April 11, 2023

Meet Sarah Malik, a fourth-year PhD student in mechanical engineering and mechanics in the College of Engineering. She is originally from Philadelphia and has both a bachelors degree in business and engineering from the LeBow College of Business and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and mechanics from Drexel. She has also completed minors in mechanical engineering, data analytics and computational engineering.

Malik joined the Theoretical & Applied Mechanics Group (TAMG) as an undergraduate in 2017. Her research involves using state-of-the-art structural testing equipment and sensors for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of material specimen. This research has direct applications in connected aircraft, smart cities, and smart additive manufacturing to effectively monitor flaws and defects to ensure safe infrastructure. Malik has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven system that will diagnose the current state of damage using a Digital Thread Framework.

In addition to her research, Malik is an engaged member of the Drexel and graduate student communities and has a long list of accomplishments. She is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, Drexel’s first attendee of the Rising Stars in Mechanical Engineering workshop hosted by Stanford University, and is the first graduate student on the IEEE Computer Society’s Publication Board. She is a member of the College of Engineering Dean’s Student Leadership Council leading initiatives around investigating perceptions of Drexel and is an active advocate of academic support for graduate students. Malik received an outstanding mentorship award for her dedication in mentoring both junior graduate and undergraduate students and she was selected as one of eight graduate students in the College of Engineering to received a 2023 Koerner Award for her work in Smart Cities & Integration. Malik is also a member of the inaugural cohort of Nina Henderson Provost Fellows. She is working on two projects, "Lifelong Learning and the Future of Higher Education" and "Innovation Engine and Culture at Drexel: Best Practices and an Integrated Review".

When asked, "Why Drexel?", Malik said, "The opportunity to participate in research projects across a wide range of fields. Drexel University is particularly notable for its interdisciplinary approach to research and collaboration between faculty and students from different fields, which can lead to exciting new discoveries and breakthroughs. Graduate students are also encouraged to work closely with faculty members and other researchers to develop their own research ideas and projects. Drexel is also located in one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the country. Philadelphia is home to a wide range of industries. This means that Drexel students have access to many potential employers and networking opportunities."

When asked about her mentor, Malik said, "Having a mentor, especially during a doctoral journey, can make a significant impact on a student's development as a researcher. In my case, my advisor Dr. Antonios Kontsos has been an instrumental figure in guiding me throughout my doctoral journey and building me as a researcher."

She also added that "The Graduate College has been a supportive and valuable resource for me as a graduate student. The college provides a wide range of services to help students succeed academically and professionally, including academic advising, career counseling, and professional development workshops. In addition to providing resources and support, the Graduate College has also fostered a sense of community among graduate students. [The] events provide students with the opportunity to connect with one another, share their research, and build relationships that will last beyond their time in graduate school. The Mechanical Engineering Department has also been a supportive community. The faculty provide challenging coursework that is essential to my growth as a mechanical engineer."

Her advice to her fellow doctoral students is "to remember that the journey towards earning your degree is a marathon, not a sprint. This means that it's crucial to be persistent and keep learning, even when the going gets tough. One of the keys to persistence is to maintain a growth mindset. When faced with challenges or setbacks, it's important to see them as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as reasons to give up. Another key to persistence is to keep your heart towards research. Research can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it's important to stay focused on the ultimate goal of advancing knowledge in your field. Try to maintain a sense of curiosity and wonder about your research topic, and stay motivated by the knowledge that your work has the potential to make a real impact in the world."

In her free time, Malik plays the violin which helps her relax and provides a creative outlet. She enjoys listening to and composing music. She also enjoys exploring Philadelphia’s unique neighborhoods.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2023 College of Engineering's Koerner Awards!

2023 Koerner Awardees

• Renewable Energy & Power
• Tana Siboonruang – Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Taber Yim – Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Health, Wellness, & Medicine
• Nolan Black – Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
• Richard Kimball – Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
• Smart Cities & Integration
• Sarah Malik – Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
• Keith Zuckerman – Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Resource Stewardship & Sustainability
• Mark Anayee – Materials Science and Engineering
• Emily Herbert – Materials Science and Engineering