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My research interests are in the realm of applied mathematics and economics, particularly utilizing models and equations to understand and predict the consequences of human behavior and other real-world phenomena. I am currently conducting research under the tutelage of Dr. O. W. Ibhagui on applying the monetary model of exchange rate determination in South America, expanding from a century-long analysis previously done in Europe post the Industrial Revolution. By looking at the long-term relationships of various economic factors, like money velocity and interest rate fixation, it lays out crucial insights into the economic stability of their currencies, which matters in measuring the effectiveness of existing measures and the benefits of international trade. Beyond research, I really enjoy watching basketball and football, especially looking into team and individual analytics. I also work with We Care Act, a youth-led non profit focusing on providing technology and education to underserved student communities, as we expand our operations beyond New York City to other states. On campus, I am currently on the Quantitative Finance Committee for WUFC and the Academic Journal Committee for the Wharton Undergraduate Statistics Journal.

  • University Scholar
  • Research Assistant at UAB under Dr. Shannon Starr
  • Received Nationals at Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium
Academic Major(s): Mathematical Economics
Samen Hossain

I have a strong interest in sustainability tourism and investment banking. My passion for these fields has driven my academic and professional pursuits, shaping a unique and diverse background. I had the privilege of working as an intern at the Ministry of Climate Change in Pakistan, gaining valuable insights into environmental policies. Currently, I am interning at Jubilee Insurance in Islamabad, where I am learning about the financial sector. At Penn, I work as a Programming Assistant at Asian American Studies Program. Outside of research, I am actively involved in the Penn Pakistan Society as the events chair, organizing cultural events to foster community among students. Last semester, I was part of Penn Sustainability Consulting, collaborating with peers to provide sustainability solutions for local environmental issues.

  • University Scholar
  • American Meteorological Society Award for excellence in atmospheric sciences
Academic Major(s): Economics
UScholars

My research interest lies in the neurological bases and development of anxiety disorders. Specifically, I am interested in the use of brain imaging, psychophysiology, and genetics to understand how pathological anxiety disorders operate in the brain. I have worked under Dr. Ayelet Ruscio in the Boundaries of Anxiety and Depression Lab since my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania, assisting in various projects aimed at analyzing the differences, commonalities, and relationship between anxiety and depression. With the support of University Scholars, I am currently collaborating on a project designing a program to clean data from the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for the DSM-5 (ADIS-5). Outside of my research, I am involved with the Netter Center, I volunteer with Penn’s Project for Philosophy for the Young, and I do technical work for Bloomers Comedy.

  • University Scholar
  • Research Assistant to Dr. Ayelet Ruscio, Department of Psychology
  • PMG Group Lead
Academic Major(s): Cognitive Science
Madison Dengel
Academic Major(s): Psychology
Brooklyn Trevisan

I’m a sophomore from California, majoring in Bioengineering and minoring in Chemistry with a pre-med focus. My research interests center around diagnostic and therapeutic biomedical devices. I completed a research internship at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation with the support of UScholars working on microfluidics and organs-on-a-chip, and now I’m an undergraduate researcher in the Jiang Group, where I work on bioelectronics and biosensors for precision health. On campus, I’m an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the Penn Undergraduate Biotech Society (PUBS). In my free time, I love hitting the gym, exploring new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant at Jiang Group
  • Research Intern at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation
  • Regeneron STS Scholar
Academic Major(s): Bioengineering
Ian Peng

My research interest lies in the field of cosmology, focusing on the study of the universe's structure, origin, and evolution. Under the guidance of Dr. Mathew Madhavacheril in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, my research centers on exploding stars, known as supernovae, to better understand the universe's expansion. I am using data from Type Ia supernovae as cosmic markers to measure how fast the universe is growing and to learn more about mysterious forces like dark energy that drive this expansion. With the support of CURF and University Scholars, I am currently working on a project that examines the relationship between the brightness of these supernovae and their distance from Earth, comparing real data from the PantheonPlus supernova dataset with predictions from computer simulations. Outside of my research, I am a member of the Penn Aerospace Club’s Design Build Fly Team and dance in student-run productions with the Penn Ballet Company.

  • Research Assistant to Dr. Mathew Madhavacheril, Department of Physics & Astronomy
  • Intern at TRIUMF, Canada's national particle accelerator center

See also: Decoding Dark Energy: Exploring the Expanding Universe

Academic Major(s): Physics
Emma Yao

My research concentrations and interests span financial markets, macroeconomic theory, artificial intelligence, and statistical finance. Currently, I am engaged in a research study under the mentorship of Dr. Catherine Schrand at the Wharton School, focusing on the impacts of significant cobalt supply chain events and their effects on global markets and cobalt futures prices. This project uses advanced data analysis through the Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) platform to predict stock price reactions across major cobalt suppliers and assess cross-sectional impacts in the Electric Vehicle (EV) market. Outside the UScholars program, I am an NCAA D1 Varsity Swimming and Diving Team student-athlete, dedicating close to 30 hours weekly to training and competition. Additionally, starting in the fall of 2024, I will participate in community service through the Financial Literacy Community Project (FLCP). Supported by the Wharton Management Department, this initiative enables me to teach financial literacy in West Philadelphia schools.

  • Research Concentrations: Financial markets, Macroeconomic Theory, Artificial Intelligence, and Statistical Finance
  • NCAA D1 Varsity Swimming and Diving Student-Athlete
  • College Board National Hispanic Scholar & Financial Literacy Community Project (FLCP) Participant

 

Evan Spagnoletti presenting sophomore year research at the Vagelos 4th Annual Frontiers of Energy Research Convention.

Evan presenting sophomore year research at the Vagelos 4th Annual Frontiers of Energy Research Convention.

 

Academic Major(s): Economics, Finance
Evan Spagnoletti
Academic Major(s): Economics, Computer Science
David Lee
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