June 1, 2021

In Spring of 2021, the Graduate College and the Steinbright Career Development Center announced their annual awards, this year honoring numerous students and one faculty member from the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.

Research Excellence Awards

Every year, the Graduate College recognizes outstanding research conducted by students in graduate programs across Drexel University. Research Excellence Awards are presented to graduate students who have completed original, innovative research, scholarship and/or creativity during their career at Drexel. The awards are designed to recognize widely disseminated student research with significant impact on the field or society. This year, Hadiya Bynoe-Seabron and Karla Roberts, both Masters students of Interior Architecture & Design, received a Research Excellence Award. Karla Roberts is honored as “Most Original & Creative Work.” Read more about the Graduate College awards and see all nominees here.

Cooperative Education Awards

The Cooperative Education Awards recognized seven exceptional Drexel students for their outstanding effort in fulfilling the goals and ideals of cooperative education. MyeongJu (MJ) Shin, an undergraduate in the Interior Design program, received a 2021 Co-op Award for his time at Marian Jacobs, Princeton University. MyeongJu used his design skill to create space plans for uniquely challenging projects, including turning a single-occupant office into a space that functioned for two or more employees. Putting in extra time and effort into all of his work, he would provide multiple solutions to problems, all of which satisfied criteria in an impressive manner. His work ethic and value as an original thinker attributed success to his team that was noticed by everyone who worked with him.

Associate Professor and Program Director of Entertainment & Arts Management Brea Heidelberg was awarded “Faculty/Staff of the Year” for her above-and-beyond efforts to secure co-op placements for her students during this difficult year. Brea was able to leverage professional connections around the country to take on student employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

See all Co-op Award winners here.

Outstanding New Advisor Award

Jacquelyn Mendoza, Academic Advisor for Animation & Visual Effects, Game Design & Production, Interactive Digital Media, Screenwriting & Playwriting, Virtual Reality & Immersive Media is the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding New Advisor Award. This prestigious award, presented by the Office of the Provost, recognizes the extraordinary contributions of advisors who guide student progress through their academic paths across the University.

Congratulations to Hadiya, Karla, MJ, Brea, and Jackie for this well-earned recognition!