b'ITAMAR HAREL, PhDItamar Harel received his PhD in Developmental Biology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, and then trained in aging research at Stanford University.In 2018, he joined the Department of Genetics at the Hebrew University as an Assistant Professor. To address a major challenge in aging researchthe lack of a short-lived vertebrate genetic modelhe developed a comprehensive genetic platform for rapid exploration of aging and disease in the naturally short-lived African turquoise killifish. This genome-to-phenotype platform includes a sequenced genome, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, and mutant fish for many aging- and disease-related genes.The Harel Lab is exploring fundamental questions in aging biology, such as why is aging such a strong driver of disease; can we identify new molecular mechanisms to enhance our health in old age; and what is the molecular basis behind the outstanding diversity of vertebrate lifespan (which can reach differences up to 1000-fold).Itamar resides in Jerusalem, where he is married to Guy, an Associate Professor of Computer Science. He is a proud father to Alon and Eyal.For me, Israel is family, a home, fantastic science,and where I want my kids to grow up.A MOSAIC OF ISRAEL|75 UNSUNG HEROS'