High-Altitude Balloon Team
We design and launch high-altitude balloon payloads to heights of over 70,000 feet. 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 year, we are working on a variety of engineering projects, including using our sensor suite to research the effects of high altitudes on solar cell efficiency and environmental variables, build an in-flight weather prediction machine learning model, redesign our payload, build a live image/video transmission feed, investigate the effects of high-altitude exposure on plant growth, and build a nichrome wire cutdown mechanism.
We are looking forward to launching at the end of Spring 2025 to gather data for our research projects and test out our new payload features.
2024 – 2025 Directors: Alan Zhu (alzhu@seas.upenn.edu) and Meiling Mathur (meissimo@seas.upenn.edu)
Nov 2024: We launched our balloon from Pottstown, PA for the first time with a newly-built laser cut payload, solar panels and various weather sensors, our newly-developed machine learning model, and a sample drawer of plant seeds.
Alan Zhu
Director
Alan is a junior studying computer science and physics. I’m interested in SWE and research, particularly directed towards sustainability.
Meiling Mathur
Director
Meiling is a sophomore studying Computer Science. She is working on a project to investigate the effects of high altitudes on solar cell efficiency with the Flight Data and Research team. Meiling also enjoys taking road trips and is looking forward to driving the team to their launch site this spring.
Kristine Huang
Project Lead
Natalie Reid
Project Lead
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.
Leo Huang
Former Director
Former co-director. Physics major with interests in history and philosophy.
Maryam Ali
Former Director
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.
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!
David Kim
Member
Max Malakhovets
Member
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 loves listening to music and reading in his 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.
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.
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!
Term Taepaisitphongse
Member
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.
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.
Darren Wang
Member
Darren is a freshman studying computer science. He is interested in machine learning research and software engineering.
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.
Leo Zhang
Member
Ronald Wang
Member
I like mushrooms. Interested in fungal intelligence
Yi Lu Zheng
Member
I am a freshman in Electrical Engineering interested in the weather prediction project. In my free time, I like to draw, watch movies/TV shows, and solve puzzles.
Mariam Tskitishvili
Member
Jared Yang
Member
Jared is a freshman interested in studying mechanical engineering, particularly in the applications of robotics, mechanical systems, and mechatronics. Jared enjoys watching shows and trying new foods, and he is also a member of the Penn Band’s drumline.
Melissa Gonzalez
Member
Melissa is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering. Aside from academics, you can find her discovering new movies and shows, or drinking a good cup of coffee.
Kim Huang
Member
Ellis Charles
Member
Rayan Aljuhani
Member
Rayan is a gap year student at UPenn. He’s doing a Foundation Year program offered at UPenn and he’s planning to major in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering. Outside of academics, Rayan is an amateur astrophotographer and an avid superhero comics reader.
Pablo Camargo Tang
Member
Pablo is a freshman studying physics. He’s interested in astrophysics and particle physics research. He enjoys photography, trying new kinds of food, and traveling.
Sunya Afrasiabi
Member
Sunya is a freshman studying mechanical engineering. In her free time, Sunya loves hiking (especially at national parks) and going on runs. Outside of PAC, she is part of Engineers without Borders and Penn’s BJJ club.