Professor Russell Composto, a distinguished professor of materials science and engineering and the Howell Family Faculty Fellow, has been appointed as a co-director of the Bozza Family Penn First Plus Faculty Directorship. In this role, he works alongside Fayyaz Vellani to support Penn First Plus (P1P), a transformative initiative that empowers first-generation and modest-income students through academic, financial, and community resources.
The program aims to ensure that every student, regardless of financial or family circumstances, can experience the full range of opportunities Penn offers—from accepting a summer internship in their chosen field to finding a faculty mentor who can advise them on academic and professional aspirations. For students, P1P has provided financial assistance; academic resources like advising, tutoring, and workshops; and a strong community of faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow students that champions their success.
As the program’s faculty co-directors, Drs. Composto and Vellani serve as a vital bridge between Penn First Plus and the academic departments across campus. They engage directly with faculty and staff through workshops, course design, community building, and consultations to ensure that classrooms and spaces are inclusive for all Penn students.