Executive Board
-
Pierce Bruner
President
Pierce Bruner (C‘26) is majoring in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and minoring in Classical Studies. Pierce became involved with the Collegium Institute through the Socrates on College Preceptorial during New Student Orientation as well as the Food for Thought program and has since enjoyed the multitude of talks, panels, and discussions that the Collegium has sponsored. Through the open dialogue that the Collegium Institute provides, Pierce enjoys learning more about the intersection between religion, philosophy and other areas of study. Outside of the classroom, Pierce is an editor for the Penn Science Journal of Undergraduate Research, a consultant for Penn Sustainability Consulting, and enjoys watching soccer, reading, and running.
-
Sophia Silva
Vice President
Sophia Silva (W’ 26) is pursuing a double major in Multinational Management and Retailing. In her leisure time, she finds joy in playing golf, mostly in the friendships it fosters. Additionally, she has a passion for baking and cooking, with a special fondness for Mexican recipes passed down from my family. Sophia's journey with collegium began my freshman year, by engaging in 'Food for Thought' discussions and further deepened during the 'Catholic Humanism' seminar. Eager to immerse herself in the Intellectual Tradition of her Catholic Faith, she looks forward to the transformative experience this fellowship offers, anticipating that it will further enrich her personal and intellectual growth, building on the profound impact it has already had.
-
Rachel Fischer
Blog Editor-in-Chief
Rachel Fischer (C ‘26) is pursuing a double major in chemistry and Hispanic studies, with a minor in neuroscience. In her free time, Rachel enjoys exploring cultures through her cooking and also has a passion for reading, painting, and playing the piano. Rachel first became involved in Collegium her freshman year through its “Socrates on College” seminar and “Food for Thought” weekly discussions. As an Undergrad Fellow, she is excited to continue to spark her intellectual curiosity exploring the various programs Collegium has to offer while immersing herself in the values, community, and joys of this institution.
-
Kayla Massick
Treasurer
Kayla Massick (C'27) a student studying Cognitive Science. In addition to Collegium Institute programs, Kayla is involved in the Outdoors Club, Bloomers Comedy group, and Young Life Skeptics Dinners. Outside of Penn she is working on building a boat and putting her EMT training to use. She discovered Collegium through the “Socrates on College” preceptorial and has attended the “Food for Thought” modules and Friday coffeehouses ever since. She cannot wait to continue to explore and discuss the nuances of the world around us in future Collegium programming!
-
Isaiah Weir
Secretary
Isaiah Weir (C' 26) studies Classical languages and literatures, with a special interest in Greek and general intellectual history. He loves reading, good conversation, good tea, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is always up for a game of chess if anyone's interested. He started with Collegium his freshman year through the "Socrates on college" session and has engaged with Lectio Humana and other reading groups. He has a passion for dialogue on campus and especially engagement with the Christian intellectual tradition.
Undergraduate Fellows
Rashmi Acharya (C'25) is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Health and Societies, concentrating in Public Health and Neuroscience. Rashmi is interested in exploring the intersections between spirituality, wellness, healing, and being, and is involved with the Shelter Health Outreach Program and CHOP’s Homeless Health Initiative. She first was introduced to the Collegium through the Medical Humanities Fellowship and hopes to continue to engage in soul-searching, fruitful debate with her peers, and delving deeper into ancient and modern dialogues on what it means to exist.
Kofi Anokye ( '28) is a student in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research, pursuing Physics and Electrical Engineering. Raised in Ghana as a Presbyterian, Kofi has always had a fervent interest in faith traditions—from reading narrative in the Hebrew Bible to learning about Hindu Gods and Goddesses to contemplating the theology of African traditional religions, Islam and the local, syncretic traditions that subsume them. His object in Collegium is to be edified by the Catholic philosophical tradition.
Luke Baber is a student in the Wharton School of Business ('25) and hails from Oklahoma. He is currently involving himself in various clubs on campus such as the Wharton Undergraduate Society of Accounting, Coalition for Christian Outreach, and the Christian Union. Coming from a rich Southern Baptist background in the buckle of the Bible Belt and attending a Catholic prep school, Luke has great interest in learning about ways to encounter God and about ways to spread that joy unto others. His interests include business models, politics, and how religion is woven into the fabric of society. Usually you can find Luke watching documentaries, reading a book, or playing disc golf at Fairfield park. He intends to use the Collegiate Undergraduate Fellowship's diverse community and academic rigor as a means of expanding his Christian knowledge and thought.
Elizabeth (Liz) Basilious (C’25) is a student studying Health & Societies concentrating in Healthcare Markets and Finance with a minor in Medical Sociology and Healthcare Management. Throughout her time at Penn, she's since pursued research in fields related but not limited to the history of medicine, women's health, reproductive justice, and access to GLP-1 medications at Penn Medicine. She is passionate about healthcare access, health policy, social determinants of health, and the intersection of business in healthcare. On campus, she is involved with Moelis Access Science, the Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club, The Walk Magazine, Wharton Women, and is excited to be a Collegium Institute Fellow. In her free time, Elizabeth loves running, baking, traveling, and enjoying good food with friends!
Katherine (C'26) is a student pursuing a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Chemistry. She first got involved in Collegium through the Food for Thought program and subsequently got involved in the Catholic Humanism program where she has enjoyed delving deeper into the Catholic intellectual tradition. She appreciates how Collegium gives her the chance to have lively discussions with a community of intelligent and curious peers. In her free time she enjoys reading, drawing, and the outdoors.
Paul Beblavy (C’ 28) is majoring in International Relations and East Asian Languages and Civilizations. Paul first got involved in Collegium through the Socrates at College preceptorial and Catholic Humanities Fellowship during his first semester and has been an active member ever since. Through Collegium, Paul seeks to explore his main philosophical interests, metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics, while also rigorously debating ideas through Collegium's weekly talks and Fellowship meetings. Apart from being a Collegium Undergraduate Fellow, Paul also serves on Collegium's Steering Committee, where he brings the undergraduate perspective to the Institute's decision-making. Aside from Collegium, Paul is also involved in International Relations on campus, competing as part of Penn's Modul UN Travel Team, organizing Penn's Model UN conference, while also being a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society. In his free time, Paul enjoys running, exercise and playing the arcane game of pool with his friends.
Laura Brodkey is a student in Wharton ('25) studying Behavioral Economics and Business Economics and Public Policy. She first explored Collegium looking for opportunities to explore interesting conversations and philosophy and has since participated in the Philosophy of Finance program. She is interested in the intersection of sustainability, philosophy, human behavior, and the cooperation between governments, businesses and NGOs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors through leading trips for other Penn students and exploring Philly.
Diego Budejen-Jerez is a student from Philadelphia, PA. He attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in North Philadelphia and is now a student at Penn (C‘28). He was first introduced to the Collegium Institute in highschool through the Young Catholic Leaders Initiative (YCLI). His academic interests lie in all fields of knowledge that contribute to a deeper understanding of Christianity. Through the YCLI, he first became interested in the intellectual tradition of the Church, and is excited to continue his exploration in the years to come
Camellia Bui is a student from Vietnam studying Psychology and potentially Health & Societies in the College of Arts & Sciences (C'25). Involved in several secular mental wellness initiatives on campus, she often wonders how religion has provided spiritual guidance, solace and healing in the place of modern psychology today. Camellia hopes to use this opportunity to explore how modern scientific understanding and religious wisdom can be used in conjunction to interpret and alleviate current mental health crises.
Michael Cameron is a student in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business (C’28, W’28). In attending an academically rigorous Catholic prep school in New York City, he is interested in understanding how Catholic tradition and morality intertwine with the foundations behind business, law, and philosophy. He is also passionate about global issues like preventing the rise of authoritarianism due to his background as a Hungarian-American dual national. Michael first got involved with Collegium through the Food for Thought session about conspiracy theories, and he is now involved in the Philosophy of Finance Fellowship. In his free time, Michael loves to play, watch, and read books about soccer.
Anita Chacko (C' 25) is studying Philosophy, Politics, & Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. She has a background in Finance and got involved with Collegium to learn more about ethical considerations in finance through the Philosophy of Finance fellowship. She is a member of the Newman Catholic Center and a TA for the Wharton Youth Global Program. In her free time, she likes to cook, workout, and explore the city. After graduation, she will be in New York working in Sales & Trading.
Junle (Richard) Chen is a student from Princeton, New Jersey in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Biochemistry and Neurobiology in Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences ('25). Aspiring to become a neurologist, Richard’s interest is in decoding the mind body problem through the integrated fields of philosophy and neuroscience. His hobbies include fencing, music and poetry composition, and bartending.
Alexander Chotai (C'26) is a student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a major in Philosophy and Linguistics. Further drawn to the Catholic faith in high school in part due to the Catholic intellectual tradition and the writings of thinkers such as Saints Thomas Aquinas and Augustine, Alex has long taken interest in philosophy as it applies to faith. Through taking part in various Collegium modules - such as Catholic Humanism, Lectio Humana, and the various intellectual retreats and seminars offered throughout the year - he has gained a new appreciation for the vast and rich history of Christian thought. Alex is conversant in several languages and aims to use this skill in reading texts as they were originally written. In his free time, Alex enjoys learning about the faith, self-studying various foreign languages.
Hyniff Collins is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Religion and minoring in Political Science. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Hyniff attended Freire Charter High School. At Penn, Hyniff is a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, an editor for Christian journal Penn Epistle, and is a SNF Paideia Fellow. Hyniff enjoys writing and reading about Christian theology. He is an avid scholar of theology and aspires to be a professor of theology, focusing specifically on eastern Christian theology.
Catalina Gallardo (C '27) is a student in the College of Arts & Sciences from Miami, Florida. She is majoring in Political Science, concentrating in International Relations, and double-minoring in International Development and History of Art. Aspiring to become a Diplomat, she thoroughly studies debate & dialogue while still enjoying leisure time spent playing tennis, long runs, and with friends. Catalina became involved with the Collegium Institute through the Penn Newman Center and Collegium's Legal Humanities fellowships.
Samuel J.C. Hatfield is an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences studying English. He is involved in the Collegium Institute and the Penn Catholic Newman Center and enjoys discussing theology and literature.
Joyce He (C'25) is majoring in linguistics, with minors in Hispanic studies, consumer psychology, and computer science (if she could, she would've added a fourth in creative writing). She enjoys memoirs, typography, a good smash burger, and writing (often about food). She was introduced to the Collegium Institute through their Legal Humanities Fellowship and is excited to understand more about the living God through talking with other Christians and reading from some really smart authors!
Teddy Kaiser (C’28) is a student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a major in Biology on the pre-med track. He has always been fascinated by the search for truth in the universe and discovered, through the "Food for Thought" module, that the collegium explored these topics. While most of his life is spent seeking that truth in the realm of empirical science—whether through classes, research, or recreational reading—he also recognizes the importance of philosophical thought and religion in asking questions that elude the scientific method.
Euel Kebebew (C'25) is in the College of Arts & Sciences studying International Relations and History. On campus, he nurtures his intellectual and theological curiosity through the Collegium Institute’s Legal Humanities Fellowship and Catholic Humanism Fellowship, where he explores the intersections of law, philosophy, and faith. He also serves in the leadership of Veritas Forum @ Penn, fostering conversations that engage life’s deepest questions across worldviews. In his free time, he enjoys reading theology and philosophy, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Augustine, N.T. Wright, and Dostoevsky. Beyond these pursuits, Euel is passionate about international economic justice, global governance, and the role of religious institutions in shaping history and society.
Mary Lee is a BA/MA student in International Studies, Sociology, and East Asian Studies at Johns Hopkins University (SAIS). She also majored in Sociology and East Asian Studies. She converted from Protestantism to Catholicism Easter of 2024 and has been coming out to Collegium for various programs like Catholic Humanism, Lectio Humana, and The Sun Rises in the East. In her free time, she likes to play basketball and go rock climbing.
Amy Liu is a student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a major in digital media design in Penn Engineering and a tentative minor in psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences (C'25). Upon arriving at Penn, Amy was introduced to Collegium through its NSO “Socrates on College” preceptorial and its “Food for Thought” modules. She values the institute for the insight its given her as a window into the endless possibilities at Penn. As she navigates her life here, she hopes to continue exploring the intricacies of the human psyche and challenging herself with new perspectives and new horizons, making use of such lessons at both Penn and beyond.
Wesley Liu (C’28) is currently pursuing a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Wesley is passionate about Christian ethics and apologetics, drawing from his favorite church fathers as well as C.S. Lewis (his favorite author of all time). In his free time, Wesley enjoys reading, laughing with friends, and admiring nature. Wesley has participated in the Catholic Humanism, Philosophy of Finance fellowships among others. Wesley is excited to serve as an Undergraduate Fellow at the Collegium Institute to continue to feast at God’s wisdom banquet.
Melody Luo is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C’26), majoring in Political Science and English and minoring in Legal Studies, History, and Urban Education - Policy, Research, and Practice. Her academic and career interests include constitutional law, racial formation theory, and education and food policy reform. At Penn, Melody is part of the Penn Mock Trial team, Undergraduate Assembly, PennYo A Cappella, and the SNF Paideia Fellowship Program. She was first introduced to Collegium through the Legal Humanities Fellowship and looks forward to building bridges across divides through having meaningful conversations with her peers.
Raphael Renzo Martinez is a student from Sylmar, California intending to pursue a double major in philosophy and physics at the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27). Some of his research interests lie at the intersection of philosophy and science, but his other hobbies include chess, basketball and filmmaking. He intends to use the Collegium Institute to cultivate thoughts seeded in others’ perspectives.
Mo Foroutan is an undergraduate (C'25) at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Economics. He is involved in the Penn's Undergraduate Economics Society, Penn's Economic Almanac, and Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity. He enjoys playing soccer, history, and reading biographies in his free time.
Jordan Ortiz is a proud New Jersey resident and a dedicated student of American history (C'25). He is also a member of the Penn Sprint Football team and has an incredible passion for community service and political discourse. Jordan was raised in a Jewish household and hopes to learn about the intersectionalities of not just Catholicism and modern philosophy, but other religions as well. His principle goal with Collegium is to understand the law to a deeper extent so that he may promote justice and socio-economic equity wherever he may find himself.
Griffin Pitt (C ‘26) is pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Urban Studies. She is concentrating in Water Management for both majors. Her senior thesis is about nature-based solutions for water conservation, where she investigates the intersection between water-capture technology efficacy and its economic and social impacts. Her research is currently based in the Kamba community of East Africa, Andean indigenous techniques in Peru, and evaluating the Sponge City Program (SCP) in China. Outside of water management, Griffin is an avid reader, athlete and artist. In addition to Collegium, she is an SNF Paideia Fellow and President of the Benjamin Franklin Scholars. She is a Research Fellow at The Water Center at Penn and the Penn Institute for Urban Research. She is from North Carolina.
Tyler Ringhofer is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27) from Orange County, California. He intends to pursue a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and is passionate about the intersections between Business and Law. He thoroughly enjoys Collegium Institute’s “Food For Thought” discussions, which has opened up his mind to fascinating philosophical and religious topics. In his free time, you can find him on the basketball court perfecting his three-point shot as well as cheering on his favorite basketball team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Michael Ruggerio is originally from West Chester, PA and is a graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School. He is currently a student of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania (C'25).
McKenna Sun is a student at the University of Pennsylvania studying neuroscience (C'26). She was introduced to the Collegium Institute through her involvement at the Penn Newman Catholic Center. McKenna is interested in exploring further the meaning of Catholicism and hopes to learn more about the intersection between faith and reason. Outside of Collegium, she sings for Full Measure A Cappella and serves as a singer and organist for the St. Agatha-St. James parish.
Emilia is a pre-law student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a double-major in PPE and Classical Languages (C ’26). She first got involved with the Penn Newman Center, and is now in “Food for Thought” and the Sun Rises in the East program. Some of her research interests include the dual evolution of regulation and scientific innovation, ancient women in Rome, and the role of credentialism in building public trust. As part of Collegium, Emilia hopes to build her understanding of how the Catholic intellectual tradition can become integrated into modern life and build community with her peers.