Ellen Hu
Hello! I’m Ellen and I’m a rising sophomore in the VIPER program, studying Physics and Materials Science & Engineering. This summer I am working with Prof. Cherie Kagan with the IoT4Ag Center researching colorimetric leaf sensors. I went to high school in Tampa, Fl, but spent some time in Minnesota too. On campus, I’m a violinist in PSO and part of the Advocacy Committee of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). One of my favorite activities is attending Matsci Makerspace workshops, where we make bouncy balls and metal castings. I enjoy swimming, playing badminton, watching Steven Spielberg films, and going on midnight walks, and using Hagoromo chalk on the blackboards.
Madeline Port
Hi! I’m Madeline Port, a junior in VIPER majoring in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability. At Penn, I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), MSE Society and Makerspace, and am a director of Penn Ballet! I have also worked in Dr. Winey’s lab on ion-containing polymers for fuel cells since last summer, and will be a research intern at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory this summer. I grew up in Richmond, VA, and have enjoyed exploring all the restaurants, concerts, sports games, and shopping Philly has to offer. My favorite thing to do with my friends here is probably Ken’s karaoke. This is my second year as an OPA, and I am excited to meet my new advisees soon. Welcome to Penn!
Max Huang
Hi everyone, and welcome to the Class of 2029! My name is Max, and I’m an international student from Montreal, Canada. I’m a rising junior in the VIPER program, where I study physics and chemical & biomolecular engineering. On campus, I’m president of the VIPER Student Board, a member of Penn’s ultimate frisbee team, a rock climbing enthusiast (you’ll often find me at the Pottruck wall), and an avid cyclist (I love cycling through Philly’s neighborhood and grabbing pastries/coffee). I also do research in Dr. Vojvodic’s lab, where we use quantum mechanics-based simulations to optimize materials design for various energy-related applications (solar panels, fuel cells, etc.). One of my favorite things about Penn is the sheer variety of opportunities to explore. I’ve had the chance to dive into activities I never tried before, and I’ve loved every minute. I’m sure you will do so too!
Yash Rajpal
Hello everyone! Congratulations on your acceptance to Penn and welcome to the Class of 2029! My name is Yash Rajpal, and I am from Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, about an hour West of Philly. I am a rising junior studying Bioengineering and Biophysics on the premed track. I also plan to minor in Public Policy and Chemistry! I am part of the VIPER program, meaning that I am a student in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. VIPER is a program that specializes students studying energy research and funds internships for its students for at least two summers. On campus, I am involved in the the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), Access Engineering, the Netter Center, research, and the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education (SCUE). I’ve had some experience in applying to clubs, emailing professors, and choosing specific classes, so feel free to reach out to me about anything from registration to general questions about Penn!