Student Voices

What would you do with an online Ivy League education at your fingertips? Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree and working adults who completed Penn LPS Online certificates and courses share their experiences of the virtual classroom―and their plans for putting their education to work.

Katie Shelburn

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Professional Writing ’23

Professional writing coursework and networking with instructors and other students helped Katie take the leap into becoming a full-time freelance writer.

Watch Katie’s story >

Kristen Egan

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Professional Writing ’23

Development and fundraising professional Kristen chose the Professional Writing Certificate to strengthen her storytelling and catapult her career.

Read Kristen's story >

Ernesto Encarnacion

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘24

When Ernesto enrolled to take few writing classes, he didn’t expect the journey to lead to a bachelor’s degree. His experience demonstrated the importance of an education to his young kids and gave him the confidence to expand his studies and career.

Watch Ernesto’s story >

Audrey Cavanah

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Neuroscience ’24

Asynchronous, online course delivery allowed Audrey Cavanah to enhance their science education and plot a career path while continuing to work full time as a research specialist in the Department of Neurology

Read Audrey’s story >

Joe Barreto

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Physical and Life Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ’23

Joe Barreto (BAAS ’23, Dean’s Scholar) always dreamed of a career in science. Penn’s flexible online program allowed him to pursue his academic and professional goals while being a full-time caregiver at home.

Read Joe’s story >

Kimberly Chambers

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Creative Studies, University of Pennsylvania ’24

Once her three children were grown, Kim Chambers (BAAS ’24) wanted a stellar college education for herself. At Penn, she discovered a new passion and purpose in creative writing.

Read Kimberly’s story >

Lauren M. Spann

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Creative Writing ’23

Creative writing courses at Penn brought Lauren back to an old interest and into a community of writers where she continues to improve her practice.

Read Lauren’s story >

Charles Hernandez

Master of Science in Computer Science, Stanford University ’25—expected

From high school dropout to elite solider to Ivy League graduate and beyond, BAAS alum Charles Hernandez thrives.

Read Charles’ story >

Micah Huang

Doctor of Philosophy in Creative Practice and Critical Inquiry, Harvard University ’28—expected

Micah Huang wanted to understand how music affects body and mind. The Certificate in Neuroscience transformed their creative practice—and led them to a PhD.

Read Micah’s story >

Jesse Clasen

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '22

At Penn, Jesse Clasen (BAAS ’22) discovered the career potential of her passion for communication. As a freelance marketing specialist, she reflects on her writing courses for inspiration.

Read Jesse’s story >

Emrys Stromberg

Master of Science in Ethnobotany, University of Kent, Canterbury '24-expected

When practicing ethnobotanist Emrys Stromberg (BAAS ’23) wanted to take his career to the next level, the Penn BAAS offered room to grow. Now he’s heading to graduate school with a new passion for plant science and climate change.

Read Emrys’ story >

Kelley Roark, RMA

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Neuroscience '23

Kelley Roark has been passionate about neuroscience from a young age. The Certificate in Neuroscience gave her the detailed knowledge she sought, and positioned her for future opportunities researching the science of epilepsy.

Read Kelley’s story >

Gabrielle Solair

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '23

As a musician, Gabrielle Solair knows how to connect with an audience. At Penn, she found new ways to use her voice—and a supportive community to challenge and inspire her.

Read Gabrielle’s story >

Elizabeth Seiffert

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Climate Change '22

After New Jersey introduced new climate change learning standards for public schools, social studies teacher Liz Seiffert returned to school to get classroom-ready with the Penn LPS Online Certificate in Climate Change.

Read Liz’s story >

Christine Muller, PhD

Penn LPS Online Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing '22

When Christine Muller received an employee email about the Penn LPS Online Certificate in Creative Writing, she saw the opportunity to chase down a dream.

Read Christine’s story >

Lindsay Jorgensen

Penn LPS Online Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing '22

When professional dancer and instructor Lindsay Jorgensen needed a new creative outlet, the Penn LPS Online Certificate in Creative Writing offered a means of practice to hone her storytelling skills.

Read Lindsay’s story >

Bree Smith

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Savannah College of Art and Design '24—expected

Bree Smith enrolled in online courses to try out a new subject without stepping away from her professional commitments. She finished with two certificates and a rekindled love of creative writing.

Read Bree’s story >

Vishal Sibal

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '24—expected

An experienced entrepreneur who has long dreamed of continuing his education, Vishal Sibal (BAAS '24—expected) studies effective leadership and communication in a global classroom.

Read Vishal’s story >

Kirsten Calloway

Master of Applied Positive Psychology, University of Pennsylvania ‘23

Through grit and determination, Kirsten Calloway earned her BAAS, unlocked her life’s purpose to help others thrive, and kept an important promise.

Read Kirsten’s story >

Nile Miller

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Data Analytics '22

The programming and data visualization experience Nile gained during the Certificate in Data Analytics inspired him to pivot to a career in tech: using data for social good.

Read Nile’s story >

Michelle Miller

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Neuroscience ‘22

Clinical scientist Michelle Miller wanted to pursue academics to expand her familiarity with neuroscience and pharmacology. Online courses made that possible.

Read Michelle’s story >

Cynthia S. Gonzalez

Bachelor of Applied Arts and, Sciences University of Pennsylvania ‘23

Dental hygienist Cynthia Gonzalez was undecided about her professional path when she enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences program, but now sees a bright future of possibilities as a global citizen.

Read Cynthia’s story >

Michele Spilberg Hart

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Organizational Anthropology ‘22

Learn why successful marketing director Michele Hart returned to school to earn the Penn LPS Online Certificate in Organizational Anthropology—and understand the workplace insights it gave her.

Read Michele’s story >

Halle Sherman

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '22

As a professional ballerina, an educator, and now a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in science, Halle Sherman is a virtuoso at balancing her passions and professions.

Read Halle’s story >

Chelar Vale

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘22

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Creative Studies allowed Chelar Vale (BAAS `22) to polish her communication skills, cultivate her artistic side—and fulfill her dream of a college experience.

Read Chelar’s story >

Rebecca McDow

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘21

First-generation college graduate Rebecca McDow talks about the support she found in the BAAS program and shares her plans for a graduate degree.

Read Rebecca’s story >

Gahl Shottan

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Creative Writing ‘21

A devoted science fiction reader and writer, Gahl Shottan found opportunities to challenge herself, hone her craft, and connect to other writers in the certificate program.

Read Gahl’s story >

Felicia Grable

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Creative Writing ‘20

Felicia Grable looked forward to reacquainting herself with creative arts while earning an Ivy League credential—and ignited an ongoing passion for discovery.

Read Felicia’s story >

Tamaira Rhodes

Master of Liberal Arts, University of Pennsylvania ‘23

Tamaira Rhodes wanted to encourage her staff to make the most of tuition benefits—and talked herself into enrolling. Now she’s preparing to publish and pursue a master’s degree in writing.

Read Tamaira’s story >

Dana Cheaib

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Vermont College of Fine Arts ’23—expected

For Dana, the Certificate in Creative Writing became a launch pad for a Master of Fine Arts in poetry, supplying her with portfolio pieces, instructor advice, and confidence in her work.

Read Dana’s story >

Erin Herbst Gomolinski

Penn LPS Online Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing ‘21

Erin Gomolinski wanted to make space for creative expression outside of her busy professional life; she also wanted a challenge. She found a diverse, supportive community.

Read Erin’s story >

Eleanor Burke

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '24—expected

As a program coordinator, a community leader, and an author, Eleanor is an experienced communicator; now she is working toward the BAAS degree to prove it.

Read Eleanor’s story >

Harsha Ravindran

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘24—expected

Harsha Ravindran is a young entrepreneur and a youth movement leader. Her next passion project: a bachelor’s degree that can balance her career.

Read Harsha’s story >

Erwin Benedict Valencia

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology ‘21

Taking classes in the Applied Positive Psychology certificate helped Erwin Benedict Valencia find clarity in his mission at the intersection of physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Read Erwin’s story >

Joslyn Banks

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘20

Joslyn Banks (BAAS '20) retired, moved to a new town, and graduated from Penn—in that order—and she’s already looking forward to her next challenge.

Read Joslyn’s story >

Daniela Mandracchia

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '20

Completing a bachelor’s degree while working full time helped position Daniela Mandracchia (BAAS '20) for new career pathways and personal enrichment.

Read Daniela’s story >

Robert Marshall

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology ‘19

For Robert Marshall, the APOP certificate opened the door to explore mindfulness and resilience strategies for himself and other military veterans.

Read Robert’s story >

Mary Koenke

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '20

Mary Koenke (BAAS '20) returned to Penn after more than a decade and synthesized many years of educational, professional, and personal growth on her journey to the degree.

Read Mary’s story >

Susan Hassett

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Data Analytics ‘20

Susan Hassett has worked with data throughout her career in higher education—and loves it. Her courses in data analytics have given her new tools and the confidence to continue learning independently.

Read Susan’s story >

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