Amy Peterson (CBE)
Amy received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering through CoE’s accelerated B.S./Ph.D. SuperNOVA program in 2007. Under the direction of Dr. Giuseppe Palmese (CBE), Amy is researching the development of remendable polymer networks using reversible chemistries that can heal and prevent the propagation of cracks that lead to catastrophic failure of a material.  She is currently an NSF Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Fellow. She plans to graduate in 2010 with her doctorate in Chemical Engineering. Amy is also a recipient of the NDSEG Fellowship Award.

 Alexander Moseson (MEM/MSE)
After graduating from Drexel University in 2007 with his B.S. in MEM and M.S. in MSE, Alex decided to further his education at Drexel University. Alex is working toward his doctorate in MEM with research in MSE under the direction of Professor Michel Barsoum (MSE). Alex was inspired by the technology used by the ancient Egyptians to cast parts of the pyramids in place, which led him to work towards developing alternative concrete. The concrete will be affordable, easy to make, and produces little CO2, which will benefit developing communities. As an undergraduate, Alex was a founding member of the Drexel chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) and he is currently an active member of the organization.  

Stephen Niezgoda (MSE)
Stephen received his B.S. and M.S. in MSE in 2006. Stephen is a member of the Mechanics of Microstructures Group (MMG) research group, led by Professor Surya Kalidindi (MSE). The MMG approach considers micro-scale structure in the development of new materials for particular applications. Stephen’s mathematical analysis of microstructure will take much of the guesswork out of material design.  Stephen’s practical experience as an aircraft mechanic taught him how to analyze and solve problems, and inspired him to learn more.  He plans to graduate in 2009 with his doctorate in MSE. Stephen is also a recipient of the NDSEG Fellowship Award.

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Holly McIlwee (MSE)
Holly will be graduating in June 2008, with a B.S. and M.S. in MSE. While at Drexel University, Holly has worked in the Natural Polymers and Photonics Laboratory under the direction of Professor Caroline Schauer (MSE). Her research involves creating novel sensors while incorporating thin films of biopolymer, chitosan, and gold nanoparticles to attract and detect the presence of toxic metal ions such as mercury or lead in water. Holly also received an award from the NSF-International Research and Education in Engineering (IREE) to conduct research in Lille, France this summer.