Speaker Bios

Contact Info: mdecross@sas.upenn.edu

Matt is a second year Physics PhD student from upstate New York. He previously studied physics and math as an undergraduate at MIT. Matt thinks black holes are awesome and wants to learn more about what they look like inside and what happens when you throw things into them. His main research interests lie at the intersection of quantum gravity and quantum information theory, understanding connections between spacetime and quantum entanglement. When he isn't experimenting with fun math, coding simulations, or pondering the universe, Matt enjoys playing various sports, games, and music.

Contact Info: wujoon@seas.upenn.edu

Wujoon is a second year Ph.D. student in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Program. He grew up in South Korea and obtained a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in New York. During his studies, Wujoon realized his passion for research in the field of nanotechnology. He is interested in using nanomaterials and nanoscale systems to not only advance nanotechnology but also solve some of the world’s global energy problems. In addition to doing his cool nanotechnology research, Wujoon enjoys playing the guitar and watching movies.

Contact Info: tamt@sas.upenn.edu

Tammy is a third year PhD student from the Biology Program at Penn and is also simultaneously pursuing her medical degree. Hailing from L.A., she is a proud Trojan having completed her Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, and Religion at the University of Southern California. She then completed her MA in Climate & Society at Columbia University. She has a broad interest in how climate affects infectious diseases. She fills her time reading fiction, traveling, playing sports poorly, and hiking exotic locations. 

Contact Info: kdunne@sas.upenn.edu

Kieran is a Penn PhD student in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science. He studies geomorphology and is broadly interested in how fluid forces interact with granular media to create various landforms such as river channels and sand dune fields. Kieran’s current research is centered around understanding the physical mechanisms that govern the shape and size of river channels.  To pursue this interest, he combines experiments with field work. Kieran’s research helps us understand the physics of how the surface or the Earth and other planets are shaped. In his spare time, Kieran likes to unwind with some Muay Thai boxing.