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.
Connections and Community
Hannah Shumsky (‘26), a Neuroscience major, conducted research on the effect of circadian rhythms on lung repair and regeneration with mentorship from Dr. Shaon Sengupta (Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). This research was supported by the College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant.
The Heart of the Matter: Research at the Penn Cardiovascular Institute
Andi Therese SyCip (‘26), a Biology major, conducted research on how minor genetic alterations to estrogen-relation receptor binding sites impact heart function. Andi was mentored by Dr. Daniel Kelly (Department of Medicine), and this research was supported by Jumpstart for Juniors.
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.
Penn Medicine student awarded a 2026 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Medical student Bayan Galal has received the scholarship, which provides graduate school funding for immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States.
Insights into Developmental Psychology Research
Helena Saven (‘26) is a senior in the College studying Psychology, Criminology, and Francophone Studies. With support from the University Scholars program, she conducted research with Dr. Rebecca Waller in the EDEN Lab examining the impacts of adverse childhood experiences on perceptions of touch.
An Organization Built on Partnerships
Alyma Karbownik (‘29), an International Relations and Environmental Studies double major, was an intern for Historic Germantown, a partnership of 20 historic houses, destinations and museums in Northwest Philadelphia dedicated to preserve and share some of Philadelphia’s prized historical assets. This internship was supported by the Summer Humanities Internship Program.
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.
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.
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.