Kanevsky founded the Earth Tones, an all-male singing group on campus.

Twenty-one-year-old Michael Kanevsky punctuates conversations with adjectives like “awesome” and “phenomenal” and “wonderful.” It’s easy to understand why. In the space of just a few short months, he earned a bachelor’s degree, became engaged to marry, and enrolled in medical school. In between, he reflected — enthusiastically, of course — about his years at UAlbany.

Kanevsky’s enthusiasm may spring, in part, from the knowledge that continued hard work, combined with persistence, will surely lead to personal and professional success. At age eight, he settled in Ossining, N.Y., with his family, Russian immigrants who came to the United States after living in Israel and Europe. His father, a mathematician and research scientist, now works for IBM’s research and development unit.

Born in Israel, Kanevsky completed his biology studies at UAlbany last May. His independent research in neuropharmacology focused on the brain’s reactions to drug addiction. This fall, he enrolled at Albany Medical College.

As an undergraduate, Kanevsky worked nights for Mohawk Ambulance Service in Albany, was a lab assistant in the University’s organic chemistry laboratory, and volunteered with UAlbany’s Five Quad ambulance corps. He founded the Earth Tones, an all-male a capella group that performs at University functions and at such local events as the Empire State Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Kanevsky, the group’s vocal percussionist, sang bass, “but we all switch around a lot.” In addition, he played drums with a few bands in the Capital Region, including Pudding Street Groove.

So how did this 21st-century Renaissance man manage all of these academic, professional, and musical pursuits simultaneously? “Time organization,” he responds modestly. “I really wanted to do everything I was doing, so I made myself find the time. If I could figure out a way to add more hours to the day, I would do that.”

Kanevsky even found time for courting. He and high school sweetheart Ashley Brown, a music education major working toward her master’s degree at Syracuse University, were engaged last spring. The couple plan to wed in the next two years.
Kanevsky says his responsibilities with the Earth Tones gave him confidence and helped him develop the administrative and organizational skills he now uses in his academic life.

“What I love most about Albany is this: If there’s not something there for you already, you can ask about it, and the administration will help you get it started. It was awesome for me. I loved it!”

— Carol Olechowski