AWE Pre-Orientation Recap: Welcome Class of 2016

Before many of their classmates arrived on campus, 76 of the women in Penn Engineering’s class of 2016 were hard at work and hard at play in Philadelphia. The Fifth Annual Advancing Women in Engineering (AWE) Pre-Orientation commenced on August 27^th, 2012 with a warm welcome from Michele Grab, director of AWE, and the 19 volunteers who participated in the program their freshman year and as counselors in past years. In the action-packed three days that followed, Penn’s newest, eager engineers participated in activities around campus and center city Philadelphia, absorbed advice from faculty and students, and bonded with their peers to kick-off their Penn experience.

After the opening ceremonies, as well as indulging in a delicious buffet dinner (following in true AWE style), Penn’s newest engineers teamed up with their peers and put their building skills to work.   The girls were divided into teams and sent on the famous AWE tradition: The AWE Scavenger Hunt. Through a series of puzzles located throughout the engineering buildings, the teams worked together to solve the mystery of who kidnapped a SEAS Professor while also learning their way around SEAS! Who was the culprit? Only the participants know the truth!

After a full day of learning almost 100 names and faces, taking a campus tour, and running throughout the engineering campus solving puzzles, everyone was ready to power up and hit the town. It was time indulge in dinner and dessert, complete with Philadelphia’s Tastykakes and Peanut Chews, before embarking on their first subway ride to Citizens Bank Park for a Phillies game. The weather was picture perfect for exploring the ballpark with new friends and taking in the timeless, classic-Philly atmosphere. Phillies fans new and old went wild when Ryan Howard hit a grand slam in the first inning – something many long time Phillies fans have never seen!

Day two gave the women the opportunity to ask questions and absorb the sage advice from professors Dr. Karen Winey and Dr. Susan Margulies and to embark on their second adventure into center city for a Philadelphia Trolley Tour and lunch at Reading Terminal Market.

On Thursday morning at the closing brunch, the girls were given words of wisdom and send-off advice from Dean Glandt, alumni, and AWE Director Michele. The women of AWE hope to see the participants and all new women engineers of the class of 2016 continue to participate in AWE throughout their Penn experience and maybe even volunteer as a counselor next year! We hope you have new friends, advice and memories to last all four years at Penn – and a lifetime. Thanks for participating and making it both enjoyable and successful!

Questions about pre-orientation?  Contact us at awe@seas.upenn.edu

New Year, New Opportunities

So this week began the start of a brand new school year.  The idea of a new school year can be both exciting and scary.  One thing is for sure the start of a new year always means there is a chance to start fresh and take on new things.  It doesn’t matter if you are a freshman or an upperclassmen, the start of a new school year means new opportunities.  Penn offers hundreds of student groups on campus, and it doesn’t matter what year you are in, anyone can join. There are engineering related clubs and things that have nothing to do with engineering and are just for fun.  There will never be a time again where you have the opportunity to choose from such a wide number of groups that are so accessible to you.  Now is the time to get involved.  Personally, I am beginning my fourth and final year here at Penn.  Despite that I only have one year left, there are still so many activities here at Penn that I am hoping to get involved with still and I recommend that you do the same.  

But school is not all about social and extracurricular activities.  I know and everyone here at Penn knows:  Penn is hard work.  However there are some things that you can do to make your semester a bit easier.  My first piece of advice is to make out a schedule for your upcoming semester, include everything you are involved on in that schedule.  This way you always have an easy way to know when you are free and you do not end up double scheduling yourself.  Second, set aside homework and study time.  It is important, especially in engineering where you will get a lot of problem sets to have designated time to do them.  Additionally, talk with your friends in your classes; see if you can coordinate study and homework times so you know you always have someone to do it with to keep you motivated.  Study groups are essential to doing well at Penn.   One last piece of advice is to talk with your professors.  If you have any issues in class, are struggling at all, or just think they are really cool, you should tell them these things.  Professors love to hear from you and want you to come to their office hours, that is why they hold them.  Get over your nerves and approach the professor, you won’t regret it.  I hope everyone has a great semester and don’t forget to get involved with something new this semester! 

Have questions for Elayna?  E-mail her at awe@seas.upenn.edu

Reflections on pre-orientation...

When I arrived on campus for AWE Pre-Orientation last year I did not know to what expect for my freshman year of college. I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone in the engineering school and I didn’t know my way around campus. When Pre-Orientation began I felt better, though, because it seemed like most of the girls were just as nervous as I was. It was comforting to know that I wasn’t the only person who didn’t know what problem-sets were and I wasn’t the only person confused by the room labeling system in DRL. 

Pre-orientation helped me learn the ins and outs of Penn before most most students even moved into their dorms. We were given tours of the engineering buildings and advice from professors and advisers about the best ways to use different resources in the engineering school. Upperclassmen engineers told us what classes they loved, their favorite places to study, and the best places to get late night snacks. All of these bits of information made me feel comfortable being at Penn. Now, only 10 months later, I know DRL like that back of my hand, problem-sets are old news, and I have discovered my own favorite places to study. I look back at freshman year and am so grateful that I had the chance to make friends and learn my way around Penn during Pre-Orientation. I might have freaked out over my first Chem midterm grade if I hadn’t been warned by almost every upperclassmen during Pre-Orientation that the first Chem midterm is notoriously difficult. Throughout freshman year, tidbits of information that I had learned during Pre-Orientation helped me navigate my academic and social life at Penn. Although I’m sad that my freshman year is over, I look forward to my next three years at Penn and will continue to use the advice I was given during Pre-Orientation.

Questions for Davita?  Contact her at awe@seas.upenn.edu.  Are you a Class of 2016 freshman who wants to sign up for pre-orientation?  Check it out here http://www.seas.upenn.edu/awe/pre-orientation.php

Why study Systems Engineering?

Systems is probably the most difficult type of engineering at Penn to explain to your family over Thanksgiving Dinner, or even Penn Engineering students outside the systems department. Because systems engineering can be applied to so many different engineering fields and industries; such as information technology, finance, computer science, and manufacturing; the definition can be different for almost any student. However, after three years as a student in the systems department, the easiest blanket definition that comes to my mind is optimizing outputs, given complex inputs.

I applied to Penn Engineering because I was good at math and science in high school, and I knew engineers were capable of making huge contributions to improving quality of life on a huge scale. When considering which major I was interested in pursuing, I wasn’t sure exactly what systems engineering involved, but the wide range of possibilities seemed like the right fit for me since I liked physics, math and innovation more than lab work.

My freshman year in systems was similar to other engineers at Penn, in that I had the same type of general engineering requirements like calculus, physics, computer science and chemistry.  First semester of sophomore year, I quickened my pace even more, and really started the systems curriculum with classes like circuits, dynamic systems, and statistics.

When the middle of my sophomore year came around, I wanted to start my summer internship search. Even though I had experienced some core systems classes, I struggled to decide how I would apply this knowledge. I knew my skills could be widely applicable and I am a fast learner, but my industry choices were not as clearly defined as some other engineering majors who traditionally conduct research in labs or work for chemical companies for internship experience. Systems engineers do everything from work on Wall Street, to build water systems in developing countries, to design airplane routing systems, to developing systems for alternative energy. Confused about where to start, I began by looking for internship postings for companies that looked exciting and enjoyable for me, with an exciting, motivating atmosphere. I applied to many different companies, but ended up receiving an offer from my all-time favorite retail company, based in Philadelphia. I was placed in the Information Technology department, and wasn’t sure exactly what I would be doing in the IT Department of a retail company, but decided that it would be a new and exciting experience even though it was definitely a non-traditional internship for a Penn engineer. Throughout the summer, I was able to visit the distribution centers, learn about their global supply chain, and build models in different software programs to optimize their inventory needs. I never would have dreamed that I would be working in retail, especially for a company that I have been a loyal patron of since I was about 12 years old, but the experience opened my eyes as to how useful and applicable systems (and an engineering education) is. I used skills from Penn classes such as statistics, critical analysis, optimization, project management, and, of course, the ability to think on my feet and be proactive.

After my summer experience, I continued through my junior year, taking core systems classes, but choosing electives that would deepen my understanding of my summer work and also help me learn about different applications of systems engineering as well. The core systems classes like dynamic systems, stochastic systems and control systems are hard to understand before you take them. Dynamic systems involved modeling systems with memory mathematically, like, for example, how an elevator works. Stochastic systems involved modeling systems that behave randomly, using statistics. Controls uses more advanced math to model controllers such as airplane motors and control systems. These core classes give students the fundamentals to develop solutions to general engineering problems. Electives I have enjoyed include classes in Wharton classes like Global Supply Chain and Business Programming, as well as Engineering electives like Product Design and Project Management. These classes are focused on group work and business applications, which I enjoy a lot.

As a rising senior, I am still discovering new applications of my systems education and look forward to taking new electives during my senior year to explore which industry is best for me. I’m glad that the systems curriculum is challenging but gives students the opportunity to choose electives and discover what type of systems fits their skills sets and interests (though, I wish more transportation and manufacturing classes would be offered!). With the constantly changing global environment and economy, systems engineering is a good choice because of the endless opportunities to apply your systems-thinking skills. It has not been an easy run so far, but I’m confident that it is, and will be, worth the challenge. Because, after all, life is a never-ending series of new, complex problems, right?

Questions for Hilary?  Contact her at awe@seas.upenn.edu

Reflections from a Senior

Last week I had the great pleasure of watching the 2012 Senior Design Project Competition, which is a series of presentations from the design winners from each of the six engineering departments at Penn.   My mind was totally blown when I was watching some of these presentations and in many cases, demos of really cool products.   I’ve been in Penn Engineering for four years, but I had never seen anything like these before.  Some design projects are extremely innovative.  The winning project this year was called “PVS: Pacemaker Verification System,” from a group of male and female electrical engineering students.  These students designed the hardware and circuitry for a model of a heart, which could be hooked up to a pacemaker to be able to study the effects of a pacemaker on the heart and vice versa.  A lot of the products have great potential for commercial success, and in fact, a handful of Penn Engineering grads each year are known to pursue their senior design projects as entrepreneurs.

To the prospective students who may be reading this, every Penn Engineering student is required to work on a design project their senior year.  To some, it feels like a requirement, but to others, it’s an opportunity to be creative and work on a project you’re passionate about and are 100% in charge of.  Senior design project requirements vary based on the major, but in essence, all senior design projects are innovative and viable product or process design.  The goal of most design projects is to make a product, but in my major specifically, CBE (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering), many of the projects are designs of chemical processes.

To give you some background on me, I’m a senior in CBE, and I’m getting ready to graduate and leave Penn in less than three weeks.  Saying that Penn has treated me well would be a vast understatement.  I’ve had an amazing four years at Penn, and there have definitely have been a few things that have shaped my experience.  The first would be the community within Penn Engineering.  Most Penn Engineers I’ve met are very friendly, helpful people who happen to be extremely bright and hard working.  Yes, engineering is a lot of work and yes, it’s challenging.  But don’t let that scare you out of a social life and extracurriculars!  Penn Engineers are involved in so many different things at Penn and in the Philadelphia community.  I myself am a singer in Counterparts, a co-ed jazz and pop a cappella group.  Whether or not you sing/dance/act, the performing arts shows at Penn are a lot of fun to attend each weekend.  I’ve also gone on three life changing community service trips through Alternate Spring Break, a service organization at Penn that you should check out.

Within the Penn Engineering community, I’m especially grateful to the amazing community of women that I’ve been so lucky to be a part of.  Before Penn officially started, I did the AWE Pre-Orientation (Pre-O) program.  It was a great way to meet and get to know other female engineers, many of whom I’m still friends with as a graduating senior.   Pre-O was also a great way to learn about Penn Engineering and all the different clubs within the Engineering Student Activities Council.  I loved AWE Pre-O so much that I applied for the Board, and I’ve been on the Board organizing AWE events ever since.  In addition, a counselor for AWE Pre-O told me about SWE, The Society of Women Engineers, and I decided to get involved by attending the first general body meeting.  I learned a lot as a Board member of SWE, especially as President last year.  SWE gave me a lot of career resources I’m so thankful for, and a SWE alumna actually helped me get my dream job!

Disclaimer:  Learning IS important, too, of course!  Don’t spend all your time doing extracurriculars and going out with friends.  A Penn education is too valuable to waste. But remember that it’s not only about the tests and problem sets; it’s about what you take away from Penn.  The knowledge and skills you’ll gain from the Penn Engineering curriculum as well as your classmates, mentors, and Professors that you’ll hopefully keep in touch with will be far more valuable to you than any high exam grade.

Okay, I’m finally done rambling about how much I love Penn Engineering, so thanks for reading!  To all the prospective Penn engineering students – if you decide to come to Penn, I’ll see you as an alumna!

[Sheetal Rajagopal, CBE 2012]

Study Abroad: Go for it!

Life as an engineering student has many characteristics: early morning labs, late nights working on problem sets, watching the sunrise from the lounge. One of the most well-known aspects of the educational endeavors of an engineering student is the rigid structure of the curriculum. This makes for tight-knit majors and bonding experiences, and it is often used to excuse engineers from taking say, language courses.  

People still find ways to have abroad experiences though; they just need to be a bit more innovative in their approach. I know people who have gone to Africa with Engineers Without Borders, backpacked through Nepal in the name of research, and taken a gap year from Penn to study and work in Germany.

Why do people go to such lengths to find ways to go abroad? Because it is so, so worth it.

I can only attest to my own experience, but I will say this I have never heard a negative account of an abroad experience whether it be academic, research, or industry-related.

My personal abroad experience occurred last summer in Ulsan, South Korea. I did research at a University, which in itself is no more spectacular than how many Penn students spend their summers. But in the U.S. I would not have been able to learn innovative communications skills to overcome language barriers or feel the full effects of a rainy season.

I would never have had the chance to witness the workings of a young university (the oldest class were juniors); to see tall uniform glass building and comparing them with the multicolored brick buildings of Penn the product of decades of building and rebuilding. It was a different setting, a university with mostly associate and assistant professors; faculty and students alike, all beginners. It was a completely different environment, one I will most likely never be able to experience again.

Academics aside, the cultural education I received abroad was just as amazing. I rode on a high speed rail to Seoul to see old palaces, street markets and a Cat Café (a café with cats, everywhere). I sat cross-legged on the floor at a meal for four with the table covered in at least 20 dishes. I introduced the concept of care packages to stressed lab mates studying for finals and was in turn introduced to the tradition of writing farewell messages anonymously on rolled up sheets of paper.

College years are when we are the most mobile, with fewer things to tie us down. The ten weeks I spent in Korea will be forever preserved in my mind. So when it comes time of year to start thinking about what to do this summer, take full advantage of abroad opportunities. It really is worth it.

Questions for Melissa?  Contact her at awe@seas.upenn.edu

Advice for Incoming Freshman on Extracurriculars

Here at Penn, there are countless organizations – student run or not – that students can sign up for.  At http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/osa/orgmain.html, you can view over 200 organizations for students ranging from Recreational Sports to Cultural Student Associations to groups addressing Political Issues.  If you have an extracurricular activity or hobby from your high school years that you really want to continue, chances are you’ll find an already thriving organization for that specific activity that is eagerly searching for new members.  And if you come here and aren’t able to find exactly what you’re searching for? This is the perfect chance to look into starting up a group of your own!  As long as you adhere to these guidelines (http://sacfunded.net/sample-page/) when forming it, you’re golden!  Or maybe you weren’t really involved in anything in high school.  Well, why not try something new?

I remember walking up Locust Walk in the first week of school during the Activities Fair.  It’s exhilarating, astounding, and perhaps a tad overwhelming.  Lined along the entire walk are tables with representatives from every group on campus.  People are handing out flyers for auditions, playing music from their last recorded CD, dancing for their groups, or giving catchy spiels detailing exciting features of their groups.  Now, the tradition as a freshman is to just sign up for anything and everything that might seem remotely interesting.   I highly encourage this.  Sure, your email inbox will be filled with emails from every one of those organizations but that’s how you figure out which one you want to be a part of.  My only word of advice: actually try to narrow it down to a number that is manageable with your workload.  Enjoy your exploration but don’t spread yourself too thin, especially in your first year at college.  And while finding fun things to do in your free time that will enrich your time at Penn is very important, so is your actual education. (Surprising, I know…)

Let me tell you something about my own experiences.  This past weekend, I participated in my final show as a member of my a cappella group, Quaker Notes.  It was filled with speeches and videos about the other three seniors and myself, as well as former members returning to watch the show and remarking on how well they remember when they were seniors and I was just a freshman.  It’s amazing how much this group has become a huge part of my time at Penn.  The girls I met through it (it’s an all-female group) were people that I might have never met otherwise because they ranged from Nursing to English to Business students.  And twice a week, we got together to celebrate the love of music we all share regardless of what our majors are.  And outside of that time, we got together anyways to chat about our lives, homework sets, musical problems, and everything else we could think of.  Also in Quaker Notes, I had the opportunity to be music director, a position equal to presidency but dealing with ensuring the musical quality of the group rather than our public presence.  This leadership position is an experience that I can truly draw on that will help me as a leader in the future.

Singing isn’t something that I will do professionally in life.  But I got the chance to perform twice a year for my friends and family and explore my talent which may never happen again.  I never took voice lessons and I only took choir for a few years.  However, I had an interest in singing when I got to Penn, I auditioned, and I became a part of a group of extraordinary women with whom I shared experiences that I won’t forget.

Use the opportunities you have readily available to you at Penn.  Try something new, something different because you don’t know how much it may add to your life.  So, good luck with your many choices and welcome to Penn.

Questions for Kathleen? e-mail her at awe@seas.upenn.edu