New Chair in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

May 20, 2021

A Message from the Dean

I am delighted to announce that Caroline Schauer, PhD, Associate Dean, Research and Faculty Affairs, and Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, has been selected as the inaugural holder of the Margaret C. Burns Chair in Engineering. Our alumna, Peggy Burns, ’79, has endowed this chair to support and augment efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Caroline has been an ongoing and tireless mentor and spokesperson for faculty and students traditionally underrepresented in engineering since her early years as an assistant professor. The college is thrilled that Caroline will be honored for her continued work in this arena.

Please join me in congratulating Caroline on this honor.

Sharon L. Walker, PhD

Dean

Schauer Appointed Inaugural Margaret C. Burns Chair

Professor Caroline Schauer will be the first person to hold the Margaret C. Burns Chair for her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Finding Strength in Support Systems

Rasheem Clark, a first-generation college student, knows that leaning on your support network can give you the strength you need to take risks. He will address the Class of 2021 as the College’s undergraduate commencement speaker. Read more.

Graduate Commencement Speaker is Tycoon in the Making

Drexel helped Zhengqiao Zhao find his passion in data analysis, and now he’s ready to help machine learning and AI revolutionize industries. He will address the Class of 2021 as the College of Engineering’s graduate commencement speaker. Read more.

Announcements

Send Kudos to the Class of 2021

Join us in celebrating our graduates by sending a congratulatory message on our virtual message wall. Share your congratulations with the Class of 2021 by submitting messages along with a photo, animated GIF, or video to appear on our board. Additionally, in the weeks as commencement approaches, share photos celebrating your achievement on social media using #ForeverDragoneers.

Drexel Libraries ScholarSip Event

Christopher Sales, PhD, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, will present a discussion on Drexel’s partnership with SEPTA to slow the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation during Drexel Libraries’ virtual ScholarSip series on Monday, June 7 at 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend, but registration is required at the event page.

CONGRATULATIONS

Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Gary Friedman, PhD, (PI), Distinguished University and Charles T. and Ruth M. Bach Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Yury Gogotsi, PhD, and E. Warren Colehower Chair Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Kapil Dandekar, PhD, are the recipients of a three-year NSF grant, “Electromagnetic Shields Based on MXene Nano-Metamaterials.” This project focuses on developing new highly effective electromagnetic shields of dramatically reduced weight and size made from MXene for potential use in electronics, including military applications, medical electronics and consumer wireless systems.

Franco Montalto, PhD, professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, is the recipient of a seven-month grant from the William Penn Foundation to implement a pilot of outdoor cooling strategies in Hunting Park. In addition to reducing heat risk vulnerability and increasing neighborhood quality of life, this project aims to create new jobs, promote social engagement, beautify neighborhoods, and create new civic science opportunities and knowledge.

Seen and Heard

Franco Montalto, PhD, professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, was quoted in a May 13 Philly Voice story about his research looking at park use during the pandemic.

Yury Gogotsi, PhD, Distinguished University and Bach Professor, was quoted in a May 5 Tech Transfer Central blog post about Nephria Bio’s licensing of MXene technology, which he helped to develop and study at Drexel.