Pepita Mhando

Pepita Mhando is a recent Pennsylvania State University graduate with degrees in biology, african american studies and women's studies. She is currently attending Harvard University to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric oncologist.

Her passion for medicine was sparked at the early age of 2 when she visited her grandfather in the hospital. Pepita promised him that she would find a “way to make the boo-boos better” and has been enamored with medicine ever since. She became devoted to research during her first undergraduate research experience at Penn State, when she was able to apply her backgrounds in Biology and African American Studies within a collaborative study of infectious disease in East Africa.

Pepita’s experience helps her stand out amongst her class of 7,000 at Penn State and her peers across the country. Her passion for research is fostered by her continual inclination to ask “Why?”, “How?”, and “What if?” Pepita's involvement in research challenges her to think critically about academia and provides a realm in which her academic passions for math and science within a guiding context of human applications.

Most recently, she has started the long and arduous process of publishing a book addressing the complexities of being a first generation immigrant and the medical school process. During her time off, Pepita teaches yoga, and travels to villages in her native country speaking with young people about the importance adhering to their academic aspirations. She hopes to inspire millennials to reach their full potential.

In addition to balancing extracurricular activities, she continues to achieve academic and personal excellence by receiving multiple Dean's List awards, scholarships, and regularly volunteering with the Special Olympics.

Pepita sincerely believes if you do what you love you'll never have to work a day in your life.