2026 | Drexel Engineering

- STAR Students Showcase Summer Studies
  
  September 21, 2026
  On Aug. 27, dozens of STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars shared what advanced research they conducted over the summer.
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- New Process for Making MXEnes Via Vapor-Phase Synthesis Could Expand Its Technological Applications
  
  September 17, 2026
  MXenes are two-dimensional nanomaterials first synthesized at Drexel University in 2011. They have been recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry as an emerging technology with “true potential to transform our world.” But their widespread use has thus far been limited by the complicated process it takes to produce them. In a recent paper, researchers from Drexel, with collaborators at the University of Pennsylvania and Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., show that a process called chemical vapor deposition can be tailored to produce the nanomaterials in a form, quality and quantity — and potentially at a lower cost — that could one day allow them to be used in electronic, environmental and quantum technologies.
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- For Green Building, 'Durable Is the New 'Sustainable'
  
  August 18, 2026
  Reducing the negative environmental impact of buildings — globally one of largest contributors to greenhouse gas — might be even more difficult than expected. New research from Drexel University indicates that, due to the steady increase in damaging extreme weather events each year, designers must begin to consider not if, but how long, their buildings will be rendered inoperable — and how the resources to get it back online will contribute to its overall environmental impact.
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- Soft, Sticky, Stretchable Biosensors Make a Better Connection
  
  July 28, 2026
  Biosensors have revolutionized home healthcare over the last two decades. Devices like wearable heart rate and blood glucose monitors are giving people with chronic health conditions the information and assurance they need to maintain an active lifestyle. But even the best sensors are limited by their ability to sustain skin contact through the rigors of physical activity. Researchers from Drexel University and Penn State University took on the challenge of improving the hydrogel material used in biosensors. And, in recently published research, they reported a new formula for making the gelatinous substrate that is versatile, durable and adhesive enough to make a stronger connection.
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- NSF Grant Backs Drexel Effort to Improve Self-Assembling Polymer Capsules
  
  July 27, 2026
  
  The grant funds further research on crystalsomes, microscopic hollow polymer capsules, this time to build their curved, responsive walls without help from an outside template.
  
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- Drexel University President Antonio Merlo’s First Year as a Dragon
  
  July 23, 2026
  During his first year on campus, the University leader connected with students, faculty and professional staff to bring his team together and start guiding Drexel through transformative changes.
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- Drexel Joins Statewide Initiative to Support Manufacturing Innovation
  
  July 23, 2026
  This fall, students from Drexel University will be helping Pennsylvania companies advance sustainable manufacturing and circular economy practices as part of a $3.1 million investment by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development The DCED’s Manufacturing PA Innovation Program will support student research on campus and on-site with manufacturers across the state that will provide data to help the companies evaluate new products and processes.
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- Wenderott Receives NSF-CAREER Award
  
  July 02, 2026
  
  The project will develop new visible-light-activated photocatalysts that could lead to more efficient generation of useful, value-added products while supporting cleaner, more sustainable technologies.
  
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- Custom-Designed Major Student Creates Own Major, Accessible Cutting Board
  
  June 24, 2026
  Lelia Karmeli wanted to blend multiple disciplines into her custom “make things and help people” degree.
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- How to Catch a Virus...on Purpose
  
  June 24, 2026
  Medical advancements over the last several decades have made great strides in the treatment of HIV. Pharmaceutical treatments are able to contain and reduce a patient’s viral load to the point where it is nearly undetectable. But a cure remains frustratingly elusive due to the virus’s ability to evade the immune system. Researchers from Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania, who specialize in modulating immune responses, have offered a new approach — one that’s likely familiar to anyone who has dealt with pest removal: setting a trap.
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