Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, John Drazan, PhD, was honored with the inaugural 2025 Fred Nelson Scientific Communication Award at the Annual Orthopaedic Research Society Conference. Dr. Drazan attended the conference alongside engineering students Roy Cook '25, Melanie Napierala '25, and Matthew Manduca '25, representing the School of Engineering and Computing. The students also showcased their research from the Community-Situated Biomechanics Lab during the event.
Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing, Andres Leonardo Carrano, PhD, commended Dr. Drazan’s achievement, stating, “It is remarkable to have Dr. Drazan’s research recognized by the leading research society in the pursuit of a world without musculoskeletal limitations. His translational research is profoundly impactful for our communities, particularly our youth, and perfectly embodies the mission of our Jesuit institution.”
The Fred Nelson Scientific Communication Award honors individuals who have significantly engaged the public in orthopedic research. Dr. Drazan received this recognition for his contributions to science communication in musculoskeletal biomechanics. As the director of the Community Situated Biomechanics Lab at Fairfield’s Innovation Annex, his research focuses on muscle structure and function, exploring how muscles adapt to aging, injury, and training. He is dedicated to making musculoskeletal research more accessible, developing mobile research tools that bring biomechanics into the community.
A former collegiate basketball player, Dr. Drazan merges his passion for sports and science to create STEM outreach programs, reaching over 25,000 youth across the nation through 4th Family Inc. and his community-engaged research at Fairfield. His initiatives have been highlighted at major events, including the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
“I am truly humbled to be recognized by the Orthopaedic Research Society as the inaugural winner of the Fred Nelson Science Communication Award,” said Dr. Drazan. “Musculoskeletal research is directly applicable to the everyday lives of the public, providing a unique opportunity for us to communicate about both our specific research and the broader scientific discourse. I look forward to continuing to build these communication approaches at the ORS and beyond.”
The award is named in honor of Fred Nelson, a devoted advocate for bridging science and clinical practice. A member of the Orthopaedic Research Society since 1973, Nelson compiled over 500 “Basic Science Tips,” ensuring that key research reached practicing clinicians and the general public.
Learn more about the School of Engineering and Computing's biomedical engineering program.
