The Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the Graduate College welcome the Drexel community to join us for our November Books & Bagels: Conversations on Interdisciplinary Research program, which includes lunch, on Friday, Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. in the Graduate Student Lounge.

Can't make it? Join us online.

Deeksha Seth

Bio-Inspired Engineering Studies for Research and Education
PhD, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, College of Engineering

Summary: I will discuss my primary research in which I develop techniques to understand compliance of fish fins. The knowledge about compliance of fish fins, as propulsors, is key to the advancement of underwater vehicles for efficient swimming. I will also discuss my secondary research in which I assess how well engineering design can foster creative thinking and problem solving skills in students. I will discuss the outcomes of a 10-week design course taught in the Mechanical Engineering department. Through this course, we have formed strong and active collaborations with Academy of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute and Center for Aquatic Sciences.

Stephanie Singer

An Ongoing Effort in Philadelphia to Improve Relationships Between Police Officers and Youth
JD/PhD, Kline School of Law and College of Arts and Sciences
Graduate College Doctoral Fellow

Summary: The Pennsylvania Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Youth/Law Enforcement Curriculum provides an environment in which local youth and law enforcement can engage in candid discussions about important issues. In 2009, these trainings were formally integrated into the Philadelphia Police Academy’s recruit training, with over 2,500 law enforcement officers trained to date. This presentation will give an overview of the Curriculum and provide results from an empirically-based analysis comparing officers' attitudes and beliefs pre- and post-training.

Michael Ryan, PhD

Faculty Moderator
Assistant Teaching Professor, College of Engineering
Director of Graduate Student Organizations, Graduate College