SEAS Alumni Valerie Ang made the most of their opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania.
As an M&T, Ang studied EE in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). In this capacity, Ang conducted research in Professor Anthony Sigillio’s Quantum Hardware Lab. At Wharton, Ang studied statistics and worked with Professor Micheal Roberts.
In the fall of 2026, Ang will start their PhD in Quantum Science and Engineering at Princeton University.
At Penn, Ang has many accomplishments to celebrate. Of note, Ang’s Senior Design Team Eterna won the Leadership Award this spring. Eterna’s design responds to the hundreds of artwork damaged last year in the Louvre when a valve opened, releasing moisture into an enclosed space. Eterna’s design prevents similar occurrences by using radio signals to power sensors transmitting data about temperature, humidity, and UV exposure. This design represents the first major technological advance to monitor museum display conditions since the 1980s.
“I was primarily responsible for the power component of the circuit, designing the antenna system to capture energy,” Ang explains of their role. “It was a great experience where I was able to leverage concepts I had learnt in Nader Engheta’s graduate electromagnetism class.”
In making the most of their opportunities, Ang explored different avenues at Penn. As a freshman, Ang explored both MEAM and EE as her SEAS major. “I took entry level courses in both such as MEAM 1010 Introduction to Mechanical Design and ESE 1110 Atoms, Bits, Circuits and Systems.” According to Ang, they found MEAM very stimulating. During their first year, Ang worked in the GRASP Lab with Professor Mark Yim. “I was doing mechanical work there. We got a paper published, but I was pulled toward EE. I was captivated by its theoretical aspects. And Sid [Deliwala] connected me with Professor Anthony Sigillito’s lab. Sid is such an amazing resource for everyone in the department.”
As an M&T major, Ang found themselves a bit indecisive regarding future plans as they had various interests in different fields. For example, Ang pursued finance internships over the summer at firms such as Goldman Sachs where they investigated options strategies. In addition, Ang interned at a large hedge fund and mining research institute in Germany.
“I enjoy solving problems in quantitative finance,” Ang says. “The people I worked with were very interesting. They’re deeply mathematical.”
Ang’s work with Professor Roberts and internships inspired them to consider completing a PhD in finance. But engineering won out in the end. “Ultimately, I find
engineering research is more rewarding, particularly the hands-on, physical component,” Ang explains.
When Ang’s not working they enjoy going to the gym and watching soccer.