Earlier this month, VIPER senior Joey Wu hosted a fellowship and awards panel for underclassmen, offering insights, practical advice, and a generous dose of encouragement. The event was a testament to the strong spirit of intergenerational support within the VIPER community, where students not only pursue ambitious research and academic goals but also look out for one another along the way.
In the session, Joey walked students through the often complex world of fellowship applications, sharing his strategies for navigating opportunities like the Udall Scholarship, Thouron Award, and Millennium Fellowship.
He discussed the importance of storytelling, framing one's work through the lens of broader impact, and finding mentors who believe in your vision. The event was warmly received by students, who appreciated both the transparency and accessibility Joey brought to a process that can often feel overwhelming.
Joey’s commitment to helping others reflects the values he’s embodied throughout his time at Penn. A VIPER student majoring in bioengineering and environmental science, Joey has earned a long list of accolades:
- 2024 Udall Scholar for environmental leadership,
- 2025 Dean Scholar, one of the top honors in the College of Arts and Sciences,
- Thouron Award recipient for graduate study in the UK,
- IEEE Bio-X Scholar, PBS Climate Reporting Fellow, Millennium Fellow, and Clinton Global Initiative University Fellow, among others.
He is also the founder and international director of Waterroots, a global nonprofit that partners with schools in over 20 countries to teach climate literacy through storytelling.
By sharing his experiences, Joey continues to amplify his impact, not just through research or global advocacy, but by empowering the next generation of VIPER students to pursue their own ambitions with confidence and purpose.