Read the news articles below to learn more about what our students are up to in the world of undergraduate research, fellowships, and scholars programs! This is a great way to learn more about the types of research and fellowships students are participating in.
My Experience with Academic Writing
Chelsea Mbakop (‘27), a Health and Societies major, conducted research on barriers oncologists face to discussing cancer clinical trials with patients. She was mentored by Dr. Carmen Guerra (Department of Medicine), and this research was supported by CURF Summer Research Funding.
Applying Computer Science in a Molecular Ophthalmology Lab
Rushil Patel (‘28), a Computer Science major, utilized computer science skills to design specialized gene panels to study neurogenerative diseases with mentorship from Dr. Yuyan Cheng (Department of Ophthalmology). This research was supported by CURF Summer Research Funding.
University of Pennsylvania Students Awarded Critical Language Scholarships for Summer 2026
The University of Pennsylvania is proud to announce that several students have been awarded the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study languages essential to U.S. national security and global engagement.
Blending Scientific Training with Advocacy and Business Strategy: Interning at Saper Law
Vivi Sankar ('27), a double major in Chemistry and Finance, spent this last summer working as a Law Clerk at Saper Law, a firm that focuses on intellectual property and business law. The internship reinforced Vivi's goal of becoming a patent lawyer, as she plans to use her scientific background and business acumen to strengthen her legal career. This experience was supported by the Franklin Opportunity Fund, an internship funding opportunity for Benjamin Franklin Scholars.
Penn fourth-year chosen as Gaither Junior Fellow
Sonia Banker will research U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
A Season of Growth
Ashley Spence (‘28), a Biochemistry major, studied how lysosomal repair could play a role in treating diseases. Ashley was mentored by Dr. Claire Mitchell (Department of Basic and Translational Science, Penn Dental), and this research was supported by the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program.
Taking the Risk
Kevin Nhan (‘28), a Psychology and Design double major, researched the effectiveness of healthcare providers’ use of Project ImPACT strategies with mentorship from Dr. Melanie Pellecchia (Department of Psychiatry). This research was supported by the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program.
Developing the Next Generation of Energy-Efficient AI Infrastructure: A Summer in the Circuits Lab
Gary Gao ('28), a sophomore in the College and in Wharton, spent this past summer in Professor Marc Miskin's Circuits Lab. There, Gary helped design and prototype a oscillator-based physical learning network, a circuit that can perform AI tasks for a fraction of the energy. This research gave Gary the opportunity to learn the processes necessary for neuromorphic computing. This experience was supported by the Franklin Opportunity Fund, an internship funding opportunity for Benjamin Franklin Scholars.
Two University of Pennsylvania Students Named UChicago Harris Social Impact Fellows
Two University of Pennsylvania seniors, Sage Mehta and Claire Zhang, have been selected as recipients of the prestigious UChicago Harris Social Impact Fellowship, a program that supports emerging leaders committed to advancing meaningful social change through public policy and service. Mehta and Zhang will join the inaugural cohort of Harris fellows.
Bridging Dental Health Gaps Through Research
Rere Adeoye (‘28), a Health and Societies major, investigated potential biomarkers of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) with mentorship from Dr. Modupe Coker (Department of Basic and Translational Sciences). This research was supported by a Grant for Faculty Mentoring Undergraduate Research.
Research: A Tool for Personal and Professional Growth
Nira Goyal (‘28), a Health and Societies major, conducted research on the usability and effectiveness of the mental health app Joynet with mentorship from Dr. Ran Barzilay (Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). This research was supported by a Grant for Faculty Mentoring Undergraduate Research.