Mark Griffey
Sevile Mannickarottu (EE’99, GR’15) has spent the past twenty years working at Penn Engineering, where he has taught and mentored thousands of students throughout his career. He earned his undergraduate degree at Penn in Electrical Engineering in 1999, and prior to his time as a staff member at Penn, he spent six years in the private sector as an engineer and operations manager.
After returning to the University in 2005, Mannickarottu assumed his first role as the manager of the George H. Stephenson Foundation Bioengineering Educational Lab and Bio-MakerSpace. In 2019, Mannickarottu became the lead instructor for Bioengineering’s Senior Design course, revamping the class to mirror product development in a contemporary corporate setting. After four years in that capacity, he moved into the role of Staff Director of the Penn Engineering Entrepreneurship program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in April 2025.
In this Q&A, Mannickarottu discusses his love for an annual Penn tradition, his time as a DJ and an opportunity to shape course development as a student that would foreshadow his career at Penn Engineering years later.
Tell us about your time at Penn Engineering as a student:
My time at Penn Engineering was incredibly formative. I majored in Electrical Engineering (EE), and one of the things that stood out to me most was how close-knit the community felt, not just within my department, but across the School as a whole. The EE classes were small, and it truly felt like a family — professors knew everyone’s names and genuinely cared about our growth. That sense of connection extended throughout Penn Engineering, where collaboration across departments was the norm.
I had the privilege of working closely with several faculty members, both on academic projects and as a teaching assistant for a few courses. I also built friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation, not only with my classmates, but also with students in other engineering disciplines. There was a strong sense that we were all in it together, and that shared energy really defined my experience.
What was your most memorable moment at Penn?
One of my most memorable moments at Penn was definitely Hey Day. There was something really special about the entire class coming together, all dressed the same in those red shirts and flat-brimmed hats, marching down Locust Walk and celebrating as a community. It was this joyful, chaotic and unforgettable moment that marked our transition to seniors — but more than that, it was a rare chance to feel the full spirit of Penn all around you. Everyone was laughing, singing, taking photos… it was one of those days where you could really feel the pride and connection we shared as a class.
What is a fun fact about you?
During my time at Penn, I was a DJ for WQHS, the student-run radio station. While it wasn’t a traditional on-air broadcast station anymore, it was still an incredible outlet for creativity. I had an absolute blast curating playlists and, even more memorably, interviewing random students on campus about anything and everything. It was a great way to meet people, hear unexpected stories and bring some fun energy to the airwaves!
Which professor had the greatest impact on you and why?
Professor Fred Ketterer, a faculty member in Electrical Engineering, had the greatest impact on me during my time at Penn. He was my faculty advisor, and I also had the privilege of working closely with him to help develop some of his courses. Fred was a phenomenal teacher — deeply knowledgeable, endlessly patient, and truly beloved by everyone who had the chance to learn from him. His passion for teaching was contagious, and he created a learning environment that was both rigorous and supportive. Sadly, he passed away during my senior year, but his influence has stayed with me ever since. He shaped the way I think about mentorship, learning, and what it means to be part of an academic community.
What do you like about working at Penn?
What I love most about working at Penn is the chance to support and collaborate with students in meaningful, hands-on ways. For several years, I ran the Bio-MakerSpace and taught senior design — both were incredible opportunities to watch students bring their ideas to life and grow into confident engineers and problem-solvers. About two years ago, I transitioned into a new role focused on entrepreneurship, where I’m now developing programs that help students take their innovations beyond the classroom. Whether it’s through mentoring, teaching, or building new initiatives, it’s a privilege to be part of their journey.