New Student Representatives

ameera karim

community engagement and sustainability

Ameera Karim (she/her) is a freshman from New York City, and a Law and Society major in the College of Arts of Sciences. Beyond the UA, she is involved with Penn's International Affairs Association (Intercol, SPEV), Wharton Undergraduate Public Policy, and Penn Debate Society. In her free time, Ameera loves hanging out with her friends, trying new (spicy) foods, and listening to house music. She can't wait to get started on UA projects of her own. Please reach out to karim02@sas.upenn.edu with any questions!

samyam khatiwada

equity and inclusion

Samyam Khatiwada (he/him) is a freshman from College Station, TX studying at the Wharton School with planned concentrations in Management and Finance. He is serving in the 53rd Session of the Undergraduate Assembly as a New Student Representative. This year, Samyam is planning to work on initiatives such as expanding dining dollar access, improving communication with the student body through town halls, enhancing FGLI resource support during move-in and throughout the year, and increasing resources for hunger relief. In his free time, Samyam enjoys watching soccer and football, supporting Real Madrid and the Detroit Lions, as well as playing soccer and 8-ball pool, trying new foods, hanging out with friends, and binge-watching TV shows. Feel free to reach out to him at samyamk@wharton.upenn.edu with any ideas, questions, or suggestions!

charmaine chinodakufa

equity and inclusion

Charmaine Chinodakufa (she/her) is a freshman from St. Louis, Missouri, and a Benjamin Franklin scholar in the College of Arts and Sciences on the pre-law track. In her first year in the UA, she serves as a New Student Representative. Outside of the UA, she works at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, is a member of the International Affairs Association’s Special Events Committee and sings in the New Spirit Gospel Choir. In her free time, she likes to cook, spend time with friends and listen to music. Feel free to reach out at chinoda@sas.upenn.edu for any comments, questions or concerns!

solon osei-agyemang

dining, housing, and transit

zheng kang teo

Secretary

Zheng Kang Teo (he/him) is a freshman from Singapore pursuing majors in Psychology and Philosophy, and a minor in Consumer Psychology. He currently serves as a New Student Representative in the UA. In his role, Zheng Kang is looking forward to leverage on his prior experiences to make tangible, quality of life changes and to act as an advocate for the international community at Penn.

Beyond the UA, Zheng Kang is involved in clubs like Penn Hype, The Daily Pennsylvanian and the Assembly of International Students. In his free time, Zheng Kang enjoys dancing, karaoke and enjoying meals with his friends. Do reach out to zk05@sas.upenn.edu with any questions!

sophie rivell

academic initiatives

Sophie Rivell (she/her) is a freshman from West Chester, PA studying in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she plans to major in PPE or Political Science. She currently serves as a New Student Representative on the Undergraduate Assembly and looks forward to working on policy projects that strengthen and improve the Penn community. Outside of the UA, Sophie sings with the Collegium Musicum, volunteers with CSSP, and is involved with SCUE, WUPP, Penn Policy Consulting, the Forum for Legislative Action, TEDx, and Reproductive Justice. In her free time, she enjoys reading thrillers, playing card games with friends, and exploring Philadelphia with a matcha in hand. Feel free to reach out to her at rivell14@sas.upenn.edu with any questions or ideas!

ryan loughran

community engagement and sustainability

Ryan Loughran (he/him) is a first-year student from Orinda, California, serving as a New Student Representative and Vice President of Finance for the Class Board of 2029. Ryan’s past leadership includes serving as President of his Debate Team and Model UN and as a Student Representative on his school board. An Eagle Scout, he led environmental initiatives promoting community conservation and interned with the California State Assembly and Senate, where he worked on policymaking and constituent advocacy. At Penn, Ryan is a member of Undergraduate Moot Court and Wharton Asia Investments (WAI). Beyond the UA, he enjoys spending time with friends and exploring new places.

advait wattal

academic initiatives

Advait Wattal (he/him) is a freshman from Moorestown, New Jersey, studying Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences. He currently serves as a New Student Rep for the freshman class. Along with the UA, Advait is involved in multiple consulting clubs on campus and wants to work in healthcare consulting one day. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and basketball and spending time with friends. His fun fact is that he can juggle.