Friday, March 28 – The VIPER program came together in full force to celebrate VIPER Day 2025, a dynamic event that brought together current students, alumni, and faculty for a day of connection and celebration. From scientific presentations to dodgeball showdowns, the day was a vivid reminder of the strength and spirit of the VIPER community.
Kicking Off with Community
The day began with a light breakfast in the VIPER Lounge, hosted by the VIPER Student Board (VSB) and VIPER Alumni Board (VAB). Over coffee and pastries, students and alumni caught up and exchanged stories. For many, it was the first time seeing each other in over a year, and it was simply nice to reconnect in a relaxed, familiar space.
The morning also marked a special milestone. Since the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) officially opened its doors in December 2024, this was the first time many alumni had stepped foot inside the new, state-of-the-art facility.
Senior Showcase: A Look Back and Forward
One of the highlights of the day was the VIPER Senior Showcase. The event began with opening remarks from Professor Andrew Rappe and Dr. Roy Vagelos, who offered words of encouragement and pride for the graduating class.
Then, five members of the Class of 2025, Joey Wu, Isa Pan, Owen Frausto, Karen Li, and Peter Bazianos, took the stage to share reflections on their VIPER journeys. Their talks covered everything from lab breakthroughs and academic pivots to lasting friendships and unexpected career revelations. Each presentation offered a deeply personal look into the dual-degree experience, and their stories sparked both laughter and quiet reflection among audience members.
The session closed with a moment of recognition for the Class of 2025 and the presentation of three senior awards honoring exceptional contributions to the VIPER community.
Danny Han received the Award for Outstanding Research Achievement for his excellence in energy research and meaningful contributions to independent projects throughout his time at Penn.
Isa Pan was honored with the Award for Distinguished Community Leadership in recognition of her dedication to building professional and social connections within the VIPER community.
Finally, Peter Bazianos received the Award for Interdisciplinary Academic Excellence for his exemplary academic performance and his ability to bridge the worlds of science and engineering through a rigorous, thoughtfully curated course of study.
Lunch and Dodgeball
After the showcase, attendees enjoyed a celebratory lunch, fueling up for showdown time. In a (lighthearted) dodgeball tournament, students and alumni teamed up based on their VIPER house: Geothermal, Hydroelectric, Solar, or Wind.
After several energetic rounds, Solar emerged victorious, with Hydroelectric close behind as runner-up. The friendly competition also added points to the annual VIPER House Race, giving the event an extra edge of excitement.
Afternoon Alumni Panel
Students returned to the Vagelos Laboratory for the VIPER Alumni Panel, where 4 distinguished alumni shared how their VIPER experience shaped their paths after Penn.
- Robert Tannenbaum (‘17) spoke about his work as an R&D engineer at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, emphasizing how his interdisciplinary background supports life cycle management in healthcare technology.
- Zachary Whitlock (‘20) shared insights from his role as a Senior Research Analyst at Resources for the Future, where he focuses on energy policy and environmental economics.
- Yide Zhao (‘21) discussed his journey into software engineering at Meta, where he now works on monetizing generative AI technologies.
- George Popov (‘21) spoke about his current research as a PhD student at Caltech, where he contributes to the Space Solar Power Project, and reflected on how VIPER equipped him to approach complex engineering challenges.
The panel, hosted by VSB and VAB, was not only informative but also deeply inspiring, illustrating the vast range of careers VIPER students can pursue, from lab research to federal policy to tech innovation.
Closing with Gratitude and Pride