The Department of Materials Science and Engineering has a need-based fellowship opportunity for all qualified graduate students pursuing their Ph.D. GAANN-DREAM: Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need for Drexel Research and Education in Advanced Materials sponsored by the Department of Education provides need-based graduate fellowships with an emphasis on nanomaterials, biomaterials, and materials for nuclear applications. Additionally, fellows will receive teaching preparation for future academic careers and the opportunity to participate in an international or industrial research experience.
Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials research in MSE at Drexel encompasses nano-porous carbide derived carbons, hierarchical self-assembly templated block copolymers, carbon nanotubes, nanocrystalline diamond films and smart oxide nanostructures, among other emerging topics.
Biomaterials
At Drexel University, the activity in biomaterials builds upon Philadelphia's prominence in medical and pharmaceutical technology. Approximately 40% of the faculty in the MSE department is engaged in funded biomaterials research. These research activities continue to grow as a result of the merger between Drexel University and the Medical College of Pennsylvania-Hahnemann University.
Nuclear Applications
It is increasingly evident that nuclear technology needs to play a major role in the race for cleaner and more efficient sources of power. The main reason is that nuclear is a proven technology with zero CO2 emissions and a smaller land area footprint compared to photovoltaics and biomass. Despite the amount of past research on nuclear infrastructure, the United States has fallen far behind countries in Europe and Asia. Research activities at Drexel focus on developing and testing structural materials for nuclear applications.
International/Industrial Experience
Providing real world experience and global exposure to the GAANN-DREAM Fellows is an integral component of our program that addresses the need to train outstanding future academics and scientists. All Fellows will participate in either an international research collaboration or an industrial internship, arranged through one of our international collaborators or industry contacts.