Pen Sormani Chang '23
BS Chemistry, BS Mathematics
Pronouns: he/him

On his major:
My mother and grandfather both became professors of Mathematics and I thought I would follow in their footsteps. But, while pursuing a degree in mathematics at Stony Brook, I realized that chemistry is actually way cooler. So I decided to do both.

Greatest Achievement:
The Origami Club at SBU has done a lot over the past two years and I am proud to have been its founding Treasurer. Working with the e-board to make events, securing a budget for the club, and teaching members of the Stony Brook community to fold origami has been a life-changing experience. We recently completed our biggest project so far, Cranes for a Cause, in which we collaborated with 14 other clubs and organizations to fold 2,000 cranes for an art installation in the Wang Center. We even won 2023 Program of the Year at the Student Life Awards for this endeavor. It’s been amazing to see it finally completed and on display and see people respond so positively to it.

Awards & Accolades:
Sei Sujishi Award (2020) - Department of Chemistry Award for Excellence in Classroom and Laboratory
Dean’s List (2019-2023)
Presidential Scholarship recipient (2019-2023)
NY ACS Student Award for Excellence in the Chemical Sciences (2023)
Graduating Summa Cum Laude with Honors in Chemistry (2023)

Plans for post-graduation:
I will be pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Yale University starting this Fall!

Advice for potential Seawolves:
Explore campus! There are so many cool little paths through the woods to explore. There are at least three makeshift lean-tos in the woods throughout campus, a little bridge crossing a stream near West Side Dining, and more. The Avalon Nature Preserve is also nearby (hint: there’s a shortcut to get there through the woods by the West Apartments).