Executive Board

  • Alexander Chotai

    President

    Alexander is a junior 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.

  • Sophia Silva

    Vice President

    Sophia Silva is an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania 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 an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania 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.

  • Katherine Beeson

    Treasurer

    Katherine is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences 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.

  • Pierce Bruner

    Secretary

    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.

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

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.

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 C

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.

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

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.

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 spi

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.

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 inte

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Kayla Massick a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27) from New York City. 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

Kayla Massick a student in the College of Arts and Sciences (C'27) from New York City. 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!

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 J

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.

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 thoroug

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).

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

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.

Mary Lee is a fourth-year BA/MA student at the Johns Hopkins University studying International Studies, East Asian Studies, and Sociology. She has thoroughly enjoyed Catholic Humanism and Lectio Humana. Mary is broadly interested in the effects of me

Mary Lee is a fourth-year BA/MA student at the Johns Hopkins University studying International Studies, East Asian Studies, and Sociology. She has thoroughly enjoyed Catholic Humanism and Lectio Humana. Mary is broadly interested in the effects of media bias on free speech and youth online safety. Outside of Collegium, she is on the executive board for the Newman Center at Saints Philip & James Roman Catholic Parish in Baltimore and the president of the Global Medical Missions Alliance at Hopkins.