The College of Engineering has appointed new leadership in two departments. Caroline Schauer, PhD, has been appointed head the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, while Irina Ciobanescu Husanu, PhD, will lead the Department of Engineering Leadership and Society.
Schauer, a Drexel faculty member since 2003, holds the Margaret C. Burns Chair in Engineering and is known for her work in sustainable materials, nanofibers and biomedical applications. She has served in multiple university leadership roles and is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. As department head, she will advance materials research and strengthen interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities.
Ciobanescu Husanu, a Drexel alum and faculty member since 2006, currently directs the Engineering Technology program. Her research focuses on microgravity combustion and renewable energy, and she is recognized for bridging academic programs with industry needs. She will guide the department’s growth in experiential education and curriculum innovation. They succeed Steve May, PhD, and Christine Fiori, PhD, whose leadership terms concluded earlier this year.
