January 6, 2025

Each month, the Office of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with its Diversity Advisory Council (DAC), will select two graduate Drexel Dragons to highlight for the community! This month's recipients are David Lai and Mahdieh Molaei.

David Lai

David Lai is a recent graduate of the online master’s program in nursing education in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. He is originally from Gaithersburg, Maryland and earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Maryland Baltimore.

Since graduating from the master's program, David has been working as a clinical nurse educator for staff development in the Medical Surgical, Trauma, and Telemetry Department at George Washington University Hospital and credits the program, which he called "transformative," for a smooth transition into his professional career. He notes that the program’s hands-on experience gave him the necessary skills and confidence to impact patient care and support new and current nurses in their educational journey. He also credits his mentor, Liz Miller, MSN, RN, CEN, a nursing professional development specialist in emergency services at Sibley Memorial Hospital, and assistant clinical professor and track director, Jennifer Myers, for their leadership and guidance and for empowering David throughout his academic and professional journey.

"The professors [at Drexel] genuinely care about each of us—they go above and beyond to support our growth, challenge us to think differently, and inspire us to be the change-makers that nursing education and healthcare need. They really emphasize preparing us not only to teach but also to advocate for better patient safety and to elevate nursing practice in schools and hospitals alike," said David.

During the interview process, David said that he was often complemented for his knowledge and level of preparation despite not having any formal job experience. David said, "the hands-on projects and the direct mentorship from Drexel’s faculty have given me the confidence, skills, and knowledge to step into this role seamlessly. This program has a remarkable way of ensuring students are not only prepared to land a job but also to succeed and make a real impact in the field immediately."

During his time in the program, David developed a comprehensive Behavioral Health learning module designed to support both seasoned and new nurses in better managing and facilitating the transition of care for Behavioral Health patients in the Emergency Department (ED). The module emphasizes Behavioral Health medical electronic documentation and will soon be published in George Washington University Hospital's learning system, making it accessible to all ED staff.

David also led a successful revamp of the hospital’s IV and phlebotomy classes and teaching methods, ensuring more effective learning and hands-on skill-building. He also organized and prepared hospital-wide training, including ED nursing training and Nurses' Education and Skills Week, furthering the team's professional development and commitment to quality patient care. 

David’s advice to his fellow Drexel graduate students includes:

1. Utilizing Drexel resources, such as program websites and materials and the Writing Center for support with academic writing and style guides;
2. Connecting with faculty experts and taking advantage of mentorship opportunities. Mentors can enhance learning and offer a variety of unique experiences and perspectives;
3. And, embracing Drexel’s approach to experiential learning to prepare to solve real-world challenges. 

In his spare time, David is an avid runner and participates in a running club. "[It's] a great way to stay active and connect with others who share the same passion," he said. Last month, David completed his second half marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival. He enjoys participating in activities that are both challenging and rewarding, much like his career.

Mahdieh Molaei

Mahdieh Molaei is a second-year master's student in digital media in the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. She is originally from Iran and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from Al-Zahra University in Iran.

Mahdieh chose Drexel for graduate education because of the high academic standards and reputation for providing a well-rounded and forward-thinking education. The innovative approach of the Digital Media program aligns with her goals to develop advanced skills and pursue creative projects in the field.

Her graduate work focuses on enhancing user engagement with products and services while creating lasting and impactful impressions. She is particularly interested in how design can be integrated with innovative strategies to create user-centered solutions that address real-world challenges. Her goal is to combine her passion for design with entrepreneurial thinking, developing projects that not only inspire creativity but also provide practical value. She aims to bridge the gap between design and business, creating impactful and sustainable solutions for the future.

Among Mahdieh's accomplishments are her contribution to the article entitled, "The OEXR Library: A Collaborative Approach to Extended Reality in Education," published on EDUCAUSE, which highlights innovative applications of XR in education. She was also accepted into the first round of the Fall Drexel Startups Fund competition with an innovative app concept, reflecting her entrepreneurial mindset.

Mahdieh credits several mentors for their encouragement and support, including:

1. Jeannine Shantz, director of research, evaluation and assessment in the Close School of Entrepreneurship;
2. Emil Polyak, assistant professor of digital media in the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design;
3. John Wilson, assistant teaching professor in the Close School of Entrepreneurship, entrepreneur, intrapreneur (corporate entrepreneur), scholar, and public speaker with more than twenty years of experience in the software and services industries;
4. And, Troy Finamore, program director of user experience and interactive design in the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.

Mahdieh said each of these mentors has significantly influenced her academic, professional, and personal growth, and she is deeply grateful for their support.

In addition to her mentors, Mahdieh notes several digital tools that have helped support her work and bring her ideas to life, including Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Spline. Additionally, workshops and events hosted by Drexel, such as Startup Fest, have provided valuable opportunities to enhance her skills and gain practical experience. Participating in these events has helped her develop professionally and connect with peers who share similar interests.

Mahdieh's advice to her fellow graduate students is "to embrace every opportunity for learning, even those outside your comfort zone. Graduate school is as much about personal growth as it is about academic progress. New challenges, whether learning a new tool, working on a complex project, or participating in events, often lead to unexpected opportunities."

She added that "there will be days when everything feels overwhelming and incredibly difficult but trust yourself and keep going. These tough days will pass, and you will emerge stronger and more brilliant than before."

She also stressed that it’s okay to ask for help! She encourages students to reach out to professors, mentors, or peers when you need guidance. "The support system you build during your program will be invaluable both during your studies and in the future," she said.

Outside of her graduate work, Mahdieh has a deep passion for traveling because it provides an opportunity to experience new things, discover fresh perspectives, and explore different cultures. She also enjoys cooking because it allows her to express creativity by combining flavors and trying out new recipes.

Mahdieh’s favorite place on campus is the courtyard of the Rush Building. "It's a spot where I can sit for hours, read a book with a cup of coffee in hand, and enjoy the beauty and calmness of the surroundings," she said.

"These hobbies and places provide a perfect balance to my academic life, offering me inspiration and relaxation," Mahdieh said.


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