 Three and a half months ago, MEM sophomore David Droz, was awarded a Louis and Bessie Stein Fellowship, which sponsors exchanges between Drexel and Israeli Universities. Little did he know the opportunities and experiences that this support would enable him to have.
Beginning his fellowship this past March, Droz embarked to The Technion University in Israel where he planned to work on his research topic "The Nucleation and Growth of Metal Nanoparticles" with Dr. Rina Tannenbaum, and Oz Gazit, a graduate student working on the project, as well as Dr. Ishi Talmon, professor and department chairman, who welcomed him warmly and enthusiastically.
From the start, Droz knew each day would be challenging. The recently vacated lab needed a lot of work, so the first few weeks were occupied with outfitting the lab with everything from chemicals and glassware to the furniture. "Although we had hoped to be actively involved with experiments by now, we have been dealing with equipment complications that have temporarily stalled our progress. However, as I'm learning, research takes patience", said Droz.
In the meantime, Droz has been assisting Dr. Tannenbaum in writing a review article on their research topic, 'The Nucleation and Growth of Metal Nanoparticles'. "This has given me a firsthand insight into academic research," said Droz. "I am currently in the process of collecting relevant publications and providing preliminary annotation and together this will form the foundation for sorting and compiling them and eventually writing the final review. Using databases to gather resources and reading the journal articles has been my main task, and I look forward to the next step of outlining and authoring the review's drafts," he said.
In addition to his work at the Technion, Droz was also given the opportunity to participate in another exciting and truly innovative project based in Israel. After Droz arrived in Israel, he contacted Dr. Rafi Yoeli, one of Israel's leading Aeronautical Engineers, and founder of Urban Aeronautics, Ltd., who invented the world's first cost effective Vertical Take-off and Landing Vehicle (VTOL). Dr. Yoeli subsequently invited Droz to assist them at the company's product introduction at the American Helicopter Society's annual international forum, held in Grapevine, Texas (www.vtol.org). There, he took part in the presentation of X-Hawk, UrbanAero's VTOL utility vehicle. Using the 1/10th scale model, Droz, Andy Sadanowicz, President and CEO of the Purdy corporation, Dr. Yoeli, President and CEO of Urban Aeronautics, and Janina Frankel-Yoeli, VP and head of marketing for Urban Aeronautics were able to explain to other engineers, military, governmental, and industrial personnel the science behind the new vehicle, and really become a part of a new frontier in aeronautical products.
Droz now has two months left of his fellowship experience, and he is grateful for what the fellowship allowed him to accomplish. "Nearly three years ago when I chose Drexel's engineering co-op program for my university education, I was excited by the unknown opportunities I might find; never could I have anticipated being a recipient of this fellowship, having the opportunity to travel and explore this beautiful and historical land, living with Israelis and exploring a foreign culture while at the same time learning so much and having the privilege to work so closely with some of the most stimulating people in the engineering world," he said. "I am eager to continue over the next two months until I can return and share my experiences in person."
Droz is one of four recipients of the award in both the US and Israel, and the only undergraduate to receive it. |
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