SEAS Weekly 1-22-24

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Engineering Activities | Penn Activities | ScholarshipsPaid/Unpaid Opportunities| Courses


Academic Integrity Reminder

Please remember that all students are obligated to follow the Code of Academic Integrity. As noted, “If a student is unsure whether his action(s) constitute a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity, then it is that student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor to clarify any ambiguities.


Words to think about this week:

“You can’t be hesitant about who you are.” — Viola Davis


Sources of Support

Wellness at Penn: Student Health and Counseling

  • Call 215-746-WELL (9355) to speak with a medical or mental health provider 24/7.
  • Visit a mental health professional at one of our Let’s Talk locations across campus

Jed Foundation

SAMHSA

Get Immediate Help in Crisis

Visit our Get Help Now page for Penn-specific resources.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255 (24/7) or online chat from 2 PM-2 AM: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org(link is external)

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 (24/7): https://www.crisistextline.org(link is external)

Trevor Project
Call 1-866-488-7386 (24/7), online chat, or text START to 678678: https://www.thetrevorproject.org


Highlights for the Week

  • Engineering Student Activities Fair

    The Spring Engineering Student Activities Fair (ESAF) is happening this week! ESAF will take place on Monday (1/22) and Tuesday (1/23) from 11am – 2pm in Levine Lobby. Come learn more about the engineering clubs that are recruiting this semester!


Important Dates:

Date Event
January 31 Course Selection Period ends
February 27 Drop Period ends
March 2-10 Spring Term Break
March 11 Classes resume

Engineering Activities

 

OAS Academic Advising

 

Walk-in Advising at the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

ODEI is offering walk-in advising in the Cora Ingrum Conference Room (enter at 211 Towne) from 11am-1pm every Wednesday. Emily Delany (eedelany@seas.upenn.edu), the Special Programs and Advising Coordinator from Research and Academic Services, would be delighted to meet with you!

 

ODEI's Freshman Coaching Program - For New and Seasoned Students

Ongoing opportunity
Are you interested in studying with peers regularly? Would you like access to ten engineering students who have aced classes you’re currently taking? If a study group appeals to you, please stop by ODEI on Mondays and Fridays from 12 PM to 2 PM to connect with Academic Coaches and peers. The Freshman Coaching Program provides a community of learners that help students establish a rhythm of study throughout their tenure at Penn. The program is not limited to first year students. Everyone is welcome to join us. Coaching covers chemistry, mathematics, CIS, physics, MATLAB, and more. If you would like to participate, please contact Dr. Yulanda Essoka at yult@seas.upenn.edu.

 

Energy & Sustainability Industry Day (3/12)

Penn Engineering & The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy are pleased to present Energy & Sustainability Industry Day in conjunction with Energy Week 2024. Please mark your calendars. Additional details and registration information will be shared in the spring semester.

Poster with Save the Date information for Engineering and Sustainability industry Day, held on March 12 More information to come.

 

SUBJ: New Student Committee for Penn Engineering Entrepreneurship Ventures (Due 2/2)
Join the new Entrepreneurship Ventures Committee at Penn Engineering: Gain practical experience in engineering entrepreneurship, evaluating high tech concepts, ventures, and investment opportunities. Committee members will review applications, conduct technical and business due diligence, make recommendations, and other duties to support Penn Engineering’s Entrepreneurship initiatives.
  • Committee membership is open to all Penn Engineering students with an interest in new technologies, engineering, and/or venture capital.
  • Deadline: 11:59 pm ET, February 2, 2024.
  • Application link and more information: http://tinyurl.com/3fthx77t (PennKey required)
Please reach out to Sevile Mannickarottu (sevile@seas.upenn.edu) at Penn Engineering: Entrepreneurship with any questions.

 


Penn Activities

Mentor Meals: Make your Reservation Today!

NSOAI’s meal-hosting initiative, the Penn Mentor Meals Program is open for booking reservations! This program encourages mentors and students to engage in conversation outside of the classroom and provide them with a meal free of charge!

Members of the Penn Community can initiate a meal with a mentor or mentee including current or past students, professors, teaching assistants, advisors, RAs, PHINS, Peer Advisors, members of Penn’s professional staff, etc. Lunch is served at the University Club at the Inn at Penn on Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30am-2pm.

Learn more about how to make your reservation today! 

 

Penn Abroad Passport Drive - February 29

Penn Abroad is excited to announce the Spring 2024 Passport Drive, which will be held on February 29th in the Penn Abroad Office (3539 Locust Walk).

U.S. Passport Agents will be available to aid students in applying for new (first-time) U.S. passports. Pre-registration for this event is required and will open on January 16th and close on January 23rd, or until spots are full. To receive a reminder to pre-register with a link to the application to your email on January 16th, submit your name and email here.

Please note that passport processing time will take several weeks and should not be relied upon for spring or summer 2024 international travel.

For more information, visit: Spring 2024 Passport Drive | Penn Abroad (upenn.edu)

 

M&T Transfer Info Session (1/26)

The Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T Program) is a highly competitive dual-degree program designed for students with interdisciplinary interests in business and technology and a desire to shape their own success. Accepted applicants are dually admitted to the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Fully matriculated Penn first years are eligible for transfer into the M&T Program. Penn students may only apply to transfer into M&T at the conclusion of their first year.

For more information, join us for the Transfer Student Information Session on Friday, January 26th from 4pm-5pm. Please click the link below to register. The Zoom link will be sent prior to the info session.

Please feel free to reach out with questions to mgtech@seas.upenn.edu.

Registration link: https://fisher.wharton.upenn.edu/apply/#transfer

 

SCUE Spring 2024 Recruitment (App Due 1/30)

SCUE is the education policy branch of Penn Student Government (PSG), in which we advocate for the student body by working with faculty and administration toward improving the undergraduate educational environment at Penn. Some of our initiatives have been the coeducation of the College of Arts & Sciences, New Student Orientation, and preparatory programs for introductory STEM courses.

We are currently looking for new members from the first-year or sophomore class to join the SCUE community and take part in impactful projects focused on education at Penn.

Application Link (due Tuesday, January 30th at 11:59pm): https://forms.gle/FqFima2ss6phkPrk6

Please reach out to scuedolphin@gmail.com with any questions.

 


Scholarships

SUBJ: Funding opportunities for hi-tech projects & ventures – APPLICATIONS OPEN

Looking for funding for your tech project or venture? Penn Engineering is pleased to offer funding opportunities for high-tech project and venture development. We are soliciting proposals for projects and venture concepts that might develop into companies, and these funds are available to help:
  • Berkman Opportunity Fund ($500 or $1,000 per project)The Berkman Opportunity Fund provides support for students (or teams of students) with innovative ideas that might turn into products and companies.
  • Miller Innovation Fellowship ($15,000 per venture)Miller Innovation Fellowships are designed to allow students (or teams of students) that have made use of Penn’s innovation & entrepreneurship resources to further develop ventures based on high-tech products & services and to have focused capital and advising resources to explore a venture.
Please see the Penn Engineering: Entrepreneurship Funding site for more information: https://eent.seas.upenn.edu/grant-funding/. Funding is open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

 


Paid/Unpaid Opportunities

Engineers for Exploration (E4E) Summer Research Program at UC San Diego ­- App Due 2/15

UC San Diego’s Engineers for Exploration Summer Research Program is an NSF REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Site centered around multidisciplinary and collaborative student research with the broad goals of protecting the environment, uncovering mysteries related to cultural heritage, and providing experiential learning experiences.  Our program is a full-time paid research experience from June 24th to August 30th in which students will work in multidisciplinary research teams to aid scientists from the San Diego Zoo, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and UC San Diego in tackling problems in fields such as ecology, physical oceanography, and archeology.

During this program, students will create and apply technologies in novel ways to aid scientists in their work, and may have opportunities to accompany these technologies on field deployments around the world.  Through these projects, students can expect to learn about embedded systems and software, machine learning, electronics integration, mechanical design, system building, as well as project management and team leadership.  For more information, please visit our website at https://e4e.ucsd.edu.

Applications are currently being accepted at https://e4e.ucsd.edu/apply through February 15.  Applications will continue to be accepted through March 30 if positions are not yet filled.

 

Projects for Progress Award 2024

What’s your big idea? What concrete initiative do you think would make a real difference in the city of Philadelphia around any of the following goals?

*   Eradicating systemic racism
*   Achieving educational equity
*   Advancing environmental justice & sustainability
*   Eliminating health disparities based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and/or social determinants of health

Look to your left and to your right and you will find potential student, faculty, and staff collaborators with great ideas and, most importantly, a range of perspectives, interests, and expertise to contribute to your team.

If you have been at Penn for at least one full year as an undergraduate student or as a full-time employee, or if you will be at least 1/3 through a Penn graduate/professional degree program by the application deadline, consider learning about the $100,000 Projects for Progress Award. And please do pass this message along to any eligible Penn peers/colleagues who may be interested.

The application goes live on January 19, and the submission deadline is January 28, 2023.

You can learn more in the Projects for Progress FAQ: https://www.sec.upenn.edu/p4p

Prior recipients:

*   2023 P4P Award Cohort<https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/2023-projects-progress-recipients-announced>
*   2022 P4P Award Cohort<https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/2022-projects-progress>
*   2021 P4P Award Cohort<https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/inaugural-projects-progress-recipients-announced>
*   Feature stories on the 2021 winning projects:

*   Meshing academics<https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/penn-gse-netter-center-join-talents-inaugural-projects-progress-initiative> and fun for a summer program like no other – An inaugural Projects for Progress award helped bring to light a Penn Graduate School of Education and Netter Center for Community Partnerships initiative that readied young learners returning to in-person school this fall, and boosted teachers’ confidence.
*   Bolstering environmental education<https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/bolstering-environmental-education-cobbs-creek-stem-projects-progress> in Cobbs Creek – Through a Projects for Progress award and other University support, students in West Philadelphia are gaining greater access to STEM learning resources at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center.
*   The care they need, where they are<https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/care-they-need-shelter-health-outreach-program> –  A team of undergrads and physicians are partnering with community clinics and other organizations as part of a Projects for Progress-supported program to offer medical care to people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.

 

Neuroengineering PhD Program at University of Alabama Birmingham

The Neuroengineering PhD program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a multidisciplinary initiative that combines neuroscience and engineering and provides students with the skills needed to shape the future of neuroscience research. It is an excellent opportunity for students with backgrounds in engineering, computer science, neuroscience, physical sciences, life sciences, or mathematics. Potential applicants can apply through the Graduate School online application portal by December 15, 2023 (priority deadline) or February 1, 2024 (final deadline).

For more information, please see the flyer and brochure below. The same information can be found at the following website: uab.edu/engineering/home/neuroengineering

Flyer: FA2023 flyer

Brochure: FA2023 brochure

 

Summer 2024 REU in Molecular Engineering - University of Chicago

We are currently recruiting students for our Summer 2024 REU in Molecular Engineering program, which focuses on quantum engineering, material systems for sustainability and health, and immune-engineering research. We would be grateful if you would share this opportunity with your students who may be interested in summer research experiences:  Students can find program information here. Sign up for an information session here.

 

Summer Internship Posts | Machina Labs

Machina Labs is on a mission to build the factory of the future — a factory where designers and
engineers rapidly iterate on physical products and scale out production on demand. We began
our journey in 2019 and since then have been backed by major AI and Deep Tech investors
(like Innovation Endeavors and Lockheed Martin Ventures), and we count NASA, SpaceX,
Tesla, and the U.S. Air Force.

As a Summer Intern in Product Management, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and contribute
to the planning and release lifecycle of our sheet metal manufacturing system, called Roboform.
This role offers a unique blend of hardware and software experiences, exposing you to
advanced robotics technology. You’ll assist in defining, building, and releasing projects that
span from robot end effectors to control systems to factory management software. Your
internship will be a deep dive into the world of robotics, providing a hands-on experience in a
dynamic and innovative environment.

This role is based out of the Machina Labs HQ in Los Angeles, which houses our offices,
system assembly bays, and active Roboform cells.
What You’ll Do
● Support the management of key metrics related to manufacturing automation and
customer success.
● Collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, and end users to learn about
scoping and designing new features.
● Help manage project lifecycles, including documentation, timeline management, and
customer education under guidance from members of the Product team.
● Participate in technical planning and sprint management across Robotics, Software, and
Mechanical engineering teams.
● Engage in problem-solving activities related to hardware and software aspects of
robotics.
● Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback and ideas from a
fresh perspective.
● Join customer conversations to understand their goals and how our tech advances their
mission.

Who You Are
● Your interests and abilities lie at the intersection of business problems, user experience,
and robotics technology.
● You are proactive and curious, eager to learn about complex robotics systems.
● You possess strong analytical skills and are capable of breaking down complex
problems into manageable components.
●You have a collaborative mindset and are enthusiastic about working in a team
environment.
● You are currently pursuing or have recently completed an undergrad or masters degree
in engineering or a related discipline; or you are currently pursuing an MBA and have an
engineering background (education or work experience).

For more information, visit:  Home | Machina Labs

 

2024 ShanghaiTech Summer Lab Program (App Due 4/30)

The 2024 ShanghaiTech Summer Lab Program is now open for application! This non-credit and tuition-free program is exclusively for international students from our partner institutions. Participants can choose a lab of research interest in our schools and institutes, with the chance to do experiments on world-class research facilities and national science platforms that are not easily accessible to students outside ShanghaiTech. To enrich students’ experience, the Office of International Affairs may also organize free cultural tours in the city or the nearby water town.

The program duration is six weeks from July 7th to August 18th, 2024 and the application deadline is April 30th, 2024. For more details, please visit

https://www.shanghaitech.edu.cn/eng/2018/0130/c5242a50095/page.htm

 

Energy Week Applications for Students and Postdocs Due 2/4

When?

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 2:30-4:00PM
Applications due: February 4, 2024

What is it?

During the Energy Week @Penn Lightning Talks, Penn undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs share their work in energy research and policy to the broader Penn community! All Penn students and postdocs are invited to apply. 4-6 finalists will be selected to present 8-minute talks in front of a judge’s panel and a live audience. All finalists will receive a $200 award for being selected.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit: Announcing the Energy Week @Penn Lightning Talks: Applications Due Feb 4, 2024 – Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology at the University of Pennsylvania (upenn.edu)

 

Penn/CASE Summer Internship Opportunity - App Due 1/31

The Penn/CASE 2024 Summer Internship Program (link to: https://www.case.org/oic-opportunity-and-inclusion-center/talent-management-career-central/case-advancement-internship) is designed to attract students who may not have previously considered a career in institutional advancement. Please visit their website or view the flyer below for more details. PENN_CASE_Internship_ad_2024

 

Delaware Energy Institute (DEI) Energy Research Internship (ERI) Program Application due 3/15

DEI at the University of Delaware is a research center focused on energy from photovoltaics & catalyst innovation to fuel cell science & wind power technology. DEI is looking for undergraduate students to join their 2024 Energy Research Internship Program where students can participate in research around experimental catalysis, reaction engineering, and computational catalysis. Visit sites.udel.edu/engr-dei/resources/#ERI for additional information and a link to the program application.

Flyer: ERI Application for Summer 2024

 

CHARM Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) 2024 Summer Program Application due 2/15

CHARM at the University of Delaware is an interdisciplinary materials science research center that hosts a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program for students majoring in all STEM fields. If you are interested in doing bio-based, nature-inspired research with soft materials or physics-based, quantum science research with hard materials, then CHARM’s 2024 REU program is the one for you! To apply and learn more about our program and application requirements, visit tinyurl.com/udcharmreu.

Flyer: 2024 REU Flyer CHARM

 

Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI) Undergraduate Research Program Application due 2/15

CPI is an interdisciplinary plastics materials-focused research center at the University of Delaware. If the global problem of plastics waste interests you, consider CPI’s summer 2024 undergraduate research program for research opportunities in polymers, catalysis, enzyme engineering, and data science. For more information including the program application, visit cpi.udel.edu/research-undergraduate-2.

Flyer: CPI Summer UG Research Program 2024 – Flyer

 

Columbia Engineering Ph.D. Fly-In Program (App Due 1/22)

The Engineering Achievers in Graduate Education (EngAGE) Program will be held from Thursday, March 7, 2024, through Saturday, March 9, 2024.

We are seeking the brightest young engineers from historically underrepresented groups interested in pursuing a Ph.D. to attend an all-expense-paid weekend in New York City. EngAGE is designed to help prepare students for a future at Columbia Engineering by introducing undergraduate students to our faculty, graduate students, and world-class facilities in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

The program covers travel, hotel, meals, and even tickets to a Broadway show. Priority is given to college juniors; however, we consider all undergraduate students planning to apply to a doctoral program for the Fall 2025 term. Students may apply directly here.  The final application deadline is January 22, 2024.

To learn more about the program eligibility, please visit our Diversity Events website or email Gabrielle.G@columbia.edu.

 

Perry World House: Applications Open for 2024-2025 Class of World House Student Fellows (Due 2/9)

Applications are now open for the 2024-25 class of World House Student Fellows!

Rising University of Pennsylvania sophomores, juniors, and seniors from any of Penn’s undergraduate schools are invited to apply to this competitive program for the opportunity to explore global affairs in-depth. Students interested in the program can expect weekly seminars, projects, and activities oriented around critical global inquiry. WHSFs also receive unparalleled access to, and direct interaction with faculty and distinguished PWH visitors. Applications close Friday, February 9, 2024.

Read more and apply

 


Courses

EDUC 2445/URBS2445: Civil Dialogue Seminar (formerly known as Can We Talk?: Civil Discourse in a Divided Nation

The need for people to understand and practice the concepts, perspectives and skills they will learn in the course has been clear for the last decade. The public reaction to events in the Middle East as well as at Penn, college campuses across the country and, indeed, in cities across the US only highlight the need for these perspectives and skills.

Comments students have made in their evaluations of the course support the value of the course. For example, from undergrads in SAS, SEAS, GSE and Wharton:

“One of the most formative courses of my time here .. a perfect example of what the Penn academic experience could and should be.”
“Unlike any other course I took at Penn and more important now than ever.”
“Can’t think of a better way to go out as a senior than with this class.”
“Never had such an enjoyable and enlightening experience in a course before.”
“This is the indispensable class for any future founder, executive, or business leader.”
“A tool kit for surviving holiday dinners with family.”
“The professional ROI on this course far exceeds that of another finance class.”

This course can be used to fill some SEAS requirements. It is scheduled to meet Wednesday mornings (8:45 – 11:45 am) in the Spring 2024 semester. Please reach out to Dr. Harris Sokoloff if you have any questions: harriss@upenn.edu

Can We Talk Flyer

 

Updates Course Inventory Spring 2024 - Environmental Innovations Initiative: Engineering

Please see the following website and infographic regarding the updated Spring 2024 courses for Penn One Planet One Health.

Website: Courses | UPenn EII

Infographic: One_Planet_Health_Infographic_20231030

 

Spring 2024 ASAM Courses

Please see the following website and infographic regarding the updated Spring 2024 ASAM courses.

Website: Courses for Spring 2024 | Asian American Studies Program (upenn.edu)