Our Team
Biana Bernshtein, PhD
Principal Investigator
Biana Bernshtein is an Assistant Professor at the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University. She received her B.Sc. in Life Sciences from Tel Aviv University and both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the Weizmann Institute of Science. She completed her postdoctoral training at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, studying antibody functions in bacterial and viral gut infections. In addition to her research, Biana is dedicated to creating a supportive lab environment while managing the wonderful chaos of life with two young children, staying balanced through yoga and reading, and exploring the world through travel and good food.
Keren Tzohar-Rabinovich
Lab manager
Keren is a microbiologist at Tel Aviv University, where she completed her B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Microbiology. Her research focused on bacterial pathogenesis and host–microbe interactions, integrating molecular, cellular, and microbiological approaches. She enjoys working closely with a team of dedicated and curious students and is committed to creating a collaborative, supportive, and engaging lab environment. Outside the lab, Keren values time with family and friends, listening to vinyl records on her gramophone and spending time outdoors.
Maayan Elnekave
PhD student
Maayan Elnekave is a Ph.D. student at the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University. She received her B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and her M.Sc. in Life Sciences from Tel Aviv University. Under the supervision of Dr. Biana Bernshtein, Maayan's research focuses on dissecting the mechanisms of antibody-Fc-mediated immune activation in innate immune cells during Shigella infections. Outside of the lab, she maintains her energy through pilates, running, and hiking. Maayan is a firm believer in balancing rigorous scientific inquiry with exploring the world and enjoying life's moments alongside her family and friends.
Neta Zalcberg-Attal
Msc student
Neta Zalcberg-Attal is an Msc. student, originally from Antwerp, Belgium. She holds a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from Bar-Ilan University. After working nine years in the clinical trials industry, She joined Dr. Biana Bernshtein’s lab to dive deeper into research and gain hands-on experience in the laboratory. In her free time, she loves working out, eating chocolate (no contradiction there!), and hiking with her family.
Shir Harel
Msc student
Shir Harel is an M.Sc. student at the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University. His current research investigates antibody-mediated protection against various strains of Klebsiella, with a specific focus on the protective dynamics transferred from mother to infant. Shir holds a dual academic background, having earned a B.Sc. in Life Sciences and a B.A. in Management from The Open University of Israel. Outside of the laboratory, he is an avid hiker, a tea enthusiast, and enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Interested in joining our team?