Driven to Innovate

When the global COVID-19 pandemic upended life in the spring, Villanovans quickly pivoted, applying their signature academic prowess and resourcefulness to make innovative contributions.

"Our faculty
have found new ways
to inspire and challenge."

—The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75, President

WHEN INGENUITY MEETS DEMAND

• Villanovan engineers spring into action in response to COVID-19, forming an interdisciplinary team of faculty, students and industry professionals to develop a low-cost ventilator.

• A professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering is working with two doctoral students to stop the virus at the cellular level.

• Two professors of Electrical and Computer Engineering combat COVID with different approaches—one is developing a wearable monitoring system and another is using blockchain technology to optimize contact tracing.

Student in classroom with large screen featuring virtual attendees

Being Prepared Pays Off

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Villanova’s academic support and IT teams rose to the occasion and met the challenges head-on.

Two students in class wearing face masks

Insights from COVID-19 Data

A Villanova School of Business professor used the pandemic to teach her students how they could use data analytics to gain actionable insights about COVID-19.

Villanova Nurses Take the Lead

A national study launched by Villanova’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing will look at the pandemic's effects on front-line workers’ health, lives and careers.

Colorful buildings on a downtown street in Florence, Alabama

Nothing Taken for Granted

Recent MPA graduate Melissa Bailey helped many small businesses stay afloat in the City of Florence, Ala., with a unique relief grant program she create

Fueling Front-Line Workers

Alumna Liz Field Bernich ’94 VSB came up with a way to support local restaurants and feed workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ready, Set, Zoom

Villanova School of Business Dean Joyce E.A. Russell, PhD, outlines practical hints and tips for video conferencing success.

Lepage Grants Promote the Chronicle of Living History

A new initiative from Villanova’s Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest is helping to advance our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helping Villanovans Cope During Challenging Times

A virtual five-part series on “Dealing with Everyday Life in a Pandemic” offered many in the Villanova community helpful insights, tips to cope and a forum to feel less alone.

Thought Leaders

Villanova’s world-class faculty share their expertise with national outlets on a wide variety of current events and areas of study. Here are a few sound bites:

“Right now, in the absence of a cure or a vaccination, it is up to us to control the spread and effectively reduce the impact or prevent a second wave.”

—Ruth McDermott-Levy, ’96 MSN, ’08 PhD, RN, associate professor and director, Center for Global and Public Health, Healthline

“The fundamentals of our faith and spirituality remain the same, yet there is no doubt that church will be different as we move forward.”

—Matthew Manion, faculty director, Center for Church Management, Church Executive

“When the stakes are most elevated businesses can come through the pandemic with stronger relationships with workers by demonstrating thoughtful ethical actions.”

—J.S. Nelson, associate professor of Law, HR Dive

“We know that people are often motivated to seek out education during times of economic challenge. I think this experience will be no different in that regard.”

—Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD, dean, College of Professional Studies, The Philadelphia Inquirer