May 30, 2023

In an effort to foster diversity and inclusiveness within the field of Biomedical Engineering, the BIOMED Diversity Scholarship Program was introduced in the fall of 2021. This annual scholarship initiative offers financial support to undergraduate students enrolled in Drexel University's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems to help them pursue their academic goals and contribute to the advancement of biomedical research and healthcare.

Made possible by the generous contributions from BIOMED alumni, the scholarship program aims to create a future generation of Biomedical Engineers that is more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The BIOMED Diversity Scholarship Program recognizes the importance of representation and the unique perspectives that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to the field of biomedical engineering.

Meet the 2022-2023 Scholars

I am a Biomedical Engineering major at Drexel University. In this field, my tendency to fixate on puzzles and my passion for healthcare meet; therefore, being a part of this field, I feel right at home. I owe a lot of my past success to my ability to become a mental sponge and adapt to new settings. I have a keen interest in electrophysiology, molecular genetics, and pharmaceutical development.

Hi! My name is Jennifer Celi and I am currently a 2nd-year student at Drexel University. My major is biomedical engineering, with an intent of having a neuroengineering concentration and minor in neuroscience. Also, I am aspiring to be a part of the BS/MS program by the end of my sophomore year. I am trying to get involved with different organizations like Latinos United on Campus and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. I have volunteered for some events for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and participate in the Peer Mentorship program for BIOMED. As of right now, I am attempting to become an active member and make the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers active again. In my free time at Drexel, I like to attend events at the Newman Center or explore Philly. I am originally from the Poconos, (located in Northeast PA), so it has been an amazing time exploring the city and learning its history. At the moment, I am on Fall/Winter Co-op at Hikma Pharmaceuticals. My position is Manufacturing Engineer. Although there are only a few weeks left of my co-op, I have acquired a lot of knowledge and background within the engineering industry. I am hoping to learn and thrive more through my years at Drexel!

Renaldo Facey is an international student from Western Kingston, Jamaica, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Neuroengineering. He is passionate about the intricacies and mysteries of the brain, and he has an interest in devices and technologies that help with understanding exactly how the brain functions. Renaldo was drawn to Drexel by the co-op program, as well as the renowned Biomedical Engineering program that the university offers. He has completed two full-time co-ops at DSG Inc, where he worked as a Project Coordinator and helped to lead clinical trial projects related to Clinical Depression and Tuberculosis. While at Drexel, he has served on the executive board of the West Indian Student Establishment (WISE) for over 4 years, is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, a peer mentor, tutor, and Facility Supervisor at the Recreational Center. He is also the founder of a homework assistance and mentorship program, located in his hometown, and he serves as a student director on the board of the Young Caribbean Professional Network (YCPN). As a senior, Renaldo is grateful for his experiences at Drexel and hopes to remain involved in the community after graduating.

Madison is a biomedical engineering major at Drexel University and is a member of the Drexel softball team. She was a four-year member of the Bishop O’Connell High School softball program, who helped guide her team to the softball championships in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference in 2018, along with the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division 1 Softball Championships.

I like brains (and not in a zombie-esque way). I like reading from them. I like thinking up new ways to play with the data I collect from them. I like guessing how they work. And I like putting all of this together to hopefully create something that makes some small facet of everyday life more bearable. Naturally, this means my secondary interests cut across a vast number of fields involving large amounts of data and lots of thinking about new ways to play with them—everything from operations research to weather prediction, to predicting the stock market (still hasn't worked, by the way). I intend to spend the rest of my Drexel education, and whatever time I am allotted thereafter, in pursuit of these interests. I also recently discovered that I like cooking, watching movies, and that I am not very good at writing bios.

My name is Brian Osafo-Mensah and I am a graduating senior at Drexel University in the five-year and three co-op program. I am pursuing my Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Engineering in Drexel’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, with a concentration in biomechanics and human performance. I enjoy cooking, working out, and doing anything to stay active and outside. I appreciated my time at Drexel, as it allowed me to grow into the person I am today.

My name is Andrew Runyon, and I am a passionate and hard working student studying Biomedical Engineering and Health Science Systems at Drexel University, with an interest in bioinformatics and biomechanics. I have a passion for making contributions to the healthcare industry, which will have a lasting positive impact on the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals. I am eagerly looking for an opportunity in my field or a related field for a co-op to gain valuable experience for a future career.

Linford Smith is a senior in the School of Biomedical Engineering pursuing a bachelor's degree, with a concentration in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. After graduation Linford wants to break into the pharmaceutical industry, working to develop life-saving therapeutic treatments. In addition to his studies, Linford is extremely passionate about STEM education and spent time working with Drexel’s ExCITe Center, exposing children to STEAM. During his college career, he served on the executive boards of the National Society of Black Engineers, the West Indian Student Establishment, Circle K, and the Sanitation and Health Aid Relief Project. Depending on the day, you can find Linford working at the Drexel Recreation Center. Outside of school, Linford spends his time exploring Philadelphia and trying new restaurants!

I am a highly motivated student currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University. I am ambitiously willing to advance my knowledge of biomedical technologies through critical and innovative learning for the betterment of all local and global societies.