BIOTECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE BOARD 2024-2025
Meet the current BSA Board Members!
Vineeth Koneru – President
I am a second year Biotechnology Masters student in the Biopharmaceutical/Biomedical Engineering Track. I obtained my bachelor's of science degree from the University of Arizona in Applied Biotechnology before deciding to pursue higher education at Penn. At Penn, I am also a Graduate Research Assistant at the Centre for Cellular Immunotherapeutics, working on developing a cancer vaccine among other projects. Aside from my academic responsibilities, I love to read, play sports, and hike. Please feel free to reach out to me!
Natalie Wang - Vice President
I am a second year student in the Biotechnology Masters program, focusing on Biomedical Technologies. I graduated from UC San Diego in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Biochemistry. Currently, I am a Graduate Research Assistant in the Xing lab at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where our main focus lies in integrating genomics, big data, and RNA modifications to drive medical innovations for human diseases. Outside of academics, I love playing tennis, traveling, and discovering new restaurants. I am thrilled to meet everyone this year and love to connect. Please do not hesitate to reach out anytime!
Keni Jiang- Vice President
My name is Keni Jiang, and I am a second-year student in the Biotechnology Masters program, with a focus on Biomedical Technologies. I graduated from Purdue University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree, and I’m currently working at a dental clinic, which has been an invaluable experience as I prepare to apply to dental school in the next application cycle. I’m particularly interested in integrating biomedical innovations within the field of dentistry, and I would love to connect with anyone who has similar interests or plans. Outside of academics and work, I’m a huge dog lover and spend a lot of my time with my playful Maltese puppy. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new hobbies, trying out different cuisines, and connecting with new people. I’m always open to collaborating and helping out in any way I can within our major, and I’m excited to meet everyone this year!
Karthik Prabakaran - Secretary & Treasurer
Hello everyone,
I am pursuing Master’s degree in Biotechnology with Molecular Biology concentration, currently in my second year, and serving as the Secretary and Treasurer 2024-25 for BSA. I completed my Bachelor of Technology degree in Biotechnology from DY Patil deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, India. My research interests lies in translational sciences with a focus on cancer therapeutics. Currently, I am a Research Assistant at Perelman School of Medicine in the haematologic malignancies department. As an international student, it has been an amazing journey for me and I hope it will be the same for you as well! Do reach out anytime and keep progressing!
Christopher Saladino - GSEG Representative
I am a first year Biotechnology masters student on the Biopharmaceutical/Engineering Biotechnology track at Penn. Prior to attending Penn, I completed my bachelor of science in Honors at Villanova University with majors in biology and humanities, and minors in Spanish and ethics. After attending undergrad, I lived in New York City for two years and performed prostate cancer research at Weill Cornell Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy going on runs, working out at the gym, exploring the city and watching baseball. I look forward to meeting everyone in BSA and acting as your liaison to the broader engineering program.