Leadership Resources

Awards

NSF GRFP Award Recipient: Kelsey DeFrates

"Despite my fascination with physics and obsession with calculus, I fell in love with engineering because of its applied nature. While a doctor heals patient by patient and a teacher inspires class by class, an engineer has the capacity to change millions of lives with a single project. This belief led me to pursue biomedical engineering at Rowan and continues to fuel my passion for research.

My research career began when I volunteered to work with Professor Timothy Vaden in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry my freshman year. As a member of Dr. Vaden’s group, I studied the effects of ionic liquids on the structure and stability of proteins. Due to their low volatility, designer properties, and low cost, the use of ionic liquids in biomedical applications such as drug delivery and antimicrobial coatings has become increasingly popular. If ionic liquids are to be used in this manner, my findings illustrating their effect on biological molecules can be used to verify their safety and guide their implementation.

My work with Dr. Vaden helped me see the beauty of research; it was slow and methodical, but it was also extremely rewarding and compatible with my incessantly curious mind. However, as I worked assiduously in his group, I still hungered for more. Therefore, during my junior year I also began working with Dr. Xiao Hu, a professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department who has a joint appointment in Biomedical Engineering. With Dr. Hu, I developed many natural polymer- based biomaterials for medical applications. These materials are particularly attractive in biomedical research because they can be naturally degraded by the body and can interact with existing cells to induce regeneration of damaged tissue or enhance the delivery of pharmaceuticals. My most recent work has revolved around the creation of nanofibers made from a protein found in corn. During my undergraduate career at Rowan, I also participated in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania. There, I developed lysozyme-dextran nanogels for targeted drug delivery and conducted an extensive study of their mechanical properties.

I am incredibly honored to continue developing biomaterials for regenerative medicine by completing my Ph.D. in Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley through the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship beginning next year. To earn this award, I not only had to develop a scientific research proposal, but also illustrate my commitment to promoting diversity in the STEM fields. As a woman in engineering and first generation college student, this is an issue that I have always been passionate about. At times, I have struggled to fit into the engineering culture and worried that I do not conform to the typical representation of a scientist. However, having strong, confident female mentors and supportive male allies during my career has inspired me to follow my passions and succeed in research and academics. One day, I hope to serve as a role model for my students by becoming an engineering professor. As a leader in academia in the development of novel biomaterials, I will not only advance the field of medicine, but will ideally inspire the next generation to do the same. I hope to give undergraduates the chance to conduct challenging and impactful research and encourage them to pursue advanced degrees regardless of their background just as my mentors have done for me."

Alumni Spotlight

Brighid Burgin Hoempler graduated from the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering in May 2012 as recipient of the Irene Elizabeth Tracey Award for Excellence in Engineering and the Clarence Slater Award for Excellence in Chemical Engineering. Following her interests in engineering and public service, Brighid majored in chemical engineering with a Spanish minor as well as concentrations in Honors and International Studies. Brighid launched her engineering career as a heavy duty diesel engine oil formulator at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering in Paulsboro, NJ, and subsequently worked on fuels differentiation and recruiting. Brighid is now responsible for commercial vehicle lubricant deployment in the United States and Mexico, and completed her MBA.

Other Notable Awards and Honors

Goldwater Honorable Mention

Mahaa Ahmed was one of four students nominated for the 2018 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship from Rowan University and received an Honorable Mention along with Savanna Dautle (ChemE/Math) and Veronica LaMastro (BME). They are three of 281 students across the nation to receive an Honorable Mention. Her research proposal focused on the removal of arsenic from drinking water via adsorption using iron-oxide coated sand and her overall career goal is to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. in microbiology and conduct research on waterborne pathogens that cause infectious diseases and contribute solutions to global disease outbreaks.

Leadership Resources

Leadership Resources