Hi All! My name is Julia, and I’m a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying architecture and a varsity rower on the women’s team. I’m actively involved in campus life through student government, environmental initiatives, and planning social events that bring our community together. Penn has given me so many ways to explore my interests and make an impact, and living in Philadelphia has made the experience even more meaningful—I’m excited to share what I love about this place!

Hometown

Oyster Bay, New York

Major(s)

Architecture (Concentration: Design)

Minor(s)

Landscape Studies, Sociology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Varsity Athlete - Division I Women's Rowing Director - Jazz & Grooves Director - Social Planning & Events Committee (branch of Student Government) Student Advisor - Penn Environmental Innovations Initiative Member - Athlete Ally Member - Penn Records Member - Outdoors Club

Describe your college experience

My college experience has been full of growth and exploration. I started at Penn as a bioengineering major in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, but quickly realized that engineering—and especially labs—weren’t the right fit for me. After my freshman year, I transferred into the College of Arts and Sciences, where I took time to explore different subjects before discovering a real passion for architecture. Throughout it all, I’ve been a member of the varsity women’s rowing team, which has been an incredibly rewarding and grounding part of my college life. After my first year, I also became much more involved in campus clubs, student government, and event planning, which has helped me connect with the Penn community in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Tip for future students

One tip I’d share with future students is that it’s completely okay to not know exactly what you want to study when you arrive at Penn. I started out in a major that wasn’t the right fit for me, and it took some time and exploration to find what I’m truly passionate about. That process didn’t hold me back—in fact, it helped me grow and ultimately led me to a field I love. Penn offers so many opportunities and resources to help you figure things out along the way, and you can absolutely build the future you want, even if you don’t have it all mapped out from day one.

Favorite class

One of my favorite classes at Penn has been Humans and the Earth System. It combined design with environmental responsibility in a way that really resonated with me. We explored how architecture can respond to climate challenges through sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful urban planning. It was the first time I saw how my passion for design could directly contribute to a positive environmental impact, and it helped solidify my interest in sustainable architecture.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work at an architecture firm in Philadelphia for a year or two to gain hands-on experience before pursuing a master’s degree in architecture. My long-term goal is to become a licensed architect here in Philly, specializing in sustainable design with a focus on institutional and public buildings. I'm passionate about creating spaces that serve communities and contribute to a more environmentally responsible future.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is grabbing dinner with friends at Quaker Kitchen—Penn’s reservation-only dining hall with amazing, restaurant-quality food—and then heading to a concert hosted by Jazz & Grooves. They’re part of student government and bring up-and-coming artists to campus, so it’s always a fun and unique experience. I love nights like that where I can enjoy great food, live music, and time with friends—all without leaving campus!

High school or secondary school

Locust Valley High School, Locust Valley, New York