Can Duru (M&T ’28)
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkiye
SEAS Major: Computer Science
Wharton Concentration: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
I am Can Duru, a sophomore M&T student coming from Istanbul. As a fun fact, I have two crazy dogs waiting for me to come back and play with them. I am interested in the new technologies such as VR/AR, AI, and also cybersecurity. I want to pursue my career in the software and build my own startup about these technologies. In high school, I was a writer in a digital newspaper about technology, and I wrote my own book. Besides that, I learned how to build iOS apps from scratch and now I’m developing couple of applications for my hobbys and potential job opportunity in Turkey. In UPenn, I’m interested to be a part of Venture Lab in next year with one my ideas. Also, I’m part of AI in Business Club and Economics Society.
Benjamin Zhang (M&T ’29)
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
SEAS Major: Computer Engineering
Wharton Concentration: Finance
Hi everyone, my name is Ben and I’m from Naperville, IL which is in the Chicagoland area planning to study Computer Engineering. I’m primarily interested in startup/venture space especially high-impact tech startups. The most significant experience I had throughout high school was with startup competitions, working on therapeutic devices. At Penn I’m looking to get involved with the venture groups and innovation funds here and to build some cool projects. Outside class I love to meet new people, explore campus and the city, and playing sports.
Carina Guo (M&T ’26)
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
SEAS Major: Computer Science
Wharton Concentration: Finance
Hello! My name is Carina and I’m a senior in M&T. I’m pursuing a CS BAS, Finance BSE, and the Data Science MSE with a minor in math. I’ve spent my previous summers working in quantitative finance at Jane Street and Belvedere, and I will be joining Citadel Securities as a full-time quantitative trader after graduating. On campus, I lead WITG’s Quantitative Investment Strategies committee and am a member of the Tech committee. I like listening to music, writing songs, and solving puzzles in my free time and hope to get into birdwatching/cooking this year. Happy to talk about academics, student life, or anything on your mind!
Carly Googel (M&T ’27)
Hometown: New York, New York
SEAS Major: Systems Engineering (AI)
Wharton Concentration: Finance
Hi, I’m Carly, a junior in the M&T Program studying Systems Engineering and Finance. The past summers I’ve interned in venture capital at Serena Ventures (Serena Williams’ VC Firm) and Eniac Ventures, where I sourced and diligenced startups across industries like entertainment, sports, AI, and general tech, and built internal tools to support investment decisions. My favorite part of these experiences has been getting to meet and connect with passionate founders building at the forefront of markets. At Penn, I’m involved in a ton of clubs including Hack4Impact, Penn Undergraduate Capital Partners, AI@Penn, and Wharton Finance & Technology, and serve as a campus lead for AfterQuery, a YC backed AI startup. I love to create and at any given point am working on at least a couple side projects or startups. I love exploring new cities, going on long walks with a podcast, spending time with friends. A fun fact about me is I grew up playing competitive table tennis (and may or may not be playing in the background of an upcoming Timothée Chalamet ping pong film!).
Diasali Karim (M&T ’28)
Hometown: Astana, Kazakhstan
SEAS Major: Computer Science
Wharton Concentration: Finance and Management
I am interested in the intersection of finance and technology, with a particular focus on scalable tech ventures. I have experience launching a startup and continue to build on this interest through active involvement in multiple clubs and societies at Penn. Outside of academics, I practice judo and compete as part of the Penn Judo team. I enjoy working in team environments, pursuing new ideas, and applying my interests in business and technology to practical challenges.
Jiya Patel (M&T ’29)
Hometown: Princeton, NJ
SEAS Major: Mechanical Engineering
Wharton Concentration: Finance
I am interested in aerospace and have conducted research in aerodynamics and spacecraft design. I plan to pursue a career in the industry, related to the commercialization of space. Outside of academics, I have been dancing for 13 years, where I’ve also choreographed and mentored younger students. I am also into general aviation where I have trained as a student pilot and completed 40 hours. In high school, I was actively involved in FBLA, DECA, and Model UN, where I really enjoyed getting to work with friends, meet new people, and solve different problems.
Sneha Sharma (M&T ’29)
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
SEAS Major: Artificial Intelligence
Wharton Concentration: Finance
I’m a freshman in the M&T program excited about the intersection of innovation, artificial intelligence, and business. Before coming to Penn, I was really involved in AI and biotechnology research, DECA (a business competition), and Model United Nations. Throughout my 4 years at Penn, I plan to explore opportunities within the technology startup space. I hope to get involved in the entrepreneurship and venture capital clubs on campus, as well as do research!
Teniola Tobun (M&T ’28)
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
SEAS Major: CIS
Wharton Concentration: Finance
Hi! My name is Teni and I’m a freshman at M&T interested in venture capital and private equity. In my free time I enjoy sailing, trying new restaurants, and watching movies. I’m currently doing my work study at the M&T office and I love visiting the office to see other M&T’s, hang out, and study in general!