Originally from Romania, Lidia Iasmina Tulus was motivated by her experiences as a highly aided international student to pursue an education that combines her passion for human rights, social justice, economics, and intercultural communication. Shaped by navigating both social and academic challenges, her background drives her commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse communities.
Lidia is currently enrolled in the Huntsman Dual Degree Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Management from the Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a French Target from the College of Arts and Sciences. As a Joseph Wharton Scholar, she is dedicated to leveraging her academic background and experiences to create a positive impact.
Lidia has demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to community service through numerous initiatives. She co-founded the Ludic Model United Nations in Romania, where she mentored middle school students in international diplomacy and served as the Secretary-General, overseeing logistics and securing event sponsorships. Lidia also worked as a writer and researcher on projects such as Roots & Routes: Mapping Our Cultural Journeys, where she proposed a mentorship program to promote leadership and intercultural awareness between high school students in West Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania students.
Fluent in English, French, and Romanian, Lidia conducted independent research on French neocolonialism, analyzing its long-term economic impact on African nations. Her academic and extracurricular interests span criminology, social justice, politics, Formula 1, and intercultural communication, all of which shape her approach to education and community service. Through the SNF Paideia Fellowship, Lidia aims to deepen her exploration of the intersections of education, social justice, and international relations, applying her skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change in her community.