Rachleff Scholars Program

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A Community of Scholars and Innovators

Early and Sustained Research Engagement

Work directly with faculty mentors and research teams across Penn Engineering and related disciplines. Gain hands-on experience that builds skills, confidence, and scholarly independence.

Academic and Professional Development

Access specialized seminars and workshops on research methods, communication, and graduate study preparation. Develop a strong foundation for advanced study and careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.

Community and Mentorship

Join a cohort of highly motivated peers who share your passion for discovery. Participate in networking events, lab tours, and research symposia that connect you to Penn’s broader research community.

A Three-Dimensional Experience

Each student accepted into the Rachleff Program is required to complete work in three separate areas:

Summer Research Experience

Rachleff Scholars are required to participate in a 10-week paid Summer Research Experience on campus, typically after completing the sophomore year. The research will be conducted under the supervision and mentorship of a standing Penn faculty member. Students will also participate in credit-bearing seminar courses in the semesters before and immediately following their Summer Research Experience.

Honors Coursework

As part of the undergraduate degree requirements, Rachleff Scholars will complete two course units of Honors Coursework. These courses could be designated honors courses or graduate-level courses. One of these courses may be substituted with an independent study with the approval of the Rachleff Scholars Program Director. The selection of appropriate coursework will be made in consultation with your Rachleff Scholars Program Faculty Advisor.

Scholarly Community Activities

In addition to the above academic pursuits, Rachleff Scholars will have the opportunity to interact with their peers outside the classroom and laboratory through community-building activities that will enable them to gain broader skills and knowledge. Examples of Scholarly Community Activities include site visits to industries and research institutes, community outreach projects, and social functions.

If you have any questions regarding the Rachleff Scholars Program, please contact: rachapps@seas.upenn.edu

Faculty Director: Paulo Arratia, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Program Director: Nita Guzman Del Vecchio, Academic Advisor and Program Manager, Research Experiences

Sophomore Application

The Rachleff Scholars Program is open to rising sophomores with at least a 3.4 Cumulative GPA and strong interests in engineering research. The Program is very selective and there are only a few openings for sophomores. If you are interested in applying for the Rachleff Scholars Program, please click on the button and complete the application. Application deadline July 7, 2026.

Rachleff Scholars Application

Elevate your undergraduate experience through research

Covering topics ranging from quantum mechanics to AI, the Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium brought together students, faculty and industry professionals to celebrate a summer of innovation.

To those outside academic research, the investigative process can seem opaque. So, for undergraduate students deciding the direction of their studies, understanding what goes on behind the closed doors of a research lab can be an eye-opening—and life-changing—experience.