High-Altitude Balloon Team
We design and launch high-altitude balloon payloads to heights of over 70,000 feet. In addition to building the mechanical and electrical components required for launch, we also conduct flight data research and high-altitude engineering projects. Our 2-way satellite communication system enables us to receive data from the payload in real time while in flight, allowing us to maintain full connectivity and collect data from our on-board sensor suite, including temperature, pressure, harmful chemicals (VOCs), and humidity. This semester, we are working on a variety of engineering projects, including investigating the effects of high altitudes on solar cell efficiency, testing different materials for our payload, and improving our telecommunications technologies.
Our Spring 2025 application to join can be found here.
2024 co-directors: Alan Zhu (alzhu@seas.upenn.edu) and Meiling Mathur (meissimo@seas.upenn.edu)
Nov 2023: We launched our balloon in Lancaster, PA and chased it all the way to Elkton, MD.
Alan Zhu
Co-Director
Alan is a junior studying computer science and physics. I’m interested in SWE and research, particularly directed towards sustainability.
Meiling Mathur
Co-Director
Meiling is a sophomore studying Computer Science in Penn Engineering. She conducts high-altitude environmental research and develops software for the Flight Data and Research team. Meiling also enjoys taking road trips and is looking forward to driving the team to their next launch site this fall.
Maryam Ali
Former Co-Director
Leo Huang
Former Co-Director
Former co-director. Physics major with interests in history and philosophy.
Grace Ye
Project Lead
Grace is a sophomore studying Computer Science (and Cinema Studies) interested in SWE and medical applications of CS. She loves curling up on the sofa and binge watching c-dramas.
Kristine Huang
Project Lead
Natalie Reid
Project Lead
Devin Casano
Operations Lead
Devin is a junior studying political science as well as Earth and environmental science. Outside of PAC, Devin is actively involved in the Transfer Student Organization, Government and Politics Association, and Discentes, among others.
Chenyao Liu
Member
Chenyao is a sophomore studying Earth & Environmental Science. She’s interested in sustainability and environmental policy, as well as astronomy and photography!
Sofia Hedlund
Member
Sofia is a sophomore studying computer engineering and works on the Avionics team. She loves skiing, ice hockey, and hot pot!
Leo Barocas
Member
Leo is a sophomore studying mechanical engineering and applied mechanics. She loves to design and build all types of things, especially those that will my community.
Laura Gao
Member
Hi! I’m a sophomore studying electrical engineering and Wharton. I love cooking East Asian food, Olivia Rodrigo, and math proofs.
Sam Plesner
Member
Maria-Christina Nicolaides
Member
M-C is a sophomore studying computer science (and a bit of electrical engineering) and she’s on the Avionics team. She also likes reading sci-fi, especially in new cafes!
Layla Brooks
Member
David Kim
Member
Sam Park
Member
Sam is a sophomore studying computer science. In his free time, he likes to play basketball and spend time with his friends. He is also part of PennSori.
Daniel Lin
Member
I’m a freshman studying Electrical Engineering. In my free time, I like running and watching movies.
Kun Kei Xiao
Member
Kun Kei is a freshman from Macau. I love listening to music and reading in my free time.
Dheepak Gobinath
Member
Dheepak, a passionate Electrical Engineering Master’s student, is not only mastering the realms of AI, cloud computing, and hardware/software integration, but also weaving his leadership magic, making every moment of his journey a blend of intellect and inspiration. He loves to take long walks through the city, finding inspiration in the beauty of everyday moments.
Adrian Schneider
Member
Adrian is a freshman from Berlin, Germany in the M&T Program, studying Electrical Engineering and Business Analytics. He loves table tennis, producing music, design and hiking.
Vincent Zhang
Member
Kevin Song
Member
Kevin is a freshman studying computer science. In his free time he loves origami and reading.
Elia Kim
Member
Elia is a sophomore majoring in biochemistry with a minor in computational neuroscience. She is interested in learning about the intersections of science and technology, particularly in neuroimaging. Also, she loves exploring new cuisines and skiing during winter.
Nathan Wu
Member
Sophomore studying Computer Science and Chemistry. Particularly interested in ML and its applications towards wildfire prevention and the medical field.
Sebastian Rodriguez
Member
Sebastian is a sophomore studying electrical engineering. He is experienced in embedded systems and circuit analysis. Outside of PAC, he is also a board member for the Science & Technology Wing and a member of Penn’s MMA and BJJ clubs.
Edward Huang
Member
Edward is a freshman studying Physics and Mechanical Engineering. I’m also interested in a wide range of music, from classical to k-pop to rap.
Jacob Brodkey
Member
Jacob is a freshman studying physics with interests in history and math.
Anya Mittal
Member
Anya is a sophomore studying Bioengineering. She loves designing and building things, especially for medical applications, and is super excited for this year’s project. Outside of that, she loves painting, skating, and adventure!
Junie Guo
Member
Aahan Shah
Member
Aahan is a student in the VIPER program pursuing a dual degree in Chemical Engineering and Physics. He is interested in Energy and Sustainability with a love for Poker and Golf.
Term Taepaisitphongse
Member
Jerry Zhang
Member
Hi! I’m a freshman studying electrical engineering. I’m a big fan of tennis and FKJ, and I’m a spikeball lover.
Jasmin Wu
Member
Jasmin is a freshman studying computer science. She’s interested in exploring the various applications of CS. She loves trying new food spots, exercising, and dumplings!
Kevin Li
Member
Kevin is a freshman studying computer science. He likes producing music and playing sports.
Seth Sukboontip
Member
Seth is a sophomore studying Computer Science in Engineering. He enjoys playing the drums and taking photos on both his film and digital cameras.
Srikar Venkatesan
Member
Srikar is a sophomore studying Chemical engineering and Chemistry. I’m interested in battery research for improving alternative energy.
Darren Wang
Member
Darren is a freshman studying computer science. He is interested in machine learning research and software engineering.
Ishan Joshi
Member
Ishan is a freshman studying Electrical Engineering & Physics in VIPER. He is interested in solar cell efficiency research and MEMS/BioMEMS. He enjoys gardening and badminton.
Aidan Kuo
Member
Nishant Nayak
Member
I am a freshman studying Physics and Computer Science, interested in space energy research. I love astrophotography, solar cells and singing!
Iris Wong
Member
Iris is a sophomore from Hong Kong studying Bioengineering. She enjoys reading about legal matters, practicing taichi, and surpassing her high score on 2048.
Ethan Hurvitz
Member
Ethan is a sophomore studying mechanical engineering. He is interested in mechanical design, aerospace, and medicine. In his free time, Ethan loves playing basketball and watching movies.
James Kim
Member
Amanda Guan
Member
Amanda is a sophomore studying computer science. She likes ping pong and exploring the city.
Rafael Nieto
Member
Rafael is a freshman studying mechanical engineering and applied mechanics. In his free time he likes to play soccer, draw, and dance.
Rishi Yellamraju
Member
Brian Chica-Herrera
Member
Brian Chica-Herrera is a freshman and has not decided his major in the College yet. Outside of PAC, Brian is part of Penn Sustainability Consulting and enjoys photography + volleyball.
Kevin Xue
Member
I’m Kevin Xue, a prospective CIS major with an interest in Math and Finance dual-degrees. I think planes are cools, jets are cool, and tech is sick. My hobbies involve weightlifting, Korean manhwa, and shopping.