We are Alex's friends and colleagues at Columbia University. Alexandra P. Oleynik lived an extraordinary life that took her from Uzbekistan to Israel to the United States.

Alexandra Oleynik (AKA Sasha) was an expertly trained researcher who began her career with a BSc from Ben-Gurion University, Israel, and subsequently served as a Biotechnology Engineer officer at Israel Defense Forces. Alex joined the Center for Infection and Immunity (CII) at Columbia University in 2009. Since then, she worked tirelessly and continuously ensuring the integrity of our research program. She was also a good friend who mentored others and shared her culture and warmth freely. In 2017, she was diagnosed with advanced stage metastatic breast cancer. Alex still was able to earn an MA in Biotechnology from GSAS at Columbia University while serving as a Senior Staff Associate at CII. Her commitment and productivity were kept at a high level despite her illness and the effects of numerous invasive treatments.

Alex leaves behind a loving husband, Aleksander, and two sons. Leon (15) and Daniel (11) are both avid hockey players with an abiding love for their mother and a strong sense of community. We offer thoughts and prayers for the family.