September 25, 2024

Get to know the six students serving as Fall/Winter UREP Ambassadors for 2024-25! They have a wealth of experience with UREP programs and resources, including the STAR Scholars Program, Aspire Scholars Program, SuperNova, fellowship applications, and more. Throughout the Fall and Winter Terms, they'll be sharing their knowledge with peers at events and drop-in hours. Read more about them below!

Arya Gopikrishnan
BS/MS electrical engineering & robotics '26

Arya Gopikrishnan is currently in her junior year pursuing a BS/MS degree in electrical engineering. Her academic and professional interests are in AI and robotics and she plans to pursue a career in this field. During her work with RoboChef she focused on using automation and robotics to solve real world challenges faced by the food industry. Arya has also been actively involved with UREP through Undergraduate Research Mini-Grants for her work at Zhou Robotics Lab with Dr. Lifeng Zhou. She was also a 2024 DAAD RISE scholar where she conducted research in deep learning at Bergische Universität Wuppertal in Germany.

As a UREP Ambassador, Arya is excited to encourage and help other Drexel students get involved in research through the programs UREP has to offer.

Josiah Saddick
mechanical engineering '28

I am Josiah Saddick, a first-generation Guyanese American student from Upper Darby, PA. I am currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, with soon a minor in computer science. 

My academic pursuits have led me to significant experiences, including a research internship at IIT-Madras in India through UREP’s iSTAR Scholars program. During this two-month experience, I focused on developing 3D-printed, drug-loaded bone scaffolding for the treatment of osteoporosis and osteosarcoma. This project, alongside other hands-on engineering initiatives, has deepened my expertise in applying engineering principles to real-world challenges. 

In addition to my academic endeavors, I am involved with professional organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHPE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). My interests also include exploring AI applications in biomedical engineering as well as Earth and space studies. Beyond academics, I stay active through track & field, recreational basketball, and fishing. 

As I continue to enhance my skills and knowledge, I am committed to making meaningful contributions to the field of engineering and beyond.

Maven Mercado
environmental science '26

I am a 2026 candidate for the BS in environmental science with a concentration in applied environmental science. I am also minoring in geoscience. I am a student in the Liberty Scholars Program, which awards underrepresented students with a full-tuition scholarship for twelve academic quarters. During the summer after my freshman year, I interned with Heights Philadelphia as a teaching/administrative assistant. For my first co-op, I was awarded funding from the Steinbright Partners Program to complete an unpaid co-op at the Philadelphia Zoo. Since January 2023, I have been working as a research assistant in the Invertebrate Paleontology department of the Academy of Natural Sciences. For my second co-op, I was awarded funding from the Research Fellowship Supplement Program to continue this research full-time. With the help of UREP, I am also a recipient of NOAA's Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship and a DAAD RISE internship placement in Hamburg, Germany.

My hobbies include watching horror movies and reading books! I am currently 31 out of 50 books into my 2024 reading goal. This year, I am looking to start classes for aerial arts with the Philly School of Circus Arts.

Nawal Syed
BS/MD biological sciences '25

Hi! My name is Nawal Syed. I am a current senior BS/MD student majoring in biology and minoring in business administration, psychology, and neuroscience. I am passionate about medicine so my hobbies include volunteering at local hospitals like CHOP and conducting clinical research. I currently work as a Research Assistant for the Forman Lab at the Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science at Drexel and used to work as a research volunteer for the Barson Lab at DUCOM.

Outside of class, I serve as Vice President of TriBeta, Drexel’s biological honors society, and am active in the American Medical Women’s Association and Drexel Muslim Student Association. In my free time, I love going on walks, getting coffee, watching tennis, and traveling with friends and family. 

Nisha Patel
biological sciences '25

Nisha Patel is a fifth-year honors biological sciences major with minors in neuroscience; psychology; and science, technology, and society (STS). She has conducted a wide range of neuroscience research throughout her time at Drexel and ultimately wants to pursue a career studying the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Nisha has been an active participant in UREP as a STAR Scholar, Aspire Scholar, Supernova Undergraduate Research Fellow, and former UREP Ambassador. She is also President of the TriBeta Biological Honor Society, Vice President of the Neuroscience Society, a Steinbright Peer Mentor, and a 2024 Goldwater Scholar.

Nisha is thrilled to reprise her role as a UREP Ambassador, hoping to motivate students to get involved with undergraduate research and enrichment. In her free time, she likes to go to concerts, read cheesy books, and explore new restaurants in Philly!

Ruby Ihediwa
computer engineering '27

Hi, my name is Ruby Ihediwa. I am a third-year computer engineering major. My academic interests are PCBs, electronics, and all things microcontrollers. When I'm not in class, you can find me at Paris Baguette; I love anything strawberry-flavored; particularly, strawberry croissants.