UCS senior accepted into scholars program at University of Pennsylvania

A Utica Community Schools senior has earned a $50,000 scholarship and placed among the top 15 percent of new students at the University of Pennsylvania.

Tanner Haldeman, of the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology and Utica High School, has been accepted into the Vagelo's Scholars program at the Ivy League school. Only the top 15 percent of new Penn students are eligible for the program based on high school academic success and standardized testing results.

He has also received a $50,000 renewable scholarship. He plans to pursue a degree in biophysics and biochemistry.

Haldeman credits his "rigorous programs - particularly in science" for putting him in the position to gain entry into the prestigious program.

"It has certainly been challenging, but it has definitely prepared me," he said.

Ultimately, Haldeman plans to earn a PhD to become a university professor or open his own research lab.

His interest in Penn began several years ago when a former MST student visited the school to talk about his experiences at the Ivy League school.

He visited the campus and "instantly fell in love with it," Haldeman said.

The Vagelo's Scholars is open to approximately 25 students each year, with typically only 15 students completing the rigorous course of study. As an upper classman, students are required to conduct a PhD level research project.

In high school, Haldeman has been involved with National Honor Society and was a National Merit commended student, AP scholar with distinction and 2013 Macomb All-Academic student. 

He was also the team captain of the ThunderChickens robotics team and co-captain of the school's Quiz Bowl team.