Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences

09/02/2026

After being selected for NASA's High-Altitude Student Platform project, Drexel students have spent months developing and testing experiments that will fly to the edge of space on a high-altitude research balloon — and now it's time to launch!

The balloon will stay in the air for 15 to 20 hours and reach an altitude of 122,000 feet. Drexel and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy were allotted one of 12 student payload spaces and developed an experiment to test technologies for imaging the subsurface of the moon (muon tomography).

Tune in to the livestream here as we eagerly await the launch:

HASP 2026 Flight Video

08/31/2026

Drexel University English Language Center (ELC) recently partnered with Generation Colombia to support learners in developing the language proficiency required to succeed in the workforce. For many participants in this online program, free daily access to English classes taught by instructors from a U.S. university was a unique opportunity.

The ELC’s Assistant Director of Student Services, Hilary Bonta, developed the English language course with the objective of training participants for IT/helpdesk support positions. Bonta leaned into creating content-based instruction, involving communicative language tasks that mimic situations participants would face in a remote helpdesk position.

Participant Heidy Valencia liked that the instructors “didn’t just teach me general English, it was tailored [to] what we are studying, which is exactly what we’re going to need when we start working in IT.”

Read more about the program:

Through this pilot initiative, Generation Colombia aimed to determine whether combining English language training with technical instruction in English would increase participants’ job placement rates.

08/28/2026

Congratulations to this year's STAR Scholars, who presented their projects to the Drexel community at yesterday's Summer Showcase! This end-of-summer celebration recognizes the work completed by students in the STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program, which encourages students to take a hands-on approach to their education through participating in a faculty-mentored research, scholarship or creative experience during the summer after their freshman year.

08/25/2026

Cursive is making a comeback. But does it deserve one?

Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, EdD, clinical professor in the School of Education, authored a column about the history of teaching cursive handwriting in school.

More than 25 states require students to learn to read and write in cursive.

08/24/2026

Congratulations to Jahzeel Martinez, who received a Society of Physics Students scholarship for the second year in a row! Jahzeel, a physics and mathematics double major, was awarded the Peggy Dixon Two-Year Scholarship for 2026-27. He is currently the Outreach Coordinator for Drexel's chapter of the Society of Physics Students and is involved in research on campus.

Read more: https://drexel.edu/pennoni/news-events/news/2026/August/2026-jahzeel-martinez-sps-scholarship

08/24/2026

Before graduating from Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences, Paige DeAngelo '23 launched a sustainability-minded cosmetics startup producing mascara that is affordable, accessible and reduces the carbon footprint of the beauty industry.

DeAngelo was selected for the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship's Entrepreneurship Co-op, which gives students funding to be their own boss and develop their own company.

Learn more about Paige's experience at Drexel: https://bit.ly/4oipfNP

08/21/2026

We're looking forward to the the STAR Scholars Summer Showcase on Thursday, August 27!

The STAR Scholars Summer Showcase is an end-of-summer celebration of the research, scholarship, and creative work completed by students in the STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars program. STAR Scholars present their projects during the last week of the Summer Term each year to friends, family, and the Drexel community.

08/20/2026

By getting involved in undergraduate research at Drexel, "[I learned] how to manage my time and deadlines on independent research," says recent history grad Emma Johnson '26.

Emma completed the SuperNova Undergraduate Research Fellows Program during her senior year. "[SuperNova] helped me to reflect on how much research work I was able to complete during my undergraduate career," she said.

Emma will be pursuing a PhD in history at the University of Southern California.

08/19/2026

"I will take from Drexel the curiosity to continuously ask questions, explore new ideas, and remain excited about research!" says recent biological sciences grad Riyana Bhatt '26.

While at Drexel, Riyana completed SuperNova Undergraduate Research Fellows Program, showing her dedication to undergraduate research. "SuperNova provided me with opportunities, mentorship, and resources that prepared me for the next steps of my research career," she said.

Riyana will be pursuing a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Pennsylvania.

08/18/2026

"Getting involved with research is a great way to get exposure to a field compared to classes alone," says recent physics grad McKayla Procopio '26. "It gave me a sense of what I could be doing with my degree and what I do/don't like while still in college."

While at Drexel, McKayla completed SuperNova Undergraduate Research Fellows Program, showing her dedication to undergraduate research. "SuperNova encouraged me to continue seeking out research opportunities and ways to be involved across disciplines," she says.