Sid Penalver '27

Sid is concentrating in general biology and double majoring in philosophy, with plans to pursue medical school after graduation. He is a member of the Sylvia Lee research group, which works to investigate the genetics and molecular pathways that drive cellular aging. His research focuses on understanding how stress-response pathways influence organismal lifespan and cellular resilience. Outside of academics, Sid volunteers as a firefighter and EMT with the Varna Volunteer Fire Company and enjoys following baseball and football, hiking, fishing, and spending time outdoors. 

His words of advice for new students

“If I could tell my freshman self one thing, it would be this: try as many things as are interesting to you, and find one or two that you truly love and commit to them fully. Cornell has so many incredible opportunities, and the time goes faster than you expect. More than anything, do things because you genuinely care about them and because they push you to grow and improve as a person, not just because they look good on your resume. Challenge yourself, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.”

College: Arts & Sciences

Tutoring: chem 2070, 2080, phys 2207, phys 2208

Email: mp2283 [at] cornell.edu