Gil Sofer, MSc

Founder, President

A senior expert in medical and scientific computing systems, Gil brings over 35 years of experience leading large-scale clinical, biomedical, and administrative technology infrastructure. He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science and provides strategic management and technological oversight for IAsMA’s development and long-term planning.

Professor Mordechai Shimonov, MD

Chairman, Board Member

Professor Shimonov is a senior surgeon and Head of Surgery at the Bariatric Center at Wolfson Medical Center. He also serves as the President of the Israeli Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ISMBS). He brings decades of clinical leadership, innovation in surgical education, and a deep understanding of healthcare systems. His expertise helps bridge space health research with real-world medical applications.

Julia Attias, PhD

Board Member 

Julia is a human and aerospace physiologist whose research focuses on spaceflight analogs and physiological adaptation. She has collaborated with NASA, ESA, and the UK Space Agency and brings expertise in scientific education, research development, and strategic planning to IAsMA.

Dr. Linda Rubinstein, PhD

Board Member

Dr. Linda Rubinstein is a neuroscientist and Principal Investigator at the Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, and serves as Director of Research. She is also an Affiliated Principal Investigator and lecturer at Bar-Ilan University’s Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center. A former NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at Ames Research Center, her work bridges molecular neuroscience, aging, and space biology, with applications to neurodegenerative and stress-related disorders. Her research has been supported by NASA’s Human Research Program, the Israeli Ministry of Health, and major institutional collaborations. Dr. Rubinstein is a recipient of NASA’s Honor Award for contributions to the Space Omics and Medical Atlas and serves on the Management Committee of COST Action CA24108.

Sky Sofer M.S.Ed.

Director of Educational Development
 

Sky leads the pedagogical strategy for IAsMA’s educational programs, focusing on curriculum design, instructional frameworks, and science communication across K through 12 and university levels. She holds an M.A. and B.A. in English Education and Literacy Coaching and has taught in underserved communities in New York and schools for at-risk youth in Israel. She also contributed to the Erasmus Living Labs project at Tel Aviv University, developing future-focused educational models

Boaz Sternfeld

Director of Technical Development

Boaz is a senior lecturer and lab manager at the Technion, with extensive experience in computational systems, algorithm development, and technological innovation. He has worked closely with startups and research initiatives, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical application. At IAsMA, Boaz leads technical development, supporting the creation of educational technologies, research infrastructure, and innovative tools that enhance learning and engagement across the field of aerospace medicine.