Message from the Dean

Dear Friends,

This issue of Villanova Engineer celebrates a transformative year for the College of Engineering. The opening of Drosdick Hall ushers in a new era of engineering at Villanova. Through its interdisciplinary labs and collaborative spaces, our students and faculty are working together to ignite change through engineering.

The feature “Innovate. Elevate. Collaborate.” showcases how our new labs foster groundbreaking research and student engagement, while “A Foundation of Support” introduces some of the generous donors who lent their names to spaces in Drosdick Hall. Our incredible new home would not have been possible without the backing of the entire Villanova Engineering community. I thank you all for your support.

We also highlight how Villanova Engineering extends beyond borders. The Engineering Entrepreneurship Summer Institute expanded globally last year with an immersive experience in Panama, where students tackled real-world challenges faced by rural farmers. Their innovations exemplify engineering in service of others, a cornerstone of the College’s mission. Meanwhile, our academic offerings continue to expand as well, with the launch of our Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and new initiatives supported by Espiritus Nova: The Campaign for Villanova University.

This issue also celebrates our extraordinary alumni community. You’ll meet Britney Davis ’15 ChE, recipient of Villanova’s Young Alumni Medal for her tireless advocacy and leadership in STEM. You’ll also get to know Stefan Roots ’82 EE, mayor of Chester, Pa., who is tackling civic challenges with the same analytical thinking he learned as a Villanova Engineering student.

Drosdick Hall may be the newest addition to our physical campus, but the heart of Villanova Engineering remains the same: a commitment to Veritas, Unitas, Caritas. As you read these stories, I hope you are reminded of the power of engineering to shape a better world. Let’s draw inspiration from the words of fellow Villanovan Pope Leo XIV: “Then help each other to build bridges—with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always in peace.”

Very best,

Michele Marcolongo, PhD, PE

Drosdick Endowed Dean of Engineering

Professor of Mechanical Engineering