From March 23–25, 2025, I had the amazing opportunity to join the CIJE (Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education) Engineering Trip to Boston. In just three days, I discovered a whole new world—one full of possibility, innovation, and inspiration. I came away with a completely new perspective on what engineering really means and how it plays a role in shaping the future.
Day 1: Welcome to the World of Innovation
Our first stop was the MIT Museum, where we got a glimpse into what scientists and engineers are working on today—and what they dream of for tomorrow. One project that really stuck with me was about developing artificial wombs using pigs to help relieve women from the pain and complications of pregnancy. It was wild and thought-provoking, to say the least.
We also met Jibo, a friendly, interactive robot that could answer our questions and respond like a mini personal assistant with personality. Saying “Hi Jibo, what’s the weather like?” and actually getting a real answer from a robot was like something out of a movie.
Later that day, we had dinner at Harvard Chabad, where we heard from the Rabbi about Jewish life on campus. It was interesting to hear how students stay connected to their roots while being in such a fast-paced, secular environment.
Our night ended with a fun and challenging activity at Boda Borg. It wasn’t related to engineering, but it definitely involved teamwork, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box—skills every good engineer needs!
Day 2: Science in Action
Our second day was packed with learning and hands-on exploration. We started at The Broad Institute, a world-class research center focused on understanding diseases and how to treat them more effectively. We toured three different labs and got to see firsthand how science is being used to save lives.
Next, we visited Formlabs, a company that specializes in 3D printing. We learned how this technology is transforming industries like medicine, manufacturing, and even fashion. It was so cool to see how you can design something on a screen and bring it to life layer by layer with a printer.
We wrapped up the day at R.A.I. Labs, where robots are being built and trained to help humans with everyday tasks. The highlight was meeting Spot, a robot dog who can walk, jump, carry things, and even draw pictures! Spot is designed to take over repetitive and time-consuming tasks so people can focus on more important, creative work.
Dinner at The Wok that night was a delicious way to end a packed and productive day.
Day 3: Engineering for the Earth and Beyond
Our final day began at the MIT Sea Grant, where we learned about marine science and the importance of protecting our oceans. We even got to do a hands-on experiment with a biologist that showed what happens when ocean water becomes more acidic—something that can harm sea life and ecosystems.
After that, we headed to the MIT Media Lab, where ideas truly come to life. This space was filled with creative energy and futuristic inventions. Although we had to leave 30 minutes early to catch our flight, the time we spent there was incredible. From wearable tech to human-computer interaction projects, every corner of the lab sparked curiosity and creativity.
Final Thoughts: A Trip That Opened My Eyes
This trip was more than just educational—it was life-changing. I saw how engineering isn’t just about machines and math—it’s about solving problems, helping people, and building a better future. Whether it was meeting a robot dog or watching 3D printing in action, every moment was packed with inspiration.
If you’re even a little bit curious about science, technology, or engineering, I highly recommend going on this trip. It opened my eyes to so many new possibilities and gave me a new appreciation for the world of innovation.
Thank you CIJE for this unforgettable experience!
Refaela Lurie
Student, Mesorah High School for Girls
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