The Evaluation & Research Network at Drexel University

Current Projects

Examples of assessment/evaluation projects and clients at local, state, regional, and national levels.

PIRE: Humanoids – Universally Accessible Infrastructures to Advance Capabilities. A five-year NSF grant designed to advance humanoid design and capabilities in both the US and Korea. A coherent, effective and innovative model is presented for international collaboration and will enable faculty and over 20 undergraduates and 5 doctorial students to cycle through KAIST. The goal is to deliver a 3-tier tool set: virtual, mini and on-line HUBO, that fills a critical gap that prevents a vertical advance in robotics, namely the lack of platforms to consolidate knowledge, assess approaches and benchmark performance. This tool set will provide the community with multiple points of entry to engage in advancing humanoid capabilities with far reaching impacts. AY 2008-2013.

Drexel Research Experience in Advanced Materials (DREAM) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). A funded grant sponsored by the Department of Defense and administered by the National Science Foundation. DREAM supports 10 to 15 undergraduates to work with Drexel faculty members in nanomaterials, biomaterials, and the design and processing of advanced materials. AY 2007-2009.

Professional Development Program for International Educators – Near East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. A short-term, pass-through grant to support IREX (International Research & Exchanges Board) in its acceptance of funds from the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to evaluate the program which provided 14 international educators professional development opportunities to enhance expertise in their subject areas, teaching skills, and increase their knowledge about the U.S. over a five-month period. AY 2007.

Summer Institute for European Student Leaders. A short-term, funded grant from the U.S. Department of State designed to address the theme of: “Leadership through Service,” via an English language and leadership development program that included business English, leadership training and service learning, as well as an integrated set of site visits, trips, special events including a conflict resolution seminar and cultural activities. Two annual reports have been generated to date with a summative report planned for AY 2008.

Track 1, GK-12: Engineering as a Contextual Vehicle for Science and Mathematics Education. An NSF grant to establish collaborative Educational Teams of Graduate students (GK-12 Fellows) and middle school teachers from the School District of Philadelphia (GK-12 Teachers) to identify and design engineering/technology based supportive classroom materials. These materials serve as contextual vehicles through which the presentation of fundamental scientific and mathematical concepts to middle school students will be enhanced. The contextual materials woven into classroom lesson plans serve as motivators that enrich the middle school curriculum and enhance student learning. Concurrently, the setting serves the GK-12 Fellows to learn and experience first hand the issues of pedagogy, mentoring, communication, and teaming. AY 2006-2009.

Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU): Engineering Cities. An NSF grant designed to provide innovative summer research opportunities in the emerging field of urban engineering. Students conduct research and work closely with faculty mentors on pressing engineering problems faced in the rapidly growing urban world. The program focuses on research and education in five overlapping areas: (i) Analysis and Mitigation of Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards, (ii) Environmental Quality and Sustainability, (iii) Civil Infrastructure Assessment, (iv) Risk Analysis and Management, and (v) Application of Advanced Technologies for Urban Engineering. AY 2006-2009.