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When Sabina Rahmatova transferred to 91��Ƭ�� from Bucks County Community College, she knew she was stepping into something new. The pace was faster, the campus more urban, and the learning curve steeper. But the opportunities were exactly what she was looking for.

“I loved BCCC’s quiet, suburban setting for studying, and I appreciate Drexel’s professional opportunities and city life,” she said. “Even though Drexel is bigger, my class sizes are still small.”

A native of Feasterville, Pennsylvania, Rahmatova is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, with plans to graduate in 2027. She chose her major for its combination of flexibility, challenge and practical impact.

“Engineers have such a wide range of jobs they can choose from,” she said. “As a chemical engineer, I have an amazing selection…anywhere from pharmaceutical to petroleum to nuclear to polymer to even aerospace. Not to mention it pays very well for just a bachelor’s. Chemical engineering is a field where I can use chemistry and math to help improve things like healthcare, clean energy, and the environment.”

Her first co-op placed her with AdvanSix, a chemical manufacturing company known for producing nylon and other essential materials. Working as a Health, Safety and Environmental co-op, she gained insight into how engineering intersects with workplace safety and environmental regulations.

“One big takeaway from my co-op experience is to stay open-minded and try everything you can,” she said. “You never know what you’ll end up enjoying or being good at. You might even find yourself switching to a completely different field, and that just means you’re growing.”

In the classroom, she’s already built a strong foundation. During her first year, she took Introduction to Engineering Design and Data Analysis, where she and her team designed a mousetrap-powered car.

“We had to test three different kinds of wheels and even had to take our mousetrap apart and start from scratch,” she said. “But it taught us that as an engineer, your first attempts will most likely fail, and that is ok.”

One of Rahmatova’s favorite early memories of Drexel came just before a tough thermodynamics final, when she and a group of classmates held a study session to help one another prepare.

“We helped each other out with anything we didn't understand,” she recalled. “I actually did very well on that final all thanks to the help of my classmates, and I am very grateful for that.”

That experience reflects a theme that runs through Rahmatova’s time at Drexel: the value of connection. Whether at Coffee in Curtis, an engineering open house, or a career fair, she’s made an effort to get involved and build relationships.

“I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made during my time at Drexel,” she said. “It was important for me to meet people and feel part of the community. I didn’t want to just go to class and leave. I wanted to feel like I was part of something.”

She credits her advisor, Andrea Falcone, with helping her navigate the transition from community college and settle into life at Drexel.

“She has helped me with the transfer process, my difficult schedules, and my personal issues,” Rahmatova said. “Whenever I needed to talk to her, she always had time, even if it was outside her appointment window. She connected me with other transferring chemical engineers in the beginning of last year, which I am grateful for.”

Now heading into her junior year, Rahmatova is focused on continuing to grow, both academically and personally. Her time at Drexel has strengthened her belief that engineering is not just about problem-solving. It’s about adaptability, collaboration, and finding ways to make a lasting impact.

“Chemical engineering can make a real difference in the world,” she said. “And I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Learn more about the transfer process.