Paying Tribute to an Outstanding Educator

When Professor Elena Naumova gave a lecture nearly 10 years ago to the board of advisors at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts, Barry Rosenbaum, A60, a member of that board, was impressed.

“She made the subject matter enthralling,” said Rosenbaum, a retired nephrologist who studied premed at Tufts. “She conveys complex ideas in a perfectly understandable way to an audience of all abilities.”

The head of the Friedman School’s new specialization in data analytics and AI in nutrition, Naumova recently wrote an essay on mentorship for a Tufts newsletter. Reading it, Rosenbaum was moved to call her, beginning a conversation that ranged from a biostatistics text that had influenced them both to their shared philosophy of education. “We try not to teach over people’s heads, but to instill a feeling of excitement and a love for the subject matter in our students,” Rosenbaum said.

Naumova is now the inaugural Barry J. Rosenbaum Professor of Data Science, thanks to an endowed professorship that Rosenbaum and his wife, Renée Underwood, have established at the school. “For people whom I admire and respect, I want to do something for them any way I possibly can, whether in terms of loyalty, education, or funds,” Rosenbaum said. “I hope the professorship gives her some well-deserved help to continue her wonderful teaching and research, and makes it easier to accomplish her goals as an educator and scholar.”

A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science who is widely recognized for her contributions to the fields of nutrition, epidemiology, and data analysis, Naumova said she feels honored to receive the professorship. “I knew almost instantly that Dr. Rosenbaum and I shared a rare connection in how we think about teaching and discovery. His dedication to education is inspiring, and I am deeply honored by this professorship,” Naumova said.

Friedman School Dean Christina Economos, NG96, E23P, said Naumova has earned this recognition through her record of teaching, mentoring, and service, as well as scholarship. “This is a shining example of the extraordinary generosity and dedication of our Tufts alumni who give back to help the school thrive,” Economos said. “We extend our gratitude to Barry and Renée, who understand the value of a strong faculty and demonstrate a commitment to advancing innovation and improving global well-being.”

Rosenbaum feels a special connection to Tufts, which played an important role in his life. “Tufts taught me how to think and helped me mature and understand people and the different ideas they may have. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t been a student at Tufts,” Rosenbaum said. “I want to help the university as much as I can and give to other people what has been given to me.”