Conference Welcome & Keynote Address

Kara Spiller, PhD

Assistant Professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, and Principle Investigator of the Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Kara Spiller, PhD, researches how biomaterials, such as wound dressings or bone grafts, influence inflammation. Dr. Spiller's work is highly interdisciplinary as she collaborates closely with clinicians, biologists, mathematicians, engineers and psychologists. In addition, her lab connects with scientists across the globe, including in countries such as Australia, China, Korea, and Israel.

Most recently, Dr. Spiller was recognized by the Drexel Areas of Research Excellence (DARE) as a part of an interdisciplinary team spanning six schools and colleges investigating neuroinflammation and gender. She has also received honors such as the Life Saving Solutions Teaching Award from the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, as well as the Mentor Award from the Fellowships Office, and the Junior Faculty Travel Award from the Wound Healing Society.

While earning her PhD from Drexel in biomedical engineering, Dr. Spiller was recognized as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow and researched at both Drexel and at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. Upon graduation, she was honored with the University's Outstanding Promise Award and was selected as a Fulbright Fellow at the University of Minho in Portugal. Dr. Spiller then conducted postdoctoral studies in the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering at Columbia University before returning to Drexel in 2013.

Panel – Making the Most of Your Graduate Degree

For Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and related fields.

Let’s discuss post-graduate choices! This panel brings together a mix of alumni, faculty, and industry leaders to review the variety of career opportunities for those with advanced degrees—including within industry and academia—and the possibilities along these paths. Get to know your options through Q&A and discipline-specific discussion with experts.

See the full list of panelists here.

Panel – Making the Most of Your Graduate Degree

For Business, Law, Arts, Humanities, and related fields. 

Let’s discuss post-graduate choices! This panel brings together a mix of alumni, faculty, and industry leaders to review the variety of career opportunities for those with advanced degrees—including within industry and academia—and the possibilities along these paths. Get to know your options through Q&A and discipline-specific discussion with experts.

See the full list of panelists here.

Panel – Graduate School: Before, During and After

Is graduate school in your future? The Center for Scholar Development, Graduate Admissions, Graduate College and Graduate Student Association are here to help you get serious about graduate studies!   

A panel of graduate students, faculty and professional staff, from a variety of disciplines, will discuss all things graduate school—including how to decide between master’s and doctoral degrees, application best practices, and tips for a successful graduate school experience. 

You are also welcome to explore interdisciplinary graduate research presentations from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and join the networking reception at 4:45 p.m. as a part of the Drexel Emerging Graduate Scholars Conference.

See the full list of panelists here.

Panel – Building the Career You Want

So, you know your career path; now what? This interactive panel of alumni, faculty and industry experts will discuss growing and staying relevant as a professional. Topics will include networking and collaborating, staying informed and advancing in your field, as well as career-changing, with opportunity for Q&A.   

See the full list of panelists here.