Abdullah Ghanem
2025-2026 Sawiris Penn Scholar
Electrical Engineering
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Ask Me About…
As a Sawiris Penn Scholar, I spent a year at the University of Pennsylvania, which was my first time living in the U.S. and studying abroad. Students can ask me about adapting to a new culture, building a community from scratch, and making the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that studying abroad is about much more than academics. I got involved across campus as a JIF Fellow with Penn Hillel, participated in fraternity recruitment, joined clubs like MMA and Ski Club, and later mentored incoming exchange students during the spring semester.
Academically, I also pushed myself beyond engineering by taking courses outside my major, including a Negotiation class at Wharton, where I won the “Best Lie Detector” award. I’d be happy to talk about exploring interests outside your field, navigating academics at Penn, or finding activities that help you feel at home.
My Experience Abroad
As an Electrical Engineering student specializing in Analog and Mixed-Signal IC Design, my time at the University of Pennsylvania helped me grow both academically and professionally. I took advanced engineering courses that strengthened my technical foundation and exposed me to new areas of research, reinforcing my interest in pursuing graduate studies in the semiconductor field.
At the same time, studying abroad gave me the opportunity to explore interests beyond engineering. Taking courses such as Negotiation at Wharton introduced me to the business side of leadership and decision-making, and made me consider pursuing an MBA in the future alongside my technical career.
Overall, my experience at Penn broadened my perspective, strengthened my academic goals, and encouraged me to think more intentionally about both research and leadership opportunities in my future career.
Other Highlights
- Becoming a social bid at two fraternities and learning more about the values of brotherhood, community service, and philanthropy that are central to Greek life.
- Serving as a JIF Fellow with Penn Hillel, where I participated in dialogue and diplomacy-focused discussions with students from diverse backgrounds. It was one of the most meaningful experiences for learning how to engage across cultures and perspectives.
- Taking Wharton’s Negotiation course and winning the “Best Lie Detector” award. As an engineering student surrounded by business students, this was both unexpected and rewarding—and proof that engineers can hold their own outside the lab.
- Traveling across the United States, including visits to New York City and Washington, D.C., which gave me a broader understanding of American culture beyond campus.
- Mentoring incoming exchange students during the spring semester and helping them adjust to life at Penn, allowing me to give back to the community that had welcomed me when I first arrived.
