, education, and Jewish values to everything she does.