Board of Directors
Sebastian Merkatz
Sebastian Merkatz is a life-long New Yorker, passionate learner, and a Junior at Bronx Science. Outside of school, he enjoys hanging out with friends, playing with his puppy, Mabel, and spending time with family. Sebastian first started tutoring for Science for Bronx in 2021. Bronx Science has fostered numerous interests for Sebastian, who, is also the treasurer of the Investment Society and leader in the Jewish Student Union. In addition to these extracurriculars, Sebastian is pursuing career interests in government and business.
Favorite part of Sci4Bx: “It’s incredibly rewarding to not only see the students we tutor grow academically, but socially as well. Science for Bronx has enabled me to make genuine connections with the local community.”
Aaron Nadler
Aaron Nadler is currently a junior at the Bronx High School of Science. Aaron is a true New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan. In addition to his co-director responsibilities at ScienceforBronx, Aaron is a member of the Bronx Science varsity soccer team, track team, and baseball team. Besides athletics, Aaron is on the Bronx Science speech and debate team, which is ranked number one in the country. Aaron is also the secretary of the YoungDemocrats club, and a member of the Jewish Student Union. During his summers, Aaron works as a counselor at a summer camp. Outside of school and work, Aaron is active at his temple, loves playing sports, spending time with his family, and most importantly, playing with his dog, Roxy.
Favorite part of Sci4Bx: “Seeing the students that we tutor grow and learn throughout the year is extremely gratifying. Science for Bronx widened my horizons and allowed me to form bonds with students that I otherwise would have never had the opportunity to do so.”
Lizbeth Rodriguez
Lizbeth Rodriguez is currently a Bronx science senior. When she isn’t at Bronx science, she spends the majority of her time with her family or hanging out with friends. Lizbeth started her journey at Science for Bronx as one of the students who receive tutoring through the program. Now, as of 2022, she has risen to the role of Director. Science for Bronx has allowed Lizbeth to give back to the community that she came from alongside a group of committed tutors.
Favorite part of Sci4Bx: “My favorite part of Science for Bronx is the sense of community that is built. Being able to enjoy a space with children who are excited to learn and tutors who are excited to bring those opportunities to those children has truly opened my eyes to what a community should look like.”
Cooper Halpern
Cooper Halpern is a current sophomore at The Bronx High School of Science. A born and raised New Yorker, Cooper prefers to spend his time surrounded with family and friends. In addition to his director responsibilities for Science for Bronx, Cooper is the president of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), the Youth Chair at the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai, and a staff reporter for The Science Survey, Bronx Science’s paper with over 540,000 annual readers. Cooper is also an active member of the Bronx Science speech and debate team, which is ranked number one in the country. Outside of these extracurriculars, Cooper wishes to pursue a career in politics and business.
Favorite part of Sci4Bx: “My favorite aspect of Science for Bronx is the community we create within the classroom alongside the deep bonds we form with the individual students”