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.
Penn fourth-year Yash Rajpal named 2026-27 Luce Scholar
Yash Rajpal, a University of Pennsylvania fourth-year student in the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering & Applied Science, is one of 16 recipients selected by the Henry Luce Foundation to be a 2026-27 Luce Scholar.
Lessons from Sri Lanka
Dania Maqbool (‘28), a Health and Societies major, traveled to Sri Lanka to study the local impact of education-focused NGOs with mentorship from Dr. Andria Johnson (Department of History and Sociology of Science). This research was supported by the Association of Alumnae Rosemary D. Mazzatenta Scholars Award.
Learning to Think Like a Scientist
Kayla Kim (‘27), a Biochemistry and Biology double major, conducted research on how norovirus during infancy affects intestinal immune health with mentorship from Dr. Ken Cadwell (Department of Medicine). This research was supported by CURF Summer Research Funding.
Studies of Spinoza
Justin Miller ('26), a Religious Studies and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures double major, conducted research on Benedict Spinoza, a 17th-century philosopher, and his use of Christian ceremonies in his model of national religion. He was mentored by Dr. Talya Fishman (Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures) and supported by the University Scholars program.
Research Flies When You’re Having Fun
Charlize Amper (‘28), a Biology major, researched ways to support pediatric cancer survivors with mentorship from Dr. Lisa Schwartz (Department of Pediatrics, CHOP). This research was supported by the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program.
Reading Through History
Ivan Boyko (‘28), an International Relations major, researched the role of Indigenous music in Iroquois diplomacy with mentorship from Dr. Glenda Goodman (Department of Music). This research was supported by the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program.
Clinical Exposure and Advancing Development: Interning at Power Up Gambia
Hans Bode ('27), a dual major in Health and Societies and Economics, spent this past summer serving as a Development Officer intern at Bwiam General Hospital through Power Up Gambia. The internship gave Hans the opportunity to experience both the financing of a hospital and the daily clinical work, affirming his interest in global health. This experience was supported by the Franklin Opportunity Fund, an internship funding opportunity for Benjamin Franklin Scholars.
Shaping My Own Science
Jonmejoy Dhar (‘27), a Biochemistry major, conducted research on hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a genetic disorder characterized by immune system disregulation and hyperinflammation. Jonmejoy was mentored by Dr. Scott Canna (Department of Pediatrics), and this research was supported by a Grant for Faculty Mentoring Undergraduate Research.
Finding PEACE in Storytelling
Angela Gomez (‘26), an Urban Studies major, traveled to Guadalajara to research how symbolic artmaking can support identity development and cultural reconnection. Angela was mentored by Dr. Gerald Campano (GSE, Learning, Teaching, and Literacies Division). This research was supported by a Grant for Faculty Mentoring Undergraduate Research.
My Voice in Beijing
Phillip Nguyen (‘28), an East Asian Languages and Civilizations major, studied Mandarin Chinese through the Princeton in Beijing (PiB) program. His language training experience was supported by the University Scholars program and mentored by Professor Chih-jen Lee (Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations).
The Intersection of Entrepreneurship and Finance: Interning at Turtleback Partners
Annelise Do ('27), a dual major in Finance and Entrepreneurship and Innovation, spent this past summer serving as a Summer Analyst intern at Turtleback Partners. The internship gave Annelise the opportunity to work at the intersection of entrepreneurship and finance, seeing how concepts taught in the classroom translate to practical firm building. This experience was supported by the Franklin Opportunity Fund, an internship funding opportunity for Benjamin Franklin Scholars.