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Emma Barnes, Lorelei Booth, Tom Donahue, Audrey Greenip, Kylie Irvine, Jasmin Jerry, Amal Mathew, Michael Nieves, and Abigayle Weagraff Are 2024-25 BIOMED Diversity Scholarship Awardees

January 21, 2025

The BIOMED Diversity Scholarship Program was introduced in the fall of 2021 to foster diversity and inclusiveness within the field of Biomedical Engineering. 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 2024-2025 Scholars

Emma Barnes
Emma BarnesEmma Barnes is a graduating 5th year member of the Drexel community, pursuing both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in biomedical engineering. With her undergraduate concentration is Biomechanics and Human Performance, Emma seeks a future career in the field of 3D-printed medical devices in Europe. Her three co-ops at Exponent, GSK, and Drexel's Implant Research Core have been instrumental in honing her interest in this area of study. She has been a Peer Mentor for four years in the school of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, hoping to guide younger members in defining their path at Drexel. Outside of class, she participates in intramural soccer, basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball with friends. She is also intensely involved in both sustainable and creative initiatives, driven by a passion for improving her community. A published author on the effects of fast fashion, Emma has run a small business of handmade, secondhand products from her campus town home since 2020. Additionally, she has worked for GrantBLVD and Blk Ivy Thrift to promote sustainable fashion practices and "radically inclusive" efforts across Philadelphia. She looks forward to applying her American education to the European additive manufacturing space next year with the help of this award.

Lorelei Booth
Lorelei BoothLorelei Booth is a fourth-year Honors student at Drexel University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering with the intent on concentrating in biomechanics. She is currently completing her third co-op at Viant Medical as a quality engineer. Her previous co-ops have involved patient centered research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. During her freshman year, she participated in the STAR Scholars program where she conducted research in Drexel's Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory that she would go on to present at the World Congress of Undergraduate Research in Warwick, UK. After her time at Drexel, she aspires to combine biomechanical engineering principles with medical applications to improve the healthcare industry. In her free time, she enjoys helping the Drexel community by being a resident assistant (RA) in the freshman dormitories, being a peer-mentor for the biomedical engineering community as well as the Frances Velay Fellowship Program, and serving on the biomed student advisory board. She also enjoys serving as the travel coordinator for the Drexel Club Climbing team and competing in USA Climbing events. Lorelei is truly grateful for all the opportunities Drexel has offered her and is looking forward to what she can achieve upon graduation.

Tom Donahue
Tom DonahueHi, I'm Tom! I'm a fourth year BS/MS student (plus a chemistry minor and biomaterials concentration), with interests in genetic engineering and genomics. Initially during high school, I flip-flopped around with where I wanted to go in life, college and career-wise. I originally wanted to be an architect, until chemistry and biology started to catch my attention. Since then, I've been paving my own path towards a career in genetics, though initially that was purely out of interest for the field. When cancer took my mother's life over a year ago, it only gave me a stronger reason to keep fighting, and for a real cause, too. On a less sad note, some of my favorite hobbies include video editing, playing my electric guitar, and keeping a dream journal. During my first co-op, I worked with Century Therapeutics, where I maintained and engineered pluripotent stem cells for cancer research. It had been a dream of mine to work with stem cells since starting my academic path in high school — I never thought I'd get the chance so soon! My second co-op was at Exponent, where I closely documented the wear of explants and test implants, using a variety of machines and equipment. While it may not have been my work of interest, it was regardless a valuable experience in a biomedical field. Ultimately, I think I'd like to go back to genetic engineering and cell research as a career path, but rather than just doing lab work, I really want to work on actually designing and managing projects, in addition to carrying out the work for them!

Audrey Greenip
Audrey GreenipAudrey Greenip is currently a third-year student at Drexel University School of Biomedical Engineering. One of their career goals is to increase access to advanced biomedical technology in underserved populations and communities. As an essential worker during COVID, Audrey learned that the availability of technology and the knowledge of how to use it effectively was critical in helping their community to thrive during such challenging times. They used their position to spread information about safety precautions, guidelines, and other local efforts as a community to recover and grow from there on. Since then, they have been engaged in cardiovascular research in the Philadelphia area, continuing to learn about how to best serve the most vulnerable parts of their community. They plan to pursue a career in prosthetic and orthotic technology development, w

Kylie (Ky) Irvine
Kylie IrvineI am a 4th year biomedical engineering major with a concentration in biomechanics and human performance, as well as minors in engineering management and materials science and engineering. I came to Drexel with an interest in pediatric prosthetics and have since been able to nurture that interest into a passion for pediatric healthcare with the intent of obtaining my master's degree in Orthotics & Prosthetics and make a meaningful impact through face-to-face patient care. I had the wonderful opportunity to work in the Orthopedic Division of Surgery research team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for my first co-op, which allowed me to develop a deep understanding for the pediatric healthcare system and form strong professional connections in the field. Additionally, balancing coursework with an internship at Boston Orthotics & Prosthetics helped me further hone my skills and deepen my dedication to O&P under the mentorship of the best in the field. Outside the classroom, I enjoy teaching myself guitar, reading, and DJing for Drexel’s student-run radio station, WKDU Philadelphia 91.7 FM. I also serve as a Resident Assistant, a role that has been especially rewarding as it allows me to connect with Drexel’s undergraduate community, guide first-year students, and help them acclimate to the vibrant city and campus life. I’m passionate about fostering a positive and supportive environment for my peers and contributing to Drexel’s diverse community.

Jasmin Jerry
Jasmin JerryI am currently a junior at Drexel University pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering as part of the BA/BS+MD program, with a concentration in Biomaterials. For the past two years, I have had the privilege to work in the Biomechanics Orthopedics Laboratory under Dr. Sriram Balasubramanian, where I focus on research related to neonatal brachial plexus palsy, a debilitating pediatric birth injury. In addition to my academic and research pursuits, I have been involved in healthcare through experiences as a medical scribe, where I transcribed physician-patient interactions across various specialties. Beyond academics, I actively volunteer with ENGin, assisting Ukrainian students in improving their English communication skills. I also serve as a volunteer for the Crisis Text Hotline, providing mental health support, and contribute to Drexel's Saving Mothers Organization. These experiences have shaped my aspiration to become a physician. After completing my degree, I hope to attend Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM) and specialize in a field where I can combine my research background with clinical care to positively impact patients' lives. I am particularly passionate about advancing medical solutions for underserved populations and improving outcomes for patients facing complex health conditions.

Amal Mathew
Amal Mathew I am currently a senior Biomedical Engineering student with a concentration in Tissue Engineering. My academic interests are driven by a passion for addressing complex challenges at the intersection of engineering and healthcare. Through Drexel's co-op program, I have gained valuable experiences in clinical and translational research. These opportunities have deepened my interest in advancing medical technology and healthcare to improve patient outcomes. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school, where I hope to integrate biomedical innovation into clinical practice. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending my time volunteering at a community-based organization as well as playing the piano.

Michael Nieves
Michael Nieves I am a second-year biomedical engineering major, and plan on concentrating my studies on tissue engineering as part of the accelerated BS/MS plan of study. This program allows me to deepen my knowledge and expertise in biomedical science and engineering principles. I am currently pursuing my first co-op as a Process Engineer at Noramco, where I am gaining hands-on experience and expanding my understanding of process optimization and its application in pharmaceutical manufacturing. My primary academic and professional interest lies in the field of regenerative medicine, particularly in the area of gene therapy, which holds potential for addressing and curing genetic disorders.

Abigayle Weagraff
Abigayle Weagraff My name is Abi Weagraff, and I am currently a pre-junior with the intent of declaring a Business Administration minor, and a concentration in either Tissue Engineering or Biomaterials. I am in my first co-op of two at Johnson & Johnson as a Reliability Engineering co-op on the Asset Management team. I came to Drexel as a Biological Sciences major but switched to Biomedical Engineering looking for a challenge. After graduation I hope to start a career where I can work on developing innovative medicines or technologies while pursuing a master's degree. I hope to be able to collaborate across disciplines with physicians and biologists to improve the lives of people all over the world. Outside of academics, I am a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and serve as the Education Director focusing on integrating our core values and implementing DEI initiatives. In my free time I love to read, explore Philly, cook for friends, and enjoy time outside.


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