October 29, 2024

Each month, the Graduate College, in collaboration with its Diversity Advisory Council (DAC), will select two graduate Drexel Dragons to highlight for the community! This month's recipients are Essien Oku Essien and Vivian Tian.

Essien Oku Essien

Essien Oku Essien is a second-year PhD student in communication, culture and media studies in the College of Arts and Sciences under the supervision of Wesley Shumar, PhD. He is originally from Cross River State, Nigeria and earned his bachelor's degree in mass communication with First-Class honors from the Cross River University of Technology in Calabar. He currently serves as president of the International Student Association (IGSA) and on the advisory board of the Teaching and Learning Center. 

Essien is an academic writer, a motive driver, an advocacy researcher, a radio script writer, a word artist, a creative writer and a Research framework presenter who has featured in several international conferences of distinct repute. He is the author of "The Church of the Last Age," which is available on Amazon. He has authored several research publications, including his latest paper, "Deconstructing Hypertruth: Baudrillard's Semiotic Analysis" in The International Journal of the Image. 

Essien has received multiple awards at prestigious international conferences held in Ireland, Argentina and the US. He has been recognized for his involvement in the World Bank Group Youth Summit, Global Landscape Forum in Germany, and the Thirst Foundation in Australia. Essien also holds a volunteer leadership role with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project and was awarded the Action for the Climate Emergency Fellowship. Through the Pennsylvania and Southeast PA Chapter of The Climate Reality Project, he has had the opportunity to connect with individuals in the field of climate change and attended the Green Earth Festival in Phoenixville further enriching his understanding and commitment to environmental advocacy. 

Essien chose Drexel University for his graduate studies because of the research opportunities which aligned with his interests. Essien's research explores climate change denialism/misinformation, African spirituality, screen semiotics, and Jean Baudrillard's Theory of Hyperreality and Simulation. His research attempts to bridge the gaps between science, spirituality and society; particularly inquiring about the misrepresentations of climate change crises as spiritual and cultural crises. He also noted Drexel’s location in the heart of Philadelphia as a key factor and Drexel’s notable alumni and network, which includes acclaimed Nigerian-American writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 

Essien credits Douglas V. Porpora, PhD for his exceptional mentorship and for helping him think more critically and approach research with rigor and depth, especially in his ongoing independent study project. He also credits Dr. Porpora for helping him approach sensitive topics within the realms of contemporary social theories with respect and intellectual curiosity, the same curiosity which guided him through the preparation of his visual semiotics conference paper scheduled to be presented at the University of Toronto, Canada and his comparative religions conference framework scheduled to be presented at the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. 

When asked what advice Essien would give for his fellow graduate students and researchers, he said "dive deeply into the collaborative aspects of your field through coursework, research, or active involvement in student organizations. Engaging with others not only broadens your academic perspective but also builds essential skills in teamwork, leadership, and communication that will be invaluable in any future role."

He also credits his leadership roles with developing practical skills in project management, resource planning, and networking. "These experiences prepare us for opportunities beyond graduate school and teach us how to make an impact within our communities,” said Essien. "It’s easy to focus solely on academic milestones, but stepping into leadership roles and connecting with diverse peers can offer insights and experiences that a textbook never could. Remember, graduate programs are dynamic, so seek out interdisciplinary collaborations, stay curious, and view every experience as a chance to grow professionally and personally."

Essien says the W. W. Hagerty Library is one of his favorite places on campus and he has enjoyed visiting many of the historical sites around Philadelphia and across the U.S. Fun fact: Essien lives on Haverford Avenue near the historic intersection where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed a crowd of 10,000 during his “Freedom Now” tour in Philadelphia, which adds a profound layer of historical significance to his surroundings.

Vivian Tian

Vivian Tian is a second-year master’s student in digital media and researcher at the Entrepreneurial Game Studio in the ExCITe Center in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design under the supervision of Frank J. Lee, PhD.

Vivian is originally from Rhode Island and chose Drexel for graduate study because of its ranking and reputation as a leading institution in the realm of game design and production.

Vivian is one of Drexel’s first master’s-level students to be awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP). They recently presented a paper at the 29th International Symposium on Electronic Art academic conference. Vivian’s work lies at the intersection of uncomfortable interactions, pervasive gaming, and critical reflection, with attention to considerations of player equity and design ethics.

Vivian credits Dr. Lee for his mentorship, advising, and support, and their lab mates, classmates, professors, and the Drexel community at large for serving as a resource and for advancing their learning through curiosity and conversation.

Vivian’s advice to their peers is to take chances and to pursue things with curiosity and confidence even if you don’t feel qualified. Vivian would also like graduate students to have more opportunities to take courses outside of their program/department as interdisciplinary learning and collaboration is vital to graduate education and research.

One of Vivian’s favorite things to do outside of the lab and classroom is to explore Philadelphia’s amazing food scene.

We are thrilled to have Essien and Vivian as members of the graduate Drexel Dragon community and can’t wait to see all they will achieve!