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Kayla Alford,
BA Communication ’24
Email: kva27@drexel.edu
My top cause? I really care about access to quality education. College does not just provide you with information to be successful in a specific field. It also allows you to expand your worldview and connect with people or communities you might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Dream job: Human resources at a fashion or sports-related company
Top cause: I really care about access to quality education. College does not just provide you with information to be successful in a specific field. It also allows you to expand your worldview and connect with people or communities you might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.
Best class at Drexel: I loved my COM 290: Sports and Mass Media and COM 150: Mass Media and Society classes. Learning about theories and research on how we interact with different forms of media makes you think critically about the way we absorb them.
Most looking forward to: I’m looking forward to co-op. It’s always great to get that break from classes. An even bigger plus is getting confirmation that your intended career path really is for you. If it’s not, it’s refreshing to know you have time to discover something else.
Favorite snack on campus : Whenever they have them available, I always pick up white cheddar Cheez-Its from The Market at Northside.
Favorite band or artist: Jhené Aiko; Sam Smith
Favorite pastime: I love to sew but I can’t bring my sewing machine to campus. Instead, I typically read or watch re-runs of late 90’s/early 2000’s TV.
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Tamir Gorham,
BA Philosophy, Politics, & Economics ’25
Email: drexelemailhere@drexel.edu
My top cause? My top cause is definitely inequality in the educational system. “Education is the key to success” but only to the rich in America that can afford to send their children to the best schools with the best teachers and the best resources. Growing up in the Philadelphia public school system showed me first-hand how big the disparity is - even just 40 minutes outside of the city.
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Dream job: Investigative/Political Journalist.
Top cause: My top cause is definitely inequality in the educational system. “Education is the key to success” but only to the rich in America that can afford to send their children to the best schools with the best teachers and the best resources. Growing up in the Philadelphia public school system showed me first-hand how big the disparity is - even just 40 minutes outside of the city.
Best class at Drexel: No class has yet to pique my interest and challenge me as much as History of Political Thought (PSCI120). I love reading about theory - whether that be political theory, gender theory, or even conspiracy theories. I need to know the “why?” behind the systems we live in.
Most looking forward to:
I am most looking forward to studying abroad. As I approach my last years at Drexel, I want to ensure that I study abroad at least twice. I think the opportunity to travel across the world and truly immerse yourself in a different culture for 3 months is an unrivaled experience.
Favorite snack on campus: A classic green tea with boba and mango jelly from Kung Fu Tea.
Favorite band or artist: Doja Cat.
Favorite pastime: Starting very long tv series without having finished the ones prior.
I also enjoy meeting new people and trying new things to gain different experiences. I hate complacency and am always looking to grow and evolve anyway that I can.
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Soukayna Mardas,
BS Physics ’23
Email: sm4367@drexel.edu
My top cause? I am very interested in tax reform, since its effects can be spread across a variety of fields. I think a lack of knowledge of tax law, paired with the high consequences of making mistakes is often very scary and a clearer and more equitable Tax Code is necessary.
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
Dream job: I would love to work with tax policy, specifically tax reform in some capacity. I am not sure if it’s a legal or legislative capacity yet, but I think there is a strong need for tax reform.
Top cause: I am very interested in tax reform, since its effects can be spread across a variety of fields. I think a lack of knowledge of tax law, paired with the high consequences of making mistakes is often very scary and a clearer and more equitable Tax Code is necessary.
Best class at Drexel: The best class at Drexel is without a doubt Literature of Immigration. The class facilitated an important discussion on the trajectory of immigration policy and reform. Our professor actually hosted a Q+A with MSNBC reporter Jacob Soboroff and we got to hear first hand about the formation of his book Separated: Inside an American Tragedy.
Most looking forward to: I am most looking forward to this upcoming co-op cycle. With COVID-19, I have never had an in person co-op experience and I am excited for the opportunity to be in a professional environment and to learn how virtual work connections differ from connections made while actually in office.
Favorite snack on campus: WokWorks food truck, specifically the Drunken noodles.
Favorite band or artist: Dermont Kennedy.
Favorite pastime: Thrifting for art pieces.
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Rida Memon,
BA Global Studies ’24
Email: ram489@drexel.edu
My top cause? Helping vulnerable populations in the community, including refugees and asylum seekers, victims of global poverty, and victims of gender-based violence. My most recent co-op was at HIAS PA, a nonprofit organization where I helped refugees and asylum seekers apply for green cards, travel documents, and public benefits like food stamps and medical assistance. This was a very rewarding experience because I got to see how my work relieves them of some of the challenges that come with suddenly moving and adjusting to a new country.
Hometown: Bensalem, PA
Dream job: Lawyer
Top cause: Helping vulnerable populations in the community, including refugees and asylum seekers, victims of global poverty, and victims of gender-based violence. My most recent co-op was at HIAS PA, a nonprofit organization where I helped refugees and asylum seekers apply for green cards, travel documents, and public benefits like food stamps and medical assistance. This was a very rewarding experience because I got to see how my work relieves them of some of the challenges that come with suddenly moving and adjusting to a new country.
Best class at Drexel: My favorite classes at Drexel have always been my Spanish classes, especially with Assistant Teaching Professor Steve Dolph. I learned about important issues that affect different Spanish-speaking communities and the roles that politicians, community organizations, and we, as students, play in contributing to and resolving these issues.
Most looking forward to: Going to law school because I have wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember, and the closer I get to reaching this goal, the more excited I become.
Favorite snack on campus: It’s hard to choose! Some of my favorite snacks are Glazed Chocolate Munchkins from Dunkin' Donuts, Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Favorite band or artist: My favorite artists are Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift.
Favorite pastime: Attending the Drexel Muslim Students Association (DMSA) events. These events not only give me the opportunity to learn more about my religion, but they also give me the opportunity to spend time with people who have become my family away from home.
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Uswa Mutaal,
BS Political Science ’23
Email: um37@drexel.edu
My top cause? I’m really passionate about gender equality, women’s rights in the workplace, reproductive liberties, political representation and related issues.
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Dream job: Lawyer in the field of international business/economics and human rights.
Top cause: I’m really passionate about gender equality, women’s rights in the workplace, reproductive liberties, political representation and related issues.
Best class at Drexel: Theories of Justice was my first seminar style class that examined the ways justice has been conceptualized and re-conceptualized over time. The course got me thinking over what it means to be ethical and how we ought to act morally in murky situations.
Most looking forward to: My final Co-op! I’m excited to utilize the skills I have developed during my classes and last Co-op. I’m also looking forward to learning from professionals in the legal field.
Favorite snack on campus: I love getting food at Jimmy’s food truck behind Main building.
Favorite band or artist: Currently obsessing over new albums from Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo.
Favorite pastime: Exploring the city with my friends.
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Haneen Mutan,
BA Sociology ’24
Email: hwm26@drexel.edu
My top cause? I ultimately want to be an educator. My favorite movie is Freedom Writers and I believe a teacher is an educator, so part of the reason I want to be a teacher is to help create an impact.
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Dream job: Educator
Top cause: I ultimately want to be an educator. My favorite movie is Freedom Writers and I believe a teacher is an educator, so part of the reason I want to be a teacher is to help create an impact.
Best class at Drexel: Urban Sociology; I really enjoyed learning about how people’s lives are shaped by society
Most looking forward to: I am really looking forward to completing my second co-op 😄 My first was virtual and I hope to interact with people face-to-face and in person this time, as well as build more relationships and learn new things!
Favorite snack on campus: Chicken over rice haha from the Halal carts. My fav is the one in front of the Drexel Dragon statue.
Favorite band or artist: N/A
Favorite pastime: I love shopping!
What else? I came to Drexel as a Health Science major and wasn’t really myself. Academically, I was not interested in the material I was learning, and socially, I had to find ‘my people.’ It was like the first day of high school all over again; I had to learn what study habits worked for me and the best environment for me to be productive. One of the biggest things I learned during my college experience so far is that college is all about the experience of meeting people, learning more about who you are, and exploring new things!
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Sanjana Oak,
BS Psychology ’24
Email: sgo28@drexel.edu
My top cause? I’m passionate about inclusion and diversity, especially in social media, television, and film. I think accurate representation of diverse groups of people is important, can affect people’s sense of self —self-esteem, ethnic pride, etc.— and the way people develop.
Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
Dream job: Child psychologist
Top cause: I’m passionate about inclusion and diversity, especially in social media, television, and film. I think accurate representation of diverse groups of people is important, can affect people’s sense of self —self-esteem, ethnic pride, etc.— and the way people develop.
Best class at Drexel: I loved my developmental psychology class (PSY120). It falls in line with what I want to do in the future, and it helped me narrow down the field of psychology I want to work in.
Most looking forward to: I’m looking forward to my co-op! I have a few ideas about where I would like to work and I am super excited to get some hands-on experience in psychology and narrow down my fields of interest next year!
Favorite snack on campus: Ed’s Pizza —the boom boom sauce is so good!— and Saxby’s vanilla cold brew with oat milk.
Favorite band or artist: The Vamps, Glass Animals, and Don Toliver.
Favorite pastime: Watching anything on Netflix; right now, I’m rewatching Gilmore Girls and Criminal Minds, and dancing.
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Disha Patel,
BS Chemistry, Minor in Biology and Epidemiology, ’24
Email: dmp438@drexel.edu
My top cause? It would be increasing the opportunities available for women to succeed within the STEM fields. From my co-op experiences, I have seen that many big companies still have a male dominance, especially in leadership and management roles. We have a long way to go and need to keep supporting women, especially women of color and women who belong to minority groups.
Hometown: North Wales, PA.
Dream job: Surgeon. I am not sure about the specialty yet, but I am currently very interested in plastic surgery and cardiovascular surgery.
Top cause: My top cause is increasing the opportunities available for women to succeed within the STEM fields. From my co-op experiences, I have seen that many big companies still have a male dominance, especially in leadership and management roles. We have a long way to go and need to keep supporting women, especially women of color and women who belong to minority groups.
Best class at Drexel: My favorite class at Drexel has been BMES 338: Biomedical Ethics and Law. The class offered an insight into ethical and legal problems that workers in the healthcare industry face.
Most looking forward to: I am looking forward to my senior research project and graduating in June 2023.
Favorite snack on campus: Blaze pizza. Fun fact: I named my dog Blaze after it 🐶
Favorite band or artist: Maroon 5 and Taylor Swift.
Favorite pastime: Playing with my dog and hanging out with my friends.
Advice: My one advice to freshman would be to get involved. There are so many opportunities available at Drexel that you will never come across unless you make active efforts to talk to others and step out of your comfort zone.
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Carlie Relyea,
BS Biology ’23
Email: car395@drexel.edu
My top cause? Something I’m extremely passionate about is voter engagement and rights. Last year, a large portion of my work on the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) was about getting students out to vote!
Hometown: Highland, NY
Dream job: Pediatric oncologist
Top cause: Something I’m extremely passionate about is voter engagement and rights. Last year, a large portion of my work on the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) was about getting students out to vote!
Best class at Drexel: The best class at Drexel in my opinion is Sociology of Health and Medicine. The class offers insight into the social influences on the field of medicine and it is fascinating!
Most looking forward to: I’m most looking forward to a fully in-person Spring term The energy on campus is unmatched in Spring, and I haven’t experienced one yet since everyone has come back.
Favorite snack on campus: Saxby’s grilled cheese!! They always make my day 10 times better.
Favorite band or artist: My favorite band is Eden and my favorite individual artist is Mac Miller!
Favorite pastime: Exploring the city, going for a run, or hanging out with friends.
What elese? My unsolicited advice to incoming or prospective students is to take advantage of all that Drexel has to offer. It is such a unique school that truly has something for everyone. I’ve had an amazing experience by getting involved on campus!
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Mia Rheineck,
BA English, Global Studies ’25
Email: mer377@drexel.edu
My top cause? Something I really care about is young women being able to see themselves in positions of power regardless of their chosen field. It is so important to have someone to look up to who can show what is possible.
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Dream job: General counsel
Top cause: Something I really care about is young women being able to see themselves in positions of power regardless of the field. It is so important to have someone to look up to and show what is possible.
Best class at Drexel: Mass Media and Society (COM 150). It provides an in-depth look as to how media is intertwined with business, society, etc. It certainly is insightful and allows for reflection as to how media impacts our lives in both positive and negative manners, as well as how U.S. media works.
Most looking forward to: I am most looking forward to quite a few things; continuing my education and being involved on campus, co-ops, accomplishing my goals — really whatever the future holds!
Favorite snack on campus: Being honest, not sure 🤔
Favorite band or artist: Brandi Carlile and Bruce Springsteen.
Favorite pastime: GeNng coffee and catching up with friends.
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Favour Ujoatuonu,
BS Environmental Science, Minor Environmental Studies ’25
Email: fau23@drexel.edu
My top cause? Right now, my top cause is solving how to implement the research that has been done on renewable energy at a faster rate. With most of the effort in this area being related to research, I feel like the best thing is to start using the different energies to expedite real-world results. Not just in an experimental format, but to implement renewable energy systems that can be sustained over the long term.
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Dream job: Private Sector Environmental Consultant
Top cause: My top cause is solving how to implement the research that has been done on renewable energy at a faster rate. With most of the effort in this area being related to research, I feel like the best thing is to start using the different energies to expedite real-world results. Not just in an experimental format, but to implement renewable energy systems that can be sustained over the long term.
Best class at Drexel: My favorite class was English 102, Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing, with Christopher Nielson. His class discussions allowed us to brainstorm essay topics and made it easy to focus in on important details. He would set time aside to meet and discuss papers with me, whenever necessary. For me, this decreased the amount of pressure that came with writing and having to express myself. English was never my favorite subject —I like math and science-related topics better— so, with this class I was truly able to improve myself as a writer.
Most looking forward to: Right now, I am most looking forward to my first co-op. One of the huge moments of my co-op journey was meeting with my co-op advisor, which was highly informative and allowed me to be very prepared. The Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) portal was a huge help; it made applying for co-op very easy because it had all my options laid out. This upcoming spring term will be my first co-op – and while I am excited to work in the field, I am also nervous because it will be my first real job.
Favorite snack on campus: Insomnia Cookies
Favorite band or artist: Doja Cat
Favorite pastime: Learning French and watching favorite shows
Other: I am excited to get involved in the Student Advisory Board as far as just learning how things work and how events are organized. It’s a great opportunity to get my peers and myself more involved in our Drexel community. Currently, I’m involved in the Drexel Sierra Club, the Drexel Black Student Union (BSU), and the Drexel West Indian Student Establishment (WISE). These student organizations have become a great way for me to meet new people and try new things – whenever possible, I try to make space in my schedule to go to these student events.
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Jade Umstead,
BS Criminology and Justice Studies ’23
Email: jmu35@drexel.edu
My top cause? I really enjoy expressing social commentary through film, but I also like finding crime patterns through the digital landscape. My dream jobs would be documentary filmmaker or digital forensics expert.
Hometown: Sicklerville, NJ
Dream job: My dream job is to be a documentary filmmaker or digital forensics expert.
Top cause: I really enjoy expressing social commentary through film, but I also like finding crime patterns through the digital landscape. My dream jobs would be documentary filmmaker or digital forensics expert.
Best class at Drexel: My favorite class at Drexel has been CJS 260: Justice in Our Community. Taking this course gave me the opportunity to better connect with the residents of Mantua and Powelton Village.
Most looking forward to: Coming back to campus, I am most looking forward to being in a real educational setting again. Having the immediacy of my peers, professors, and campus resources is what truly defines my college experience.
Favorite snack on campus: My favorite snack on campus is the garlic bread from Vespa in Urban Eatery.
Favorite band or artist: My favorite artist is The Weeknd.
Favorite pastime: My favorite pastime is shopping and watching TV.
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