Where are you from?
I’m originally from Israel. I moved to New Jersey when I was 15.
How was the transition?
It was challenging. It’s very different in America. [But] I’ve gone back every summer except this last one. Half my family still lives over there.
What exactly does the Entrepreneurship Club do?
There’s a Center for Entrepreneurship, and they have speakers come and collaborate with other colleges. We promote that and tell all the undergraduates about it. There’s a graduate club also.
It’s not about starting your own business, it’s just ideas for the community it could be a business but it’s really more about innovative ideas.
Why did you decide to get involved in that club?
I like coming up with new ideas. And if I see a problem that doesn’t work for me, I like coming up with ideas to make it better. I’m an optics major but I’m interested in the entrepreneurship side of it, too.
What is one thing at UR that you would want to see changed?
Probably something having to do with Dining Services. Not necessarily the food but in general basic facilities and the options that we have as students.
If Dining could serve anything, what would you want to eat?
Steak. An actual steak, not the steak they put in the burritos.
What’s one thing that you hope UR will never change?
Music programs. We’re right next to Eastman, a lot of students are musicians at this school, and there’s so much we can do with Eastman so close.
What are you going to be for Halloween?
King Leonidas from the movie ‘300.”
What are your plans after graduation?
Either time off to travel or an MBA or some other second degree.
Would you not want to go into research?
I’m interested more in the entrepreneurship side. I like optics it’s interesting but I want to do something where I can use that knowledge with innovation and working with people.
Hilfinger is a member of the class of 2011.
