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.
Five Penn students named 2026–2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholars
Five University of Pennsylvania students have been selected for the 2026–2028 cohort of the Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service.
Learning Through Involvement
Griffin Pitt ('26) reflects on her time at Penn and in the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program. Griffin was a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and the President of the BFS Undergraduate Advisory Board, an SNF Paideia Fellow, an Environmental Economics Research Fellow at The Water Center, and much more. She writes on the importance in exploring opportunities and experiential learning. Griffin is a recipient of the Thouron Award and is currently at Oxford pursuing her Masters of Science in Water Science, Policy and Management.
The Importance of Trying New Things
Sophia Jorgensen (‘26), a Neuroscience and Healthcare Management and Policy double major, studied time discounting, a psychological phenomenon that describes the decreased value that individuals assign to rewards the further away they are in time. Sophia was mentored by Dr. Joseph Kable (Department of Psychology), and this research was supported by a College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant. Following graduation, Sophia started working in biopharmaceutical consulting at ClearView Healthcare Partners.
Everyone should do research!
Herinah Asaah (‘26), a Psychology major, conducted research on the effects of exclusionary discipline with mentorship from Dr. Allyson Mackey (Department of Psychology). This research was supported by the College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant. After graduation, Herinah became a Fellow at the Netter Center for Community and Partnerships, working to strengthen youth development, and she plans to apply to law school next fall.
Penn alumna named Princeton in Africa fellow
The fellowship places young professionals with organizations across Africa to support initiatives in fields including public health, education, humanitarian assistance, and economic development.
Penn alumnus named Princeton in Asia fellow
The fellowship places recent graduates with organizations across Asia to support educational, nonprofit, and public service initiatives while gaining international professional experience.
Penn doctoral student named Boren Fellow
The Boren Fellowship supports intensive language study and international research in regions critical to U.S. interests.
Penn students named to inaugural Lafayette Fellowship cohort
The Lafayette Fellowship supports outstanding students pursuing fully funded master's studies in France while participating in a year-long leadership program.
Penn students selected for Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
Two University of Pennsylvania students have been selected for the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes. The program offers U.S. undergraduates the opportunity to participate in fully funded academic and cultural programs at universities across the United Kingdom.
Penn students and alumni awarded Fulbright 2026-27 U.S. Student Program grants
The awardees will spend the 2026-27 academic year conducting research, pursuing graduate degrees, or teaching English overseas.
Penn third-year named 2026 Udall Scholar
Maria Balhara is majoring in philosophy of science in the College of Arts & Sciences.