Name: Daphne M. Penn   

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Undergraduate Institution, Degree, Major:  Vanderbilt University B.S., Human and Organizational Development

Graduate Degree & Major:  M.S./Ph.D, Sociology

Hobbies: poker

Awards and Accomplishments: Purdue Doctoral Fellowship            

How long have you been a member of the BGA?  1 month

How has the BGA been instrumental in your graduate career? The BGA has provided me with the opportunity to become an active member of the Purdue University community.  Additionally, I have been able to meet a lot of wonderful people through the BGA.

What three words (or phrases) would you use to describe the BGA? Social, academic, community

How did you find out about the BGA?  AGEP/SROP

How has BGA grown since last year?  n/a

What is your lifelong dream? My life dream is to create a nationwide adolescent development program that fosters the academic and social development of low-income students.

Who were the most influential people in your life?   The most influential people in my life have been my great aunt Ella, my high school English teacher, and all 53 of my elementary school students.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words? Positive, motivated, spiritual

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Personally, I see myself married with children. Professionally, I see myself conducting research related to urban issues in education. 

What is one thing in life you must have? family

Why did you decide to come to Purdue and what do you like most about the University thus far? Purdue and the Purdue Doctoral fellowship are providing me with the opportunity to focus solely on school and grow as an academic.