Anthony Tukanowicz-Hassett
Hi! I am currently a junior studying bioengineering. I am a Questbridge scholar and a FGLI student here at Penn. I’m particularly passionate about helping students who identify as First Generation or Low Income (FGLI) navigate Penn. I’m originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. During my freshman year, I lived in Fisher in the Quad. On campus, I spend a lot of time doing research, as I hope to pursue a PhD in bioengineering after I graduate. Outside of classes, I like to practice music and explore new restaurants in Philly. Some of my favorite memories from college are trying new cuisines with friends. Overall, Penn Engineering is a great place to be, and I am so excited to meet all of the incoming freshmen!
Siddanth Pabba
My name is Sid and I’m studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; I’m a rising sophomore! I’m from New Jersey and live just about an hour from Penn. Outside of school, I’m involved in a few things on campus: I’m VP of the Engineering Student Activities Council, and involved in a few consulting clubs(WUHC, WUEG, CFA). On the more fun side, I love hanging out with friends (I am trying to get more into the Philly food scene), listening to music, and playing spike ball. I love to cook, eat Taco Bell, and binge-watch random TV shows on Netflix (currently into sitcoms). Can’t wait to meet all of you!
Gianna Lodato
Hey, baby Quakers! My name is Gianna, and I am a rising sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics. I am originally from North Caldwell, NJ, located outside of NYC. At Penn, I am a coxswain on the Varsity Lightweight Men’s Rowing Team as well as involved in the following extracurriculars: Kite & Key Society (campus tour guide), Music Business club, Society of Women Engineers, Penn Appetit (food magazine), and Penn Athletics Wharton Leadership Academy. Beyond school, I am an avid sports fan and am aiming to have a career in Formula 1. I have a huge passion for music and play drums! I love the outdoors and can often be found hiking, skiing, surfing, or swimming in my free time. I also love traveling and learning about new cultures; I speak French and have continued my French studies at Penn. Lastly, I am a HUGE foodie; I love exploring new restaurants in Philly and documenting my notable meals on my food Insta. Can’t wait to meet you all and welcome you to campus!
Forrest Lin
What’s up y’all! My name is Forrest and I’m currently a sophomore from Maryland studying bioengineering on the pre-med track. At Penn, I’m doing research in cardiology as a UScholar, volunteering at local nursing homes with dementia patients, and working as a chemistry tutor for the tutoring center. In my free time, I love scrolling on Tiktok, bingeing sit-coms, reality TV shows, and K-dramas, and looking at pictures of my dog. College is a rough transition, but I’m determined to make the navigation through freshman year easier and excited to be a part of this orientation with you guys!
Phoebe Vallapureddy
Hi Everyone! My name is Phoebe Vallapureddy, and I’m a junior majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I’ve been heavily involved in research since my first semester and am currently investigating molecular diagnostics in Dr. Jina Ko’s Bioengineering lab. I’m also a teacher in Access Engineering, where I help lead engineering labs for Philadelphia high-school students. I hope to go to graduate school to pursue a PhD after college. Outside of engineering, I’ve performed as a violist in Penn Chamber and the Penn Symphony Orchestra, where I currently serve on the Student Board. Prior to Penn, I grew up in a suburb of Philly and attended a large public high school. I lived in Kings Court English College House (KC1) during my first year. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding research at Penn, balancing music with academics and other commitments, or the transition from high school to college. I’m super excited to meet you all!