Phoebe Vallapureddy
Hi Everyone! My name is Phoebe Vallapureddy, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Outside of class, I’ve been heavily involved in research since my first semester and am currently a member of Dr. Jina Ko’s Bioengineering lab. I’m also a violist and board member in the Penn Symphony Orchestra, as well as a teacher in Access Engineering, a club dedicated to exposing high-school students to the various fields of engineering. I hope to go to grad school after Penn. I grew up in a suburb of Philly and attended a large public high school that offered AP classes. During my freshman year, I lived in Kings Court English College House (KC1). 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.
Ashna Khemani
Hey y’all! I’m Ashna, and I’m super excited to be an OPA this year! I’m a sophomore in MEAM originally from the SF Bay Area (any Warriors fans?). I competed in robotics internationally throughout high school, which is what got me so interested in mechanical engineering. So far at Penn, I’ve been diving deeper through classes, research in the Modlab, and the rocket team in Penn Aerospace Club. Beyond robotics and all things physics, I love the performing arts. I grew up acting and playing piano, and have really enjoyed the arts scene here at Penn. I’ve also been exploring my interest in business through various classes and the Wharton Undergrad Entrepreneurship Club. Some of my hobbies include hiking, watching Bollywood movies, reading, learning about robotics and AI, and playing table tennis. Super stoked to meet all of you, so definitely reach out and say hi! (email: khemani@seas.upenn.edu, IG @ashna.khemani)
Jackie Li
Hi guys, my name is Jackie! I am a junior majoring in bioengineering with a concentration in therapeutics, drug delivery, and nanomedicine; I am also minoring in chemistry. I plan to pursue an MD-PhD with the hope of becoming a neurosurgeon someday. Outside of my classes, I conduct research on lipid nanoparticles for glioblastoma treatment with Penn Medicine. I also clinically volunteer as part of the Center for Surgical Health team. At the moment, I serve as the secretary for the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Undergraduate Advisory Board. In addition, I am an active board member – with a focus on first-year transition – of Advancing Women in Engineering. Lastly, I am or have been a teaching assistant for organic chemistry I, general chemistry lab, and scientific computing. Beyond academics, I absolutely love rock climbing, swimming, baking/cooking, and exploring the city with friends. Please feel free to reach out to me for anything! I can’t wait to meet all of you
Vicky Zolotar
Hi! My name is Vicky and I’m a rising Sophomore majoring in Materials Science Engineering and minoring in Applied Mathematics. In the future, I hope to either work in product design or go into sustainable material development and research (probably with a Phd!!!) Although I’m in engineering, I’m passionate about art and design, business and entrepreneurship, and love anything involving the outdoors (hiking, backpacking, camping, running, etc.) On campus I’m involved in Penn Ski, Penn Outdoors, Venture Lab, WUEC, MUSE, MSE Society, Penn in Hand, and work a part time job in the Rapid Prototyping Laboratory! I’m also planning on doing research when I come back on campus. Some other fun facts about me: -My favorite show is The Amazing Race so my sister and I are planning to audition when she’s old enough -I drive a stick-shift -I’m getting scuba certified this summer -I can’t swallow pills and it is super embarrassing -I’m fluent in Russian (and currently learning ASL and Spanish!)
Nick Kuo
Hey, I’m Nick Kuo and I’m a rising senior pursuing an accelerated Masters & Bachelors in Computer Science. A few fun facts about me! I love traveling! As I write this, I’m hiking through the Swiss Alps. I love staying active with soccer, the gym, and pole vaulting, and my most controversial take is that country is the best music genre. I love exploring Philly’s amazing food spots (check out my food Insta haha) and dancing the night away with friends. For extracurricular pursuits, I’m a CIS 1210 and BEPP 2500 teaching assistant, a CIS research assistant, co-founder of Venture Lab Advisory Board, Class of 2024 Engineering Chair, Engineering Deans’ Advisory Board member, pre-orientation leader for PENNacle, and a Senior Consultant Chair in Penn International Impact Consulting. Some of my academic and extracurricular interests include the intersection between tech, entrepreneurship, student advocacy, and cultural immersion. I love meeting new people, so don’t hesitate to reach out!