Hey! I'm Sheel, a Health and Societies and Nutrition Science double major with a minor in Chemistry, originally from North Carolina. I'm on a physician-scientist track, so I spend a lot of my time in research and thinking about how health, society, and science all connect. Outside of that, I'm involved with PULSE at Penn, love tutoring, and I'm always up for showing people around campus and talking through what the Penn experience is really like.

Hometown

Wilmington, NC

Major(s)

Health and Societies, Nutrition Science

Minor(s)

Chemistry

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I'm involved with PULSE at Penn through the Netter Center, working alongside a great team on community-facing initiatives. I also continue research collaborations tied to the Perelman School of Medicine, including scoping review work with the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy. Outside of Penn-specific groups, I stay connected to Science Olympiad, having served as tournament director for a major invitational before arriving here.

Describe your college experience

Honestly, the transition wasn't as dramatic as everyone hypes it up to be — I came in already knowing I wanted to dive into research, so I just kind of got to it. Between labs, a few clubs, and figuring out Philly, things clicked into place pretty naturally. It's been a good time so far, no real complaints.

Tip for future students

Don't wait to reach out to professors or labs you're interested in — people are way more open to it than you'd expect. Also, it's fine if your path shifts around a bit; you don't need everything figured out freshman year.

Favorite class

Faculty-Student Collaborative Action Seminar for Urban-University Community Relations: allowed me to learn about Penn's broader impact in the West Philadelphia area, while also dedicating an hour a week or more to volunteering at a local high school there -- Paul Robeson high school

Career goals

I'm aiming to become a physician-scientist, combining clinical medicine with research on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Basically, treating patients while also building tools that could actually change how those diseases get diagnosed or managed.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Honestly, just grabbing food with friends and not overthinking the plans. Maybe a study break turns into a longer hangout, maybe it doesn't — either way works.

High school or secondary school

Hoggard High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot is Van Pelt Library, especially the upper floors when I need quiet focus for research writing or problem sets. There's something about being surrounded by other students deep in their own work that keeps me motivated during long stretches of studying. It's become the place where a lot of my best thinking — and most of my late-night breakthroughs — happens.