School of Biomedical Engineering

Watch the recording of the ceremony that occurred on June 9, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

Individual Recognition of Graduates

Watch the Individual Recognition of Graduates before, during, or after the virtual commencement ceremony. This special recognition of each 2021 graduate within the School of Biomedical Engineering will also play at the end of each livestreamed virtual commencement ceremony. Graduates’ names are organized alphabetically by degree level, beginning with the highest degree the college or school offers.

Additional Recognition of Graduates

Additional graduates’ names are organized alphabetically by degree level, beginning with the highest degree the college or school offers.

View Presentation [PDF]

University-wide Commencement Video Recording

Drexel’s University-wide Commencement ceremony at Citizens Bank Park was a momentous occasion! The ceremony featured Sterling Professor of Sociology and of African American Studies at Yale University Elijah Anderson as our keynote speaker. A recording of the ceremony is available on the Commencement homepage.

Message from the Dean

Dear BIOMED Graduates,

Congratulations on your graduation from Drexel’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems! All of us in the School — faculty who have guided you, staff who have cheered you on, and hundreds of alumni Dragons ready to welcome you into their ranks — share in your pride and in your accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul W. Brandt-Rauf,
Dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems and Distinguished University Professor

Keynote Speaker:
Catherine Ford Corrigan, PhD

Dr. Corrigan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Exponent, a publicly traded, global engineering and scientific consulting firm. Exponent’s interdisciplinary organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and business consultants draws from over 90 technical disciplines to solve the most pressing and complicated challenges facing stakeholders today. The firm leverages over 50 years of experience in analyzing accidents and failures to advise clients as they innovate their technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Undergraduate Student Speaker:
Shaelynn Fisher

BS in Biomedical Engineering '21
Concentration in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Graduate Student Speaker:
Shawn Joshi

MD / PhD Candidate '21
Biomedical Engineering

Honors and Awards

View the Undergraduate, Graduate, and Distinguished Student Awards

Distinguished Awards

Latin Honors

Biomedical Engineering graduate Arun Balaji is acknowledged for achieving a 4.0 grade point average.

The Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award

The Outstanding Dissertation Award is presented to a PhD/doctoral-level student who has written an original, innovative dissertation that reflects great research and has or is likely to be disseminated widely and have significant impact on the field and society. (This award is open to all BIOMED PhD/doctoral-level students who have achieved candidacy and are expected to complete and defend their dissertation, and graduate in the current academic year.)

Biao Han, PhD
(PI Lin Han, PhD)

The Outstanding MD/PhD Dissertation Award

The Outstanding Dissertation Award is presented to a MD/PhD student who has written an original, innovative dissertation that reflects great research and has or is likely to be disseminated widely and have significant impact on the field and society. (This award is open to all BIOMED MD/PhD students who have achieved candidacy and are expected to complete and defend their dissertation, and graduate in the current academic year.)

Shawn Joshi, PhD
(PI Hasan Ayaz, PhD)

Distinguished Alumna/us Award

In recognition of an alumnus or alumna who has personified the traditions of excellence of the School and has brought recognition to the School and University through their personal accomplishment, professional achievement, and/or humanitarian service.

Joshua Samuels, PhD
(PI Peter Lewin, PhD)

Papazoglou Inspired Leadership Award

In recognition of an individual who demonstrate exceptional abilities to lead, serve, collaborate and inspire with broad impact and special distinction.

Catherine Ford Corrigan, PhD

Lifetime Service Award

In recognition of a lifetime of significant and pioneering research, outstanding service to the University community, dedicated teaching, and inspiring mentorship to students at all levels of study.

Margaret Wheatley, PhD

Distinguished Service Award

In recognition of outstanding service by a member of the University community in supporting our students and advancing the mission and ideals of the School.

Joseph Sarver, PhD

Undergraduate Student Excellence Awards

Cooperative Education Award

This award recognizes exceptional Drexel students for their outstanding effort in fulfilling the goals and ideals of cooperative education.

Rahul Akkem
BS in Biomedical Engineering ‘21

Harold W. Pote Behind Every Graduate Award

The award acknowledges outstanding high school teachers who provided a new perspective or inspired a student to consider a certain major or career.

Mike Pustie
Physics and Engineering Teacher at West Deptford High School, NJ
Nominated by Shaelynn Fisher, BS in Biomedical Engineering ‘21

Graduate Student Excellence Awards

Outstanding Dissertation Award

This award is presented by the Graduate College to doctoral students who have written original, innovative dissertations that reflect great research and have or are likely to be disseminated widely and have significant impact on the field and society.

Biao Han
PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Teaching Assistant Excellence Award

This award is presented by the Graduate College to graduate students who serve as Teaching Assistants and who exhibit exemplary commitment to student learning through reflective teaching practices, innovative teaching methods, academic support, leadership, and a commitment to their professional growth and development as an educator.

Karissa Barbarevech
PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering

Bryce Hina
PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering

Virginia Orozco
PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering

Messages from Dr. Fred Allen and Dr. Andres Kriete

Class of 2021, on behalf of Drexel University's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, our faculty, our staff, and our friends, we wish you congratulations.

A Message from Dr. Fred Allen, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education

Listen to remarks from Dr. Fred Allen, associate dean for Undergraduate Education.

A Message from Dr. Andres Kriete, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Listen to remarks from Dr. Andres Kriete, associate dean for Academic Affairs.

BIOMED Senior Design Showcase

The Senior Design three-course capstone design experience (BMES 491, 492, and 493) is intended to simulate a professional work environment, to provide experience working in a group on an open-ended problem, and to develop information gathering and communication skills.

View Team Projects