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.
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges and who plan to pursue impactful careers at the intersection of policy, research, and public service.
Sage Mehta, a graduating senior in the College of Arts and Sciences from Carmel, Indiana, is pursuing a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, with minors in Survey Research & Data Analytics and physics. Throughout her time at Penn, Mehta has combined academic rigor with hands-on experience in policy and advocacy. She has served as a Legislative Intern for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, conducted research on judicial corruption with the Asociación Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia (ACIJ) in Argentina, and supported public health initiatives in Philadelphia as an AmeriCorps VISTA Associate. In addition, she has been actively involved in political organizing and local advocacy across a range of causes. Through the Harris Social Impact Fellowship, Mehta aims to further develop her technical and policy expertise as she works toward advancing healthcare financing reform and global health development. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service at the intersection of law and policy.
Claire Zhang, of Kinnelon, New Jersey, is a senior in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER), pursuing a dual degree in Bioengineering and Biology through the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Zhang’s work bridges public health and sustainable energy innovation. At Penn, she has conducted research in Dr. Christopher B. Murray’s lab on nanoparticle synthesis for energy applications and in Dr. Andrew Guzick’s lab on internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for youth with anxiety. She also interned at Aravind Eye Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India, where she studied sustainable, high-volume models of eye care delivery. On campus, Zhang is captain of the Club Tennis team and a leader in both Access Engineering and the Shelter Health Outreach Program. As a Harris Social Impact Fellow, she plans to continue exploring how healthcare systems can be designed to reduce environmental impact while expanding access to care. After the fellowship, she intends to pursue an M.D. and continue advancing public health policy.
The UChicago Harris Social Impact Fellowship provides fellows with funding, mentorship, and access to a network of changemakers dedicated to addressing complex global challenges. Mehta and Zhang join a cohort of students from across the country who are committed to using their education and experience to drive lasting social impact.
Related Articles
Penn student awarded Truman Scholarship
Third-year Zach McGrath, a political science major in the College, is among 55 students chosen as 2026 Truman Scholars from 48 U.S. colleges and universities.
Penn fourth-year awarded Davis Projects for Peace grant
College of Arts & Sciences student Hemza Tarawneh will lead an effort aiding women and children in two Jordanian refugee camps.