Penn Engineering Weekly 03-16-26

Penn Engineering Weekly 03-16-26

Penn Engineering Weekly 03-16-26

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Important Dates:

Date	Event
March 23rd	Grade Mode Change Deadline
March 23rd – April 6th	Advance Registration for Fall Term
March 23	Registration for Summer Session Begins
March 30th	Last Day to Withdraw from a Course
April 29th	Last day of Classes
April 30th – May 3rd	Reading Days
May 4th – 12th	Final Exams
May 12th	Spring Term Ends
May 18th	Commencement

Announcements for the week

2026 Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)

The Penn Engineering OAS office would like to invite you to reapply to work as a Teaching Assistant for one of our courses in the ESAP 2026 program. The expected start date is Wednesday, July 8th, with a 2-hour training, with the expected last date being Friday, July 31st. TAs are paid $3000, or $25 per hour, over the course of this period. Please review and complete the 2026 ESAP TA Application for more details on this opportunity. For more information about ESAP, please visit our new ESAP site. Please complete this form as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is April 24th. If you have any questions, please contact esap@seas.upenn.edu. We look forward to potentially working with you.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

Coming up next month, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Join us at our events and collaborations throughout the month to spread awareness about interpersonal violence and honor survivors. Learn more about each event on the University Life Calendar.

Registrar Reminders

-Students may begin to submit Summer 2026 CPT requests on Monday, March 16.
–Grade mode change period runs through Monday, March 23.
-Advance Registration for Fall 2026 begins Monday, March 23, and runs through Monday, April 6. Summer 2026 registration opens on Monday, March 23.
–Spring 2026 Accelerated Master’s course form for students whose primary undergrad home school is Engineering is due Friday, March 27. Information was sent out to these students.
-The last day to withdraw from a course is Monday, March 30.

Events (Engineering)

2026 Celebration of Community

This annual event showcases Penn Engineering students, staff, faculty, and alumni in their multi-talented richness. The program will consist of guest speakers, performances, student presentations, and mouthwatering dishes from around the globe. No RSVP is required to be in the audience. Anyone interested in performing should complete the form.

You may contact Dr. Ocek Eke (ocek@seas.upenn.edu) and André Marston (amarston@seas.upenn.edu) with any questions. Please keep both of them copied on all correspondence related to this event.

Friday, March 27th
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wu and Chen Auditorium

2026 FemmeHacks Hackathon

Join FemmeHacks in our 12th hackathon! After forming teams, attendees build a variety of web and mobile applications, learn from workshops, and attend speaker events. FemmeHacks welcomes trans and cis women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people of all levels of experience.

Saturday, March 28th
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Click here to register

Advancing Women in Engineering (AWE) Undergraduate Summer Research Opportunity at Penn Engineering

AWE is pleased to offer an initiative that supports undergraduate students pursuing summer research experiences. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement, a resume, and a faculty recommendation letter. The deadline to submit all application materials has been extended to March 30, 2026. For additional details or questions, interested students should contact Nita Guzman Del Vecchio at ngdv@seas.upenn.edu

Orientation Peer Advisor Applications Open

Applications are now open to become an Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA).

OPAs are a group of engineering upperclassmen who volunteer to guide incoming students over the summer, during NSO, and their first semester to help them get acclimated to Penn. OPAs understand the concerns of incoming students and provide advice and referrals to various campus departments. They are excellent resources for campus organizations, majors, and campus life.

This is a volunteer (unpaid) position. However, perks include exclusive OPA merch, sponsored early move-in, and enhanced leadership skills.

Application link: https://upenn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4MmwIJluK72KVi6

Applications close on Monday, March 30th, 2026. For questions, please contact Marina Ceneviva at mceneviv@seas.upenn.edu.

Events (Penn)

AIT Budapest Info Session

Interested in studying abroad in Budapest for the Computer and Data Science major. Come to the info session to learn more. Pizza will be provided.

Thursday, April 9th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Towne 217 ALC
Click here to register

iCare Training

“i care” is an interactive training for students, faculty, and staff that builds a caring community with the skills and resources to intervene when someone is dealing with stress, distress, and crisis.

Sunday, March 29th
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Click here to learn more and register

Time To Get Your Cap And Gown!

The Penn Bookstore is pleased to serve as the University’s academic regalia provider for all current and alumni graduates, as well as participating faculty, marshals, and trustees. If you choose to order online, it’s recommended to do so by March 20 to ensure delivery prior to Commencement ceremonies. If the above deadlines pose significant challenges for you, please call the Bookstore at 215-898-7595 or email capandgown@upenn.edu as soon as possible to explore alternative options.

Penn Women’s History Month

Come to attend the session – Find your Voice: Service, Courage, and Making a Difference. The keynote Speaker Dr. Sara Hurley.

Tuesday, March 17th
At 5: 15 pm
Click here to register

RPA Data Science Workshop: Python

Join the CURF RPAs for a series of data science workshops to learn essential coding skills for modeling, data analysis, and visualization. Whether you’re new to programming or looking to refine your skills, these workshops will introduce key tools in scientific research. No prior experience is required – attend all sessions or choose the ones most relevant to your research area of interest! This session will focus on Python, a language commonly used in machine learning, AI, and data analysis. Click here to learn more.

Wednesday, March 18th
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
JMHH (Huntsman) Room F65
Just Show Up at the Event (No Action Needed)

Senior Project Awards Applications Due 3/23

Three awards for senior projects are now open for applications. Joseph Warner Yardley Prize is awarded to the best thesis on political economy written by a member of the senior class in any undergraduate school at Penn. The Bodek Prize is awarded to a senior in any of the undergraduate departments and schools at Penn for the best paper addressing issues of interracial and interfaith relations. Rose Award recognizes outstanding undergraduate research projects completed by graduating seniors under the supervision of a Penn faculty member. Search the CURF Funding Opportunities for complete information and instructions for how to apply! Click here to learn more about this opportunity.

RPA Data Science Workshop: MATLAB

Join the CURF RPAs for a series of data science workshops to learn essential coding skills for modeling, data analysis, and visualization. Whether you’re new to programming or looking to refine your skills, these workshops will introduce key tools in scientific research. No prior experience is required – attend all sessions or choose the ones most relevant to your research area of interest! This session will focus on MATLAB, a numeric computing platform often used in computational engineering and also other fields such as neuroscience. Click here to learn more.

Wednesday, March 25th
4:00 pm -5:00 pmm
JMHH (Huntsman) Room F65
Just Show Up at the Event (No Action Needed)

Finding Your Fellowship Fit (The Fellowships Compass Session 1)

Are you curious about nationally competitive postgraduate fellowships, but not sure where to start?The Fellowships Compass: Crafting Competitive Applications is a four-session workshop series designed to help you go from curiosity to competitiveness. Over four weeks, you’ll identify your fellowship fit, articulate your leadership story, draft a compelling personal statement, and develop a realistic application plan through structured activities, feedback, and guided facilitation. Open to juniors, seniors, and young alumni.

Before you write a single word, you need to know which fellowship is actually right for you and why. In this opening session, you’ll identify the core values that should guide your fellowship search, explore nationally competitive fellowships, and complete a Fellowship Fit Matrix to find your best options. This session lays a strong foundation for all the steps to come, setting you up for success.

Wednesday, March 24th
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Virtual
Click here to register

Behind the CV: A Conversation with Prof. Daniel Krashen

Join us for an engaging conversation with Prof. Daniel Krashen, Presidential Professor of Mathematics, whose research focuses on topics in algebra and arithmetic geometry. In this discussion, Prof. Krashen will discuss what inspired him to become a mathematician and the experiences that have shaped his path to becoming a professor at Penn. This event offers a candid look at how academic journeys unfold beyond the résumé, emphasizing the unexpected rewards and unspoken challenges of an academic career. Regardless of whether you are considering opportunities in mathematics or another discipline, the discussion will provide a thoughtful perspective on life as a researcher. Audience questions are encouraged. Open to all students!

Behind the CV: A Conversation with Prof. Daniel Krashen

Thursday, March 26th
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
College Hall G08/09
Just Show Up at the Event (No Action Needed)

Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series with Speaker Areebah Ahmed C’26

PAACH is back with the Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series for spring 2026! Come join us for a catered lunch and learn from our exciting group of speakers.
The Explore. Reflect. The Become Lunch Series focuses on the deep reflection of our personal experiences and the becoming of ourselves. We will invite individuals from Penn and the Philadelphia community to share their intimate histories and backgrounds, and how they’ve explored, reflected, and become the person that they are.

Wednesday, March 25th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
ARCH Room 108 |3601 Locust Walk
Click here to register

Penn Carey Law International Arbitration Conference

The Penn Carey Law International Arbitration Association (PCLIAA) will be hosting the 8th Annual Penn Carey Law International Arbitration Conference on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Levy Conference Center. The conference, titled “Arbitration in an Evolving Geopolitical Environment,” will explore how global geopolitical and economic developments are reshaping international dispute resolution.

As sanctions regimes expand, global M&A markets face geopolitical uncertainty, and third-party funding continues to influence access to justice, international arbitration is adapting in real time. The conference will bring together leading practitioners, academics, and arbitration specialists to discuss these developments through four thematic panels:

Third-Party Funding in International Arbitration
Arbitration at the Front Lines of Sanctions
M&A Arbitrations and Geopolitical Risk
Enforcement and Sovereign Immunity

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor George A. Bermann of Columbia Law School, Director of the Center for International Commercial and Investment Arbitration. Our speakers include leading arbitrators, academics, and practitioners from across the United States and internationally.

Friday, April 3, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Levy Conference Center, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Click here to register

Take Back the Night (TBTN)

Take Back the Night (TBTN) is an international movement to take a stand against sexual violence.

At Penn, this has manifested as a powerful resource fair, rally, march, and survivor speak-out session hosted by Abuse & Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP). TBTN will be hosted on Thursday, April 9th, 4-9 PM.

Please email asapatpenn@gmail.com if you have any questions or if you are interested in collaborating!

Thursday, April 9th
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
College Green (Rain Location at Hall of Flags)

Clothing Closet

The LGBT Center’s Clothing Closet provides gently used clothing that is 100% free to all Penn community members. Donate or pick up gently used clothing at the LGBT Center (3907 Spruce Street).

Scholarships & Grants Opportunities

Scholarships for MSc in Photonics Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB B-PHOT)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering scholarships for its MSc in Photonics Engineering program through Phortify — a European network of 12 leading universities, research organisations, and industry partners, co-funded by the EU’s Digital Europe Program, to train the next generation of photonics professionals. Scholarship application deadline: April 3rd, 2026. For more information, contact us at info@phortify.eu

Scholarship amounts (per year):
• EU students: €7,200
• Non-EU students: €12,000

Eligibility:
Applicants must be nationals of an eligible country* and meet VUB’s academic admission requirements, including a minimum CGPA of 3.2/4.0 (or equivalent).

How to apply?
There are two separate steps:
1. Apply to the MSc programme at VUB (deadline March 31st 2026)
2. Apply for the Phortify scholarship via MyPhortify

Required documents for the scholarship application:
• Official academic transcripts (BSc and MSc if applicable)
• A Phortify-specific motivation letter
• A CV

The 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service

The Obama Foundation is looking for current college sophomores and community college transfer students interested in pursuing a career in public service. If you are seeking a transformative leadership development and scholarship program that includes financial aid to ease the burden of college debt, an immersive work-travel experience, and access to a powerful network of mentors, then this program is for you! The application closes on March 17th, 2026, and we need your help to spread the word! Click here to learn more and apply.

2026 ShanghaiTech Summer Lab Program

This non-credit and tuition-free program is designed exclusively for international undergraduates from our partner institutions. It offers a unique opportunity for participants to join a research lab of their choice, utilizing world-class facilities and national science platforms rarely accessible to external students. Application Deadline: April 30th, 2026. Click here to learn more and apply.

Career & Networking Opportunities

Job Search & Professional Digital Presence

As the job search moves more and more into the digital space, it is imperative that job seekers not only be aware of their digital presence but also leverage it. Join Career Services staff as they showcase how you can best use platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Handshake, and more to reach your career goals.
This session is open to the Penn Community and will include students from the Hoesley Fellowship Program. Registration is required to get an accurate headcount for attendance and food.

Friday, March 20th
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Van Pelt Library, Room 124
Click here to register

Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University Information Session

Join us for an information session with a representative from Knight-Hennessy Scholars.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars fully funds up to three years of a graduate program at Stanford. Scholars will be part of a cross-disciplinary community of Stanford graduate students dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. Scholars may pursue their graduate education in any of Stanford’s graduate programs (and must be admitted to that graduate program in a separate but parallel application process).

Monday, March 23, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
College Hall G08/09
Just Show Up at the Event (No Action Needed)

Clubs & Organizations

Engineering Entrepreneurship

2026 Cleantech Open Northeast Philadelphia Kickoff Party

Join us for an evening of food, drink, celebration, and opportunity at Baker Tilly! Come join Cleantech Open Northeast for an evening of food, drink, celebration, and opportunity at Baker Tilly in Philadelphia, PA! Since 2005, almost 60% of Cleantech Open’s reporting U.S. alumni companies are still active and have collectively raised over $2B in external funding.

Learn how the accelerator program can help you develop your cleantech venture and how to apply to the accelerator. We welcome entrepreneurs, students, investors, savvy technologists, and those interested in joining our growing cleantech community.

Thursday, March 19th
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Click here to get tickets

More information about Engineering Entrepreneurship

Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & X/Twitter.
Tag on these platforms @PennEngEntrep with your own posts.
Join their subscription-based semi-monthly email to notify you of entrepreneurship-related events, competitions, opportunities and more. If you wish to receive this type of information, please visit https://groups.google.com/a/seas.upenn.edu/g/pennengentrep/ and then click on “ask to join the group” (Image). You have the option to unsubscribe at any time as well, and this is completely optional. Emails will be sent on the second and last Wednesday of every month.