Hi, I'm Jonah! I'm a senior at Penn studying neuroscience on the premed track, and I'm heading to med school after graduation. When I'm not in lab or volunteering, you can usually find me hanging out with friends, at Pottruck, or exploring what Philly has to offer. I'm friendly, easygoing, and always happy to share recommendations or just chat.

Hometown

Atlanta, Georgia

Major(s)

Neuroscience

Minor(s)

Cognitive Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Olami JHealth UPenn Chapter (Penn's Jewish pre-health organization), Penn Fight Hate Ambassador, Yavneh National Board Member, Penn Hillel Soup Kitchen, Crisis Text Line

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was defined most by the process of finding my community. Coming from Atlanta, Georgia, I initially found the scale of Penn and the sheer number of new people overwhelming, and it took time to move past surface-level interactions into relationships that felt genuine. Over my first year, I found that community not through one single group, but through a combination of coursework that sparked real intellectual connection with classmates, extracurricular involvement that let me work alongside people who shared my interests, and smaller, more consistent spaces — a research lab, a club, or a group of close friends — where I felt known rather than just present. By the time I reached my later years at Penn, that sense of belonging had become one of the most stabilizing parts of my college experience. It shaped not just my social life, but also my academic and professional development, since many of the mentors, collaborators, and friends I found through that process pushed me toward opportunities I wouldn't have pursued alone — including much of the clinical and premedical experience that solidified my interest in medicine.

Tip for future students

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there early — the people and communities you find in your first year end up shaping so much of your college experience, both socially and academically. It takes time to move past surface-level connections, but staying open to new clubs, activities, and people pays off.

Favorite class

Drugs, Brain, and Mind was my favorite class because it connected the science of neuropharmacology directly to real, observable human behavior in a way that felt immediately relevant. I found it fascinating to learn how specific drugs interact with neurotransmitter systems to produce such distinct effects on mood, cognition, and behavior. The class also deepened my interest in medicine by showing me how much of what we experience mentally and emotionally can be traced back to precise biological mechanisms.

Career goals

After graduating, I'm planning to gain more clinical experience as a medical assistant before pursuing a Master's in Bioethics & Jewish Law at Yeshiva University. My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a physician, drawing on my research and clinical background to provide thoughtful, patient-centered care.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is hanging out with friends, whether that's grabbing food together, watching a show, or just relaxing and catching up after a busy week.

High school or secondary school

The Weber School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is Pottruck. It's where I go to decompress from a busy academic and clinical schedule, and it's also become a place where I run into friends and unwind after a long day.