February 27, 2023

We're pleased to announce that four Drexel students were selected as semi-finalists for the 2023 Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program.

DoD SMART supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Awardees receive tuition support, a yearly stipend, summer internships at DoD laboratories, and guaranteed employment as civilian research scientists or engineers after graduation. We're very proud of these students and wish them the best of luck in the final selection for this award!

Meredith Davies
custom-designed major, pharmaceutical sciences ‘26

Meredith is pursuing a custom-designed major entitled “pharmaceutical sciences” and a minor in biochemistry. Her plan of study draws from biomedical engineering, health sciences, biochemistry, and communications. During her freshman year, she shadowed in the Wheatley Microencapsulation Laboratory and the Jefferson Ultrasound Laboratory. The summer between her freshman and sophomore years, she participated in the STAR Scholars Program where she performed an independent research project. She successfully developed a surfactant-based microbubble with encapsulated Rose Bengal for use with sonodynamic therapy to treat hepatic tumors. She has had the opportunity to present her research at various conferences including the Enabling Technologies Consortium and AAAS Science for Humanity Conference, World Conference for Undergraduate Research, and the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. In the future, Meredith hopes to pursue a career in oncology through research or working in a clinical setting.
Meredith has been involved in the Pennoni Honors College through the Honors Program and as a STAR Scholar and an Aspire Scholar.

Eva Kraus
biomedical engineering ‘25

Eva Elizabeth Kraus is pursuing both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biomedical engineering at Drexel University, graduating in 2025. She has a passion for problem-solving and entrepreneurship and hopes to take these skills with her in the next stages of her career. With experience in both robotics and laboratory research, biotechnology and human health are her current focal points. In addition to academics, Eva stays busy as the President and Curator of TEDxDrexelU, as well as the Global Relations and International Design (GRID) Lead for Drexel’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders.
Eva has been involved in the Pennoni Honors College as a STAR Scholar, an Aspire Scholar, and a UREP Ambassador.

Yael Passy
materials science and engineering ‘27

Yael is a freshman studying materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering. She intends to get a joint bachelor’s and master’s degree in materials science with a specialization in energetic materials and finish her degree in five years in 2027. She will be doing research as a STAR Scholar over this coming summer.
Yael has been involved in the Pennoni Honors College through the Honors Program.

​This announcement does not include the students who declined to be publicized at this step in the process.

The DoD Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students. Applicants should be majoring in a STEM discipline and have a strong interest in working for the DoD as a civilian research scientist or engineer.

To learn more about DoD SMART, visit the SMART Scholarship website or email fellowships@drexel.edu.