Three students at Penn’s School of Engineering & Applied Science are among the Forbes 2016 ‘30 Under 30’ honorees. Since 2012, the list has spotlighted “entrepreneurial-minded bright young stars who are transforming the world.” The 2016 class includes 600 of the greatest young entrepreneurs, breakout talents and change agents in 20 different industries.

 Spencer Penn, a mechanical engineering & applied mechanics major, and Morgan Snyder, a digital media design major, were selected as co-honorees in recognition of their company, Sweet Bites. The aim of Sweet Bites is to solve the global issue of oral disease and its complications in challenged urban areas via xylitol-enhanced chewing gum. By employing local women to distribute the gum packaged with medical information, they hope to enable female entrepreneurship, close the information gap around healthcare access and improve the lives of millions suffering from preventable dental health problems.

Yash Mulgaonkar, a PhD student in the department of mechanical engineering & applied mechanics, was selected for his achievements in developing the world’s smallest autonomous drone. He is focusing on how to make drones and other robots accessible to the general public by developing rapid fabrication methods. Additionally, he is researching training methods for robots so that they can better work together to complete tasks.