April 9, 2024 Volume 70 Issue 29

The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science has secured a $13.5 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to pioneer cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing national computer security. Leading this effort will be André DeHon, a professor in the departments of electrical and systems engineering (ESE) and computer and information science (CIS) at Penn Engineering, who will draw on decades of foundational research conducted at the school. This award harnesses Penn Engineering’s security leadership to fundamentally shift the state of the art in computer protection, moving the field from today’s typical “patch-and-pray” approach to a foundational, resilient approach that remains secure in the presence of even the most sophisticated software bugs.

Computers have never been secure. We are frequently bombarded with news about the most recent computer breach or ransomware attack. Vendors are constantly reminding us to install the latest patch as they uncover yet another flaw in their software. Decades of band-aid solutions and earnest attempts to write better software have not addressed the fundamental problems at the core of our systems, leaving us vulnerable to this persistent threat.

“This significant investment in critical computing security research not only recognizes the unique expertise and leadership of our faculty, but also highlights our commitment to advancing national cybersecurity,” said Vijay Kumar, Nemirovsky Family Dean of Penn Engineering.

Building upon more than a decade of research and development in fundamental system security in areas such as hardware tagging and cyber security quality metrics pioneered by Dr. DeHon, this grant represents a significant milestone for Penn Engineering. “Security today is an art, and a poorly practiced one at that — engineers and practitioners lack a set of fundamental principles and quantitative metrics to guide design,” said Dr. DeHon. “This project allows us to bring it into the realm of science and engineering, which is at the heart of what a school of engineering and applied science is about.”

Dr. DeHon will serve as the director and overall leader of this effort, in collaboration with Jing Li, the Eduardo D. Glandt Faculty Fellow and an associate professor in ESE and CIS, who will serve as the associate director, and Jonathan M. Smith, the Olga and Alberico Pompa Professor in CIS.

Dr. Li’s leadership in novel memory across the system stack has positioned Penn Engineering as a unique and major player in this grant. “Computers do not really understand the data they are computing on,” said Dr. Li. “That makes it impossible to know which data is from good guys and which is from bad guys. For that, we need to go back to first principles. We need to rethink our computer software and hardware design, to make it cognizant about data so that it has the ability to distinguish good and evil.”

Dr. Smith’s pioneering work in operating systems and networking rounds out the Penn Engineering security dream team. “My work in Penn Engineering in the 1990s on the Extremely Reliable Operating System (EROS) revived capability-based protection, a foundation for least privilege,” said Dr. Smith. “DARPA’s support for reducing this principle to practice will fundamentally transform software security for the better.”

The University of Pennsylvania has announced a $3 million gift from H. Elliott Rogers, Jr., C’72, WG’75, and Gail Underwood Rogers, CW’73, WG’75, to ensure support for student-athletes competing in track & field and cross country at Penn.  

“Penn’s track and field program has roots dating back more than 150 years,” said Penn Interim President J. Larry Jameson. “This storied history is further strengthened thanks to longstanding support from devoted alumni like Elliott and Gail Rogers. Their generosity will ensure that current and future student-athletes are poised to build on this tradition of success for generations to come.”

For 45 years, Elliott and Gail Rogers have directed their philanthropy to Quaker sprinters, hurdlers, runners, and throwers. Their newest commitment will support head and assistant coaching positions and provide additional funding for programmatic needs including travel to competitions, state-of-the-art equipment, enhanced recruiting abilities, and an increased emphasis on student wellness and nutrition.

“With this gift, Penn Athletics now has more resources to bolster the ongoing needs of our track & field and cross country programs,” said Alanna W. Shanahan, C’96, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 Director of Athletics and Recreation. “We are so grateful to Elliott and Gail Rogers for inspiring our talented student-athletes to reach their fullest potential. This exceptional gift builds on their enduring support and underscores their dedication to these programs and the students who benefit from them.”

Mr. and Ms. Rogers each earned an MBA from Wharton in 1975. They are both retired from careers in finance. Elliott Rogers is currently a member of the Penn Athletics Board of Advisors and the Penn Athletics Track & Field Sports Board.

“Gail and I firmly believe that Penn’s track and field program can grow even stronger with a robust endowment,” said Elliott Rogers. “This gift is a continued vote of confidence in our student-athletes under the direction of coach Steve Dolan and in athletic director Alanna Shanahan and her leadership team.”

Previous gifts from the Rogers have been instrumental in helping Penn maintain world-class facilities for Penn runners, including the installation of a new surface for the track at Franklin Field. Additionally, they endowed the Rogers Family Assistant Coach position, and in 2001 they established the James P. Tuppeny Men’s Track and Field Endowment Fund, which provides ongoing operational support for Penn’s varsity running programs.

In 2021, the Rogers endowed the Rogers-O’Hern Lyons Track/Oval inside Franklin Field to recognize Kate O’Hern Lyons, C’86, for her long-standing commitment to Penn’s track and field program and the Penn Athletics Board of Advisors. “I was deeply honored that Elliott and Gail chose to pay tribute in such a meaningful way,” said Ms. O’Hern Lyons. “They embody the mission of Penn Athletics, and their generosity will ensure that Penn’s coaches and student-athletes have an unrivaled experience.”

“We are so grateful for Elliott and Gail’s ongoing support,” said Steve Dolan, the James P. Tuppeny/Betty J. Costanza Director of Track & Field/Cross Country. “Their unwavering commitment to supporting Penn Athletics continues to impact and elevate the holistic student-athlete experience.”

The recipients of the 2024 Penn Nursing teaching awards will be recognized at the Student, Alumni, and Faculty Awards event on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Ann L. Roy Auditorium.

Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching–Undergraduate

Antonio Dávila is the laboratory director of the Penn Acute Research Collaboration (PARC) at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Dávila collaborates with Penn physicians and scientists to design and conduct clinical research and clinical trials on emergent and trauma patients. As the course director for Biologically-Based Chemistry, Dr. Dávila takes a practical approach by relating textbook chemistry material with real-world clinical and research situations, using videos and guest lectures presented by working nurses and nurse scientists. Students are encouraged to engage in clinical or community research as an integral part of their academic career. Dr. Dávila has mentored undergraduate and graduate students and supports student trainees in his laboratory and field research. Through his innovative approach to education, he has helped his students to feel confident and passionate about topics that will help them continue to excel within the nursing community.

Inaugural Dean’s Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

is a senior lecturer and the director of the women’s health and gender-related nurse practitioner program. Her steadfast dedication to advancing DEI in the women’s health/gender-related nurse practitioner and midwifery programs has been an inspiration to all, fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for both students and faculty alike. As a longstanding member of WECARE (White Educators Committed to Anti-Racism and Equity), she has dedicated her time to advancing DEI values and principles and ensuring its continued presence among our students and faculty. Ms. Harbison has been a leader among the faculty, helping them to prioritize and create an evidence-based curriculum that addresses bias in many forms and across all semesters. Through her approach to DEI community values, she always centers populations that are marginalized and never shies away from addressing difficult topics, both in and out of the classroom.

Dean’s Award for Exemplary Professional Practice

Colleen Rauchut Tewksbury is an assistant professor in nutrition science at Penn Nursing and a senior research investigator at the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Tewksbury is an exceptional professional with a passion for promoting health and wellness through evidence-based nutrition practices. Dr. Tewksbury’s extensive clinical and research background in bariatrics contributes immensely to developing successful nursing professionals, and her exceptional communication skills have played a vital role in enhancing the nutritional knowledge of those she serves. Her leadership of nutrition societies and her scientific contributions to professional practice are widely acknowledged. Additionally, her remarkable creativity in designing innovative clinical nutrition lectures and courses serves as a testament to her true passion for dietetics and nutrition and showcases her dedication to advancing the field of nursing.

Dean’s Award for MS-MSN-DNP Scholarly Mentorship

Christina Salemo is a senior lecturer in the DNP program and vice chair of the department of biobehavioral health sciences. She is an evidence-based practice leader with experience in teaching, quality improvement, and people management. With a great passion for teaching, Dr. Salemo exhibits extraordinary mentorship in both scholarly and clinical nursing, inspiring her students and mentees to become devoted nurses, researchers, educators, and leaders. With a passion for developing the next generation of nurses, Dr. Salemo’s mentorship approach truly enriches each DNP scholar’s potential for learning, progressive development, and scholarly productivity. Her capacity to establish boundaries is meticulously balanced by her adeptness in setting limits, ensuring that the relationship maintains mutual respect while appropriately guiding its direction. Within this context, Dr. Salemo creates a mentorship environment that supports our DNP scholars to push beyond their assumed boundaries and fully excel as practice leaders and scholars.

Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence-Graduate/Doctoral Level

Angelarosa DiDonato is the associate program administrator of the DNP nurse anesthesia program. Through this program, she integrates the real world and innovative science into the classroom. Dr. DiDonato is a clinical expert who understands the priorities of her students and creates a collaborative and non-judgmental environment for them to discuss important topics and ideas together. As the co-creator and co-host of the Amplify Nursing podcast, supported by the Pinola Fund for Innovation in Nursing, she highlights the breadth and depth of nursing influence on society. By amplifying nurses who push boundaries and break down barriers, she shares impactful nursing contributions, is a thoughtful advisor to students, and provides a platform for the nursing community to thrive. Through her innovative teaching methodologies, tireless support for her students, and genuine passion for advancing the field of nurse anesthesia, Dr. DiDonato has made an indelible impact on the educational experiences of countless students.

Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence-Graduate

Holly Harner is the Afaf I. Meleis Director of the Center for Global Women’s Health, director of the women’s health/gender-related nurse practitioner track, and a practice professor of women’s health in the family and community health department. Her scholarship addresses gender-related health disparities, with a specific emphasis on women’s mental health and violence against women. Dr. Harner applies a multitude of teaching techniques to cater to her students’ different learning styles, mentoring students in classes such as Nursing of Women and Infants and Comparing Health Care Systems in an Intercultural Context, a study abroad course. She actively engages in the subject matter she teaches, demonstrating an expert level knowledge of global women’s health concepts. She has a national reputation as a clinician, educator, and champion of women’s health, with a longstanding commitment to improving the health status of vulnerable women. She serves as inspiration to her students and mentees.

Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Advising and Student Nurses at Penn Award for Undergraduate Teaching

Dalmacio Dennis Flores is an assistant professor of nursing in the department of family and community health. In the six years that Dr. Flores has been on the faculty, he has had a pronounced positive impact on undergraduate students and their understanding of nursing research, mentoring students in classes like LGBT Health and Psychological and Social Diversity in Health. He creates an inclusive, engaging classroom environment that places great value in a dynamic, student-centered approach to learning. As the principal investigator for research initiatives pertaining to parent-child sex communication, Dr. Flores has demonstrated exceptional leadership in mentoring students who possess a distinct interest in pursuing the research field. Particularly, he exceeds students’ expectations by making certain that everyone can undertake various endeavors in this discipline. His ability to build a mutually rewarding relationship with his students, both inside and outside of the classroom, speaks to Dr. Flores’ embodiment of an ideal mentor and teacher.

Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Scholarly Mentorship

Laura Starbird is an assistant professor of nursing in the department of family and community health. Dr. Starbird’s research seeks to eliminate barriers to engaging in healthcare for women who are marginalized in society, particularly women who use drugs. Dr. Starbird is an inspiration and pivotal figure among her students and for the overall mission of the department. Her hands-on approach to nursing research, providing guidance and support to students, and her unwavering commitment to her research does not go unnoticed. Dr. Starbird’s mentoring style, which balances challenging her mentees to push beyond their comfort zones with consistent support and guidance, serves as a model for other faculty to help foster undergraduate growth and learning. Her combination of approachable intelligence, capable integration of undergraduate students into her study team, and advocacy for underserved women through her research exemplifies her character and commitment to others.

Barbara J. Lowery Faculty Award, Doctoral Student Organization

Stephen Bonett is an assistant professor of nursing in the department of family and community and health. Dr. Bonett’s pioneering research in public health service delivery focuses on implementing systems-level changes through community-driven initiatives within a health equity framework. With a background in public health nursing, his collaborative approach targets structural barriers to accessing HIV prevention, aiming to enhance care environments and promote health equity. His work underscores the role of healthcare systems in perpetuating disparities and advocates for a nurse-led transformation toward inclusive health systems. As an educator, he empowers students to understand statistical methodologies and social diversity’s impact on health. Dr. Bonett’s research partnerships, including the Philadelphia Community Engagement Alliance, exemplify his commitment to addressing systemic health disparities, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eiichiro Azuma and Emma Hart have been named the Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Professors of American History in the School of Arts & Sciences.

Dr. Azuma specializes in Asian American and transpacific history, with an emphasis on Japanese American experiences, migration, diaspora and settler colonialism, as well as U.S. and Japanese imperialism and U.S.-Japan relations. He is the author of In Search of Our Frontier: Japanese America and Settler Colonialism in the Construction of Japan’s Borderless Empire, which received the John K. Fairbank Prize in East Asian History from the American Historical Association. His first book, Between Two Empires: Race, History, and Transnationalism in Japanese America, also received multiple awards, including the Theodore Saloutos Award from the Immigration and Ethnic History Society and the History Book Award from the Association for Asian American Studies. He has co-edited two books, the award-winning Yuji Ichioka, Before Internment: Essays in Prewar Japanese American History, with Gordon H. Chang of Stanford; and the Oxford Handbook of Asian American History, with David K. Yoo of UCLA.

Dr. Azuma has published over a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in academic anthologies. He has co-edited the Asian American Experiences book series at the University of Illinois Press since 2009 and is on the editorial board of the Journal of American Ethnic History. At Penn, he is on the faculty steering committees for the Asian American Studies Program and the Center for East Asian Studies, and he has twice served as director of the Asian American Studies Program.

Dr. Hart teaches and researches the history of early North America, the Atlantic world, and early modern Britain between 1500 and 1800. Her major research interests lie in urban history, social, and economic history, as well as in the intersections of history, material culture, urban studies, geography, and sociology. She has written two books, Building Charleston: Town and Society in the Eighteenth-Century British Atlantic World and Trading Spaces: The Colonial Marketplace and the Foundations of American Capitalism. She has published scholarly articles in journals including The William and Mary Quarterly, Early American Studies, and Urban History, where she co-edited a special issue on early modern cities and globalization with Mariana Dantas of Ohio University. She has also contributed essays to The Cambridge History of America and the World and The Cambridge History of the American Revolution (forthcoming).

Dr. Hart is currently developing two new research projects: a biography of eighteenth-century Scottish novelist, historian, and essayist Tobias Smollett; and a long history of America’s urban-rural divide. She is a founding board member of the Global Urban History Project, a transnational online collective of scholars. In 2015 she was elected a fellow of the U.K.’s Royal Historical Society. At Penn, she is the Richard S. Dunn Director of the McNeil Center for Early American Studies and a co-editor of the Penn Press series, “Early American Studies.”

F. Stewart DeBruicker, a former adjunct professor of marketing at the Wharton School, died on February 17 due to complications from dementia. He was 79.

Born in Indiana, Dr. DeBruicker attended Purdue University and received a BS in chemistry, an MS in industrial management, and a PhD in marketing there (the latter two from the Daniels School of Business). He began his career as a marketing consultant, focusing on strategy, marketing, and finance. From 1971-1976, he was an assistant professor of marketing at Harvard Business School. Dr. DeBruicker subsequently joined the faculty at Penn, where he was an adjunct professor of marketing at the Wharton School from 1976 to 2004. During his tenure at Wharton, he authored Cases in Marketing Research and Cases in Consumer Behavior, drawing on his expertise in business and marketing.

After leaving Wharton, Dr. DeBruicker founded DeBruicker & Associates in 2004, serving as the principal of the company. As a marketing consultant, he provided strategic guidance and consulting services to businesses worldwide. His expertise spanned various industries, including automotive, medical diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, offering valuable insights into strategy, marketing, sales, and advertising. In addition, he served as a Trustee of the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and held positions on the faculties of the corporate universities of Fiat, General Electric, General Motors, Mitsubishi, and Societe Bic.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Kane; his daughter, Lauren; his son, John; his brothers, Timony, Daniel, and Gregory; and his sister, Sara Pell.

A private celebration of Dr. Debruicker’s life was held on March 17. Donations in his memory can be made to Project HOME, World Central Kitchen, or a food pantry of the donor’s choice.

Thursday, April 18, 4:30-6 p.m.
Fitts Auditorium, Penn Carey Law School

There is sharp disagreement about the meaning and practice of open expression and academic freedom at the University of Pennsylvania and other universities. What exactly do these concepts mean? What rights do they confer? What are their limits? To what extent are they threatened in the current political and social climate? How can the central function of a university—educating students and producing new knowledge—survive in the face of such threats?

Join the last of the spring 2024 Faculty Senate Roundtables, in which we will host a group of the nation’s leading scholars for a timely discussion followed by questions from the audience. Open to everyone in the Penn community.

A Roundtable Discussion Featuring:

Risa Lieberwitz, professor of labor and employment law, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University
Geoffrey Stone, Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor of Law; former dean and provost, University of Chicago
Keith Whittington, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Politics, department of politics, Princeton University

Moderated by:

Sophia Rosenfeld, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History and chair, department of history, University of Pennsylvania

Register for this event.

University Council Agenda

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, 4-6 p.m.

1. Welcome.
2. Approval of the minutes of March 27, 2024.
3. Follow up comments or questions on Status Reports.
4. Responses to the New Business topics raised at the March 27, 2024, University Council meeting.
5. Reminder of submission for possible Focus Issues for next year.
6. Chair Report, Committee on Committees.
7. Chair Reports, University Council Committees.
8. New Business.
9. Adjournment.

Four University of Pennsylvania undergraduates have received 2024 Goldwater Scholarships, awarded to second- or third-year students planning research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.

Penn’s 2024 Goldwater Scholars are juniors Hayle Kim, Eric Myzelev, and Eric Tao in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Kaitlin Mrksich in the School of Engineering and Applied Science.They are among the 438 students named 2024 Goldwater Scholars from 1,353 undergraduates students nominated by 446 academic institutions in the United States, according to the Barry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation. Each scholarship provides as much as $7,500 each year for as many as two years of undergraduate study.

These students applied for the Goldwater Scholarship with assistance from Penn’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Penn has had 63 Goldwater Scholars named since Congress established the scholarship in 1986 to honor U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater.

Ms. Kim, from Knoxville, Tennessee, is majoring in neuroscience. She works in the lab of Matthew Kayser at Penn Medicine, where she studies the molecular basis of sleep maturation using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. At Penn, Ms. Kim is the co-founder and co-president of the undergraduate chapter of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association and was the internal vice president of the Penn Korean Student Association. After graduating, Ms. Kim plans to pursue an MD/PhD in neuroscience.

Ms. Mrksich, from Hinsdale, Illinois, is majoring in bioengineering. She is interested in developing drug delivery systems that can serve as novel therapeutics for a variety of diseases. Ms. Mrksich works in the lab of Michael J. Mitchell, where she investigates the ionizable lipid component of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. At Penn, she is the president of the Biomedical Engineering Society, where she plans community-building and professional development events for bioengineering majors. After graduating, Ms. Mrksich plans to pursue an MD/PhD in bioengineering.

Mr. Myzelev, from Toronto, Canada, is majoring in mathematics, with a minor in computer and information science, and is submatriculating for a master’s degree. His research interests include algebra, combinatorics, and using deep learning to solve partial differential equations. Mr. Myzelev has worked on numerous research projects in combinatorics and deep learning, has both a co-authored publication and an accepted paper, and has presented his work at several international conferences. After graduating, Mr. Myzelev plans to pursue a PhD in math and research algebraic geometry and combinatorics.

Mx. Tao, from Wallingford, Pennsylvania, is majoring in cognitive science, mathematics, and logic, with a focus on language and the mind. They are interested in related fields including physics, linguistics, and logic. Mx. Tao studies the neuroscience of social behavior under Marc Schmidt, a professor of biology, using multimodal mating displays in the brown-headed cowbird as a model system. After graduating, they plan to pursue a graduate degree in computational neuroscience.

Penn Nursing’s Eileen Lake and Salimah Meghani will both be honored by Sigma Theta Tau International for their contributions to the nursing profession during the organization’s 35th International Nursing Research Congress in Singapore, in July 2024.

Eileen T. Lake is a professor of nursing, the Edith Clemmer Steinbright Professor in Gerontology, and associate director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research. “When I was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing over forty years ago, I never dreamed that I could join an International Hall of Fame of nurse researchers,” said Dr. Lake. “To me, this award represents the pinnacle of achievement in nursing scholarship worldwide. Receiving this award means that my research and mentoring have had a profound impact on our profession, the communities we serve, and the students we train.”

“Dr. Lake’s scholarship in improving nurse work environments means a better work climate for all of us,” said Penn Nursing dean Antonia M. Villarruel, “and her induction into the Hall of Fame highlights the importance of her work for nursing, healthcare, and patients and families. She is truly deserving of this honor as a nurse, a researcher, and a leader.”

Salimah H. Meghani is a professor of nursing & Palliative Care and associate director of the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health. “I am profoundly honored to be inducted into Sigma’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Meghani. “Receiving this honor holds significant meaning for me as it symbolizes the culmination of a long and dedicated journey. This award is especially meaningful because it serves as a testament to impact, underscoring that the true value of scholarship and funding success lies in their ability to make a tangible difference.”

“Dr. Meghani’s long-standing commitment to advancing the field of palliative care—and her myriad accomplishments—has been impactful not only to nurses but to patients and families,” said Penn Nursing dean Antonia M. Villarruel. “Her induction into the Hall of Fame reflects her leadership in palliative care policy, education, practice, and scholarship. She is passionate about engaging with nurses, healthcare providers, and policy makers at all levels to impact the field of palliative care.”

For a decade, middle school students in Philadelphia public schools have gone on field trips to the Penn Museum, funded and managed through the museum’s Unpacking the Past program.

About 60,000 students have participated in the program since its launch. “It’s like a whole generation of kids in Philadelphia have gone on a trip to the Penn Museum,” said Emily Hirshorn, associate director of school programs. “That’s a big impact.”

In a recent museum event, Ms. Hirshorn spoke about Unpacking the Past, along with Tony Watlington, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, and Christopher Woods, the Williams Director of the Penn Museum.

“At the museum, we make community involvement central to our mission because we believe the human story belongs to everyone,” Dr. Woods said. “Educational programs like Unpacking the Past are one of the most important ways that we share this story.”

Dr. Watlington, a former history teacher, said it is important for children to understand how people in the world are interconnected. “Reading, writing, arithmetic, critical thinking skills, and our children must learn a sense of self and culture and history,” he said. “They are all intertwined together. We know that we have to get teachers the tools that they need to make the curriculum real and to make it engaging. And so I’m excited that we have this jewel, this gem, right here. This is probably the best, or one of the best, field trips here in Philadelphia.”

Removing Barriers and Coordinating Logistics

Ms. Hirshorn has managed the Unpacking the Past program, which has two full-time and two part-time educators, since its start a decade ago.

The program’s goal is to reach 6,000 students a year, Ms. Hirshorn said. It serves 6th and 7th graders in about 100 Philadelphia public schools designated Title I, meaning that a significant percentage of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

That translates into about 300 class field trips during the school year, Ms. Hirshorn said. The museum also offers programming for students in autistic support and life skills support classes. “We try to make sure everyone’s included,” she said.

Field trips can be challenging for teachers, especially those in underfunded schools, requiring “a huge amount of extra work for school educators and staff,” Ms. Hirshorn said. The museum requires a ratio of one adult to 10 students, so teachers need to make sure they have enough chaperones, she said, and collecting permission slips can feel like a full-time job.

The museum makes it easier by covering all costs, including funding and transportation on buses, and streamlining all required paperwork. “We really try to work with the teachers as much as possible,” Ms. Hirshorn said. “There are consistent follow-ups to make sure that nothing is forgotten.”

Each field trip includes three museum programs: a class at school before the trip, and two lessons at the museum, including a hands-on workshop and a tour through multiple galleries.

“I’m very impressed with how solid the program model is, and how they have taken the stress out of it for the schools: cost and coordination are all covered, which remove important barriers,” said Caroline Watts, director of the Office of School and Community Engagement at Penn’s Graduate School of Education. “I love the pre-visit classes at the schools to get the students ready for what they will see and experience at the museum visit.”

The Unpacking the Past program started in 2014 through a GRoW @ Annenberg matching grant, and since then the museum has sought grants and donations to cover the annual cost.

Focus on Being a Human

Unpacking the Past has rebuilt staff and capacity since the pandemic, adding a fourth educator in January. The museum is closed to the public on Mondays, so the staff generally conducts pre-visit sessions in schools on that day. Two to four classes visit the museum each Tuesday through Friday, Ms. Hirshorn said.

During the hour-long pre-visit at the schools, educators bring artifacts that the students can handle. “We teach them that anything made by a human is an artifact,” Ms. Hirshorn said, noting that their “teaching collection” includes both replicas and authentic items.

“The main lesson that we’ve been doing the last two years is to focus on humanity, being a human, the history of people,” Ms. Hirshorn said. “We want them to think about ancient people as being real human beings, just like us, and have some empathy and connection with those people.”

Previously, the program was focused on archaeological skills, with an emphasis on Egyptian history and culture. “We want to give them broader skills about how to think about people, and what people do, and why they do it, and how they do it,” Ms. Hirshorn said. “Also how to look at an object and connect it to the person in a process.”

Students learn how humans have controlled and used paint, dye, and glaze for beauty, communication, and technological advancement for centuries. “They’re looking at them through the lens of how and why did the people put the color on this object?” Ms. Hirshorn said.

Bringing History to Life

When students visit the museum, there are three parts of the day: a workshop, a self-guided tour, and a guided tour of the museum galleries.

In the workshop groups “make paint the way ancient people made paint,” Ms. Hirshorn said. Using mortars and pestles they crush natural materials that are local to Philadelphia, including ochre, a reddish rock found in nature just outside the city. They mix it with a binder (glue) and a solvent (water.) The students then paint their own design on a wooden magnet they can keep.

After lunch they have time for a self-guided tour, and often choose to visit the outdoor gardens to see the fish in the fountain. “It’s to show them that museums can also just be a pretty space that’s calm and peaceful, a refuge,” Ms. Hirshorn said.

The students then go on a guided “highlights” tour of several galleries, with targeted activities. “We try to match up with what they’re learning,” Ms. Hirshorn said. One activity is a scavenger hunt to find an object in the gallery that has the same use as various modern objects. It requires students to “make a critical-thinking connection to know what they found. They might have to read the label to figure it out,” she said.

For many of the children, this is the first time they’ve been to a museum, and it is their only field trip of the year. In the future, Ms. Hirshorn said she would like to collaborate more with other institutions that serve the School District of Philadelphia to have an even greater impact.

“They’re being introduced to this way of learning that you can do for fun,” Ms. Hirshorn said. “And they’re seeing also that they can go to these places that may seem like they’re for someone else.”

As the students leave, they get a cinched museum backpack with a pencil, sticker, and annual pass for free admission. “We hope they come back,” she said.

Adapted from a Penn Today article by Louisa Shepard, April 1, 2024.

Commemorate the life of former Interim Penn President and Penn Nursing Dean Claire Muriel Mintzer Fagin, Hon’77, Hon’94, at a memorial ceremony on April 17.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts –Zellerbach Theater
Doors open at 1 p.m.
Ceremony: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Light refreshments provided following the ceremony.
Registration and Penn ID required for entry.

Children’s Activities

11        Stimulus Children's Theatre: The Wizard of Oz; from the moment the spotlight focuses on Dorothy and her clever dog, Toto, this enchanting tale begins to spin as the sounds of a tornado are heard; 8 p.m.; Harold Prince Theater, Annenberg Center; tickets: $5-$10; register: https://tickets.pennlivearts.org/0/89085 (Penn Live Arts). Also April 12, 8 p.m.; April 13, 1 p.m.

Penn Museum

Online webinars. Info: https://www.penn.museum/calendar.

16        K-12 Archaeology Talk with Dr. Steve: Is Archaeology Really Like Indiana Jones?; students are invited to a lively talk with Steven Phillips with exclusive, behind-the-scenes tales of the excavation of Petra’s Temple of the Winged Lions; 11 a.m.; Rainey Auditorium, Penn Museum.

Films

10        Taking Root; tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, whose act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment; 5 p.m.; multipurpose room, Gutmann College House; register: https://tinyurl.com/takingroot2024 (Asian American Studies).

Fitness & Learning

9          Fostering Relationships: Effective Strategies for Campus Success; college students with foster care experience will be introduced to strategies that promote self-sufficiency and accountability throughout their college career; 1 p.m.; online webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/field-center-workshop-apr-9 (Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice, & Research).

10        Fellowships: What Do I Need to Know?; students are invited to learn the basics about opportunities such as the Rhodes Scholarship, Marshall Scholarship, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Thouron Award, Fulbright Award, and many other fellowships, how you can position yourself to be a strong candidate, and how CURF can help you through the application process; 5 p.m.; room 242, Van Pelt Library; register: https://tinyurl.com/curf-workshop-apr-10 (Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships). Also April 16, 6 p.m.

            Japanese Calligraphy Demonstration; Japanese calligraphy master Ebihara Rogen, celebrated worldwide for his dramatic brush strokes on large paper, will exhibit the beauty and power of a delicate fusion of ink and paper; 5:15 p.m.; Penn Museum; register: https://tinyurl.com/calligraphy-museum-apr-10 (Penn Museum).

11        Teacher Talks: Decolonizing the Classics; learn about the historical connections between the Classics and white supremacy, moments of resistance within the discipline, and how people are working to reimagine how this subject can be a locus of liberation rather than oppression; 4:30 p.m.; online webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/museum-teacher-talk-apr-11 (Penn Museum).

12        Pedagogy Workshop for Korean Language Teachers in Philadelphia: Innovative Approaches to Korean Language Education: Empowering Students with Generative AI and Immersive VR; 1:30-5 p.m.; room 544, Williams Hall; register: https://forms.gle/UHUr6ky1nxzyWud68 (Korean Studies).

            Career Steps Before Graduation Seminar; staff from UPenn Career Services and ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services) will lend their expertise on prevailing job trends and providing guidance on navigating the intricacies of securing employment; 3 p.m.; auditorium, LRSM (Materials Science & Engineering).

            Student Week: After Dark – Under the Stars; magical night of stargazing, including after-hours access to ICA’s exhibitions, personalized readings from an astrologer, and a photobooth with a 90s prom theme; 6 p.m.; Institute of Contemporary Art; register: https://tinyurl.com/ica-after-dark-apr-12 (ICA).

15        Schwarzman Scholars Program Group Info Session and Individual Meetings; students can attend a group meeting or schedule individual consultations about applying for Schwarzman Scholarship; 4 p.m.; room 242, Van Pelt Library; register: https://tinyurl.com/curf-workshop-apr-15 (Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships).

Music

Penn Live Arts

In-person events. Info and tickets: https://pennlivearts.org/events/.

12        The Pennchants: gam3 of chant5; Penn’s premier all-male a cappella group, the Pennchants, proudly present its 35th Anniversary Show; 5:30 p.m.; Harold Prince Theater, Annenberg Center; tickets: $10-$13. Also April 13, 8 p.m.

Special Events

16        Pennsylvania Mail-in or Absentee Ballot Application Deadline; 5 p.m.; to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, visit https://bit.ly/3wYTT89; to request either ballot type, you must be registered to vote; visit https://bit.ly/4ce7U2c to review your registration status; to learn more about voting and election-related activities on campus, visit vote.upenn.edu.

Talks

9          Vibrant Cities: Advancing Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Urban Development; panel of speakers; 11 a.m.; online livestream; register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/862369088157/preview/ (Penn Institute for Urban Research).

            The Cyaphide Ion: A New Building Block for Chemical Synthesis; Jose Goicoechea, Indiana University; noon; Carolyn Hoff Lynch Lecture Hall, Chemistry 1973 Building (Chemistry).

            The Role of the Declaration of Independence in Constitutional Law; David Porter, Third Circuit Judge; noon; room 240A, Silverman Hall; register: https://forms.gle/RBUpfcYPMCR4qGEfA (Federalist Society).

            From Courtroom to Classroom: Charting the Future of Education Equity in the Wake of the Pennsylvania Fair Funding Case; Deborah Gordon Klehr, Education Law Center; Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, Public Interest Law Center; Tony B. Watlington Sr., School District of Philadelphia; 5 p.m.; room 100, Golkin Hall; register: https://tinyurl.com/goldberg-christman-2024 (Carey Law School).

10        The Key Role of Biostatistics and Data Science in the COVID-19 Pandemic; Jeffrey Morris, biostatistics, epidemiology, & informatics; 9 a.m.; room 701, Blockley Hall, and Zoom webinar; join: https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/j/96442998641 (Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics).

            60 Second Lectures; Joshua Teplitsky, Jewish studies; 11:50 a.m.; Ben Franklin statue, College Hall (School of Arts & Sciences).

            The Single-Atom Logic for Skeletal Editing; Mark Levin, University of Chicago; noon; Carolyn Hoff Lynch Lecture Hall, Chemistry 1973 Building (Chemistry).

            What Should We “Trust” in Trustworthy Machine Learning? Aaron Roth, computer & information science; noon; room 225, Towne Building, and Zoom webinar; register: https://upenn.zoom.us/j/96814843409 (ASSET Center).

            Solving Inverse Problems with Generative Priors: From Low-Rank to Diffusion Models; Yuejie Chi, Carnegie Mellon University; 1:30 p.m.; room 337, Towne Building (Electrical & Systems Engineering).

            Doing Robotics in Digital Labs: Or How Simulations Fuel Robotics Development; Michel Hidalgo, Ekumen; 3 p.m.; Zoom webinar; join: https://upenn.zoom.us/j/98320063617 (GRASP Lab).

            The EwingCole Lecture: After Gropius; Mark Lee, Harvard University; 6:30 p.m.; Plaza Gallery, Meyerson Hall (Architecture).

11        Alternative Hygienic Modernity: Chinese Medical Therapy Project for Industrial Pollution in Cold War Taiwan; Po-Hsun Chen, University of Manchester; noon; room 2C6, DRL, and online webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/chen-talk-apr-11 (Center for East Asian Studies).

            A Reflection on Caste and Comparison; Anupama Rao, Barnard College and Columbia University; noon; suite 230, PCPSE (Center for the Advanced Study of India).

            The Promises and Perils of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weaponry; James “Hoss” Cartwright, former commander of U.S. Strategic Command; Dawn Meyerriecks, former director of the CIA Directorate of Science and Technology; Claire Finkelstein, law and philosophy; 4:30 p.m.; location TBA; register: https://tinyurl.com/cerl-talk-apr-11 (Center for Ethics & the Rule of Law).

            Liberty After Liberalism: Emancipatory Struggles in Ukrainian Journalism, 1998-2021; Taras Fedirko, University of Glasgow; 5:30 p.m.; room 209, College Hall (Russian & East European Studies).

12        Economic Opportunity for Everyone: The Role of CDFIs in Advancing and Building Opportunity; panel of speakers; noon; online livestream; register: https://tinyurl.com/iur-talk-apr-12 (Penn Institute for Urban Research).

            Modeling Lone Pair Dynamics in Materials; Richard Remsing, Rutgers University; 2 p.m.; room 534, 3401 Walnut Street (Penn Institute for Computational Science).

13        The Serapeum & Cattle Mummies; Aidan Dodson, University of Bristol; Salima Ikram, American University in Cairo; 1:30 p.m.; classroom L2, Penn Museum; tickets: $10/general, $7/members, faculty and staff, $5/students, free/12 and under (Penn Museum).

15        The Rothko Chapel: At the Intersection of Art, Spirituality and Human Rights; Christopher Rothko, son of Mark Rothko; noon; Class of 1955 Conference Room, 2^nd floor, Van Pelt Library; register: https://tinyurl.com/rothko-talk-apr-15 (Paideia Program).

            Rol de los defectos metabólicos en la degeneración axonal de neuronas inducidas por iPSC deficientes en WIPI4; Leonardo Ramos-Rodríguez, neuroscience; Funciones de los IFNs tipo I en la remodelación de los vasos sanguíneos del embarazo saludable; cell & molecular biology; 4 p.m.; Class of 1962 Auditorium, John Morgan Building (Perelman School of Medicine).

            Popular Literature and Manuscript Culture in Rural North China, 17th-19th Centuries; Zhenzhen Lu, Bates College; 5:15 p.m.; room 602, Van Pelt Library, and Zoom webinar; join: https://tinyurl.com/lu-talk-apr-15 (East Asian Languages & Civilizations).

            Locating Giurgola: Rome, Philadelphia, Canberra; Cameron Logan, University of Sydney; 7 p.m.; Kleinman Forum, Fisher Fine Arts Library; register: https://tinyurl.com/logan-talk-apr-15 (Architectural Archives).

16        Cardiovascular Engineering – A “Personal” Journey from Bench to Bedside; Ajit Yoganathan, Georgia Institute of Technology; 10 a.m.; room 101, Levine Hall Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics).

            Scaling Deep Learning Up and Down; Zhuang Liu, Meta AI Research; 11 a.m.; room 225, Towne Building (Electrical & Systems Engineering).

Economics

In-person events at various locations. Info: https://economics.sas.upenn.edu/events.

9          Social Learning with Endogenous Timing; Juuso Välimäki, Aalto University; 4 p.m.; room 100, PCPSE.

10        Concentration in Product Markets; Ali Yurukoglu, Stanford University; 3:30 p.m.; room 100, PCPSE.

12        Big Lessons from Teaching Large Classes; Anne Duchene, economics; 2 p.m.; room 200, PCPSE.

Mathematics

Info: https://www.math.upenn.edu/events.

11        A Family of Kahler Flying Wing Steady Ricci Solitons; Ronan Conlon, University of Texas at Dallas; 3:30 p.m.; room 4C8, DRL.

12        Arithmetic on the Intersection of Two Quadrics; Jean-Louis Colliot-Thélène, Université Paris-Saclay; 3:30 p.m.; room 4N30, DRL.

15        Census-Taking for Curves Over Finite Fields; Kiran Kedlaya, University of California, San Diego; 3:30 p.m.; room 4N30, DRL.

This is an update to the April AT PENN calendar, which is online now. Email almanac@upenn.edu to submit events for a future AT PENN calendar or weekly update.

Division of Public Safety University of Pennsylvania Police Department Crime Report

About the Crime Report: Below are the Crimes Against Persons and/or Crimes Against Property from the campus report for March 25-31, 2024. The Crime Reports are available at: https://almanac.upenn.edu/sections/crimes. Prior weeks’ reports are also online. –Eds.

This summary is prepared by the Division of Public Safety (DPS) and contains all criminal incidents reported and made known to the Penn Police, including those reported to the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) that occurred within our patrol zone, for the dates of March 25-31, 2024. The Penn Police actively patrol from Market Street to Baltimore Avenue and from 30^th Street to 43^rd Street in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police.

In this effort to provide you with a thorough and accurate report on public safety concerns, we hope that your increased awareness will lessen the opportunity for crime. For any concerns or suggestions regarding this report, please call DPS at (215) 898-7297. You may view the daily crime log on the DPS website.

Penn Police Patrol Zone
Market Street to Baltimore Avenue and from 30^th Street to 43^rd Street

Philadelphia Police 18th District
Schuylkill River to 49th Street & Market Street to Woodland Avenue

Below are the Crimes Against Persons from the 18th District: 4 incidents were reported for March 25-31, 2024. by the 18^th District, covering the Schuylkill River to 49th Street & Market Street to Woodland Avenue.

The Division of Public Safety offers resources and support to the Penn community. DPS developed a few helpful risk reduction strategies outlined below. Know that it is never the fault of the person impacted (victim/survivor) by crime.

• See something concerning? Connect with Penn Public Safety 24/7 at (215) -573-3333.
• Worried about a friend’s or colleague’s mental or physical health? Get 24/7 connection to appropriate resources at (215) 898-HELP (4357).
• Seeking support after experiencing a crime? Call Special Services - Support and Advocacy resources at (215) 898-4481 or email an advocate at specialservices@publicsafety.upenn.edu
• Use the Walking Escort and Riding services available to you free of charge.
• Take a moment to update your cellphone information for the UPennAlert Emergency Notification System
• Download the Penn Guardian App which can help Police better find your location when you call in an emergency.
• Access free self-empowerment and defense courses through Penn DPS.
• Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
• Orient yourself to your surroundings. (Identify your location, nearby exits, etc.)
• Keep your valuables out of sight and only carry necessary documents.

April 23, 2024 is the Pennsylvania Primary Election. Here’s what you need to know to successfully cast your ballot.

Polls are open on Tuesday, April 23, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is April 16, 2024. Any registered voter may request a mail-in ballot. Absentee ballots can be requested by voters with disabilities or an illness that prevents them from going to their polling place on Election Day, or by those who will be absent from their municipality on Election Day. Request forms must be received by your county election board by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16. Completed ballots must be received by your county election board by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. To apply for either a mail-in or absentee ballot online, visit: https://bit.ly/3wYTT89.

Pennsylvania is a closed primary state, meaning that you can only vote for candidates in the same political party you have named in your voter registration. All voters can vote on ballot questions.

The New Jersey Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. For information regarding New Jersey’s Primary Election, visit https://bit.ly/3IvosFg.

The Delaware Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. For information regarding Delaware’s Primary Election, visit https://bit.ly/3TvaXf0.

To learn more about Election Day at Penn and student-led non-partisan voter engagement efforts, visit vote.upenn.edu.

—From the Office of Government and Community Affairs

Construction on Spruce Street between 40th and 42nd Streets will take place from now until May 4, 2024. This is part of SEPTA’s trolley track renewal project and will include the excavation and renewal of the existing corroded and broken rail on Spruce Street. Vehicular traffic and parking will be restricted in the work area, on Spruce Street between 40th and 42nd Streets, for the duration of the project.

• East of 40th Street on Spruce Street will not be impacted. In addition, southbound traffic on 40th Street and both northbound and southbound traffic on 42nd Street will not be impacted.
• Motorists traveling from east Spruce Street will be directed to use 40th Street, Baltimore Avenue and 42nd Street.
• Motorists traveling from west Spruce Street will be directed to use 42nd Street, Locust Street and 40th Street.
• Motorists on 41st Street will be directed to use Locust Street, 42nd Street, and Pine Street.
• Posted traffic detours will be erected and maintained around the area while work is in progress.
• Emergency vehicles will have uninterrupted access. Trash collection and other city utilities will continue to have access during the closure.
• Normal construction hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Office of Government and Community Affairs (OGCA) has been working in coordination with SEPTA and the Division of Public Safety to minimize disruption to the Penn community. Please contact OGCA with any questions or concerns at ogca@pobox.upenn.edu or (215) 898-1388.

—From the Office of Government and Community Affairs

The Trustees’ Council of Penn Women (TCPW) is accepting applications for its Annual Grants Program and encourages members of the Penn community to apply.

Grants ranging between $1,000-$3,000 will be available to individuals or organizations which promote:

• Women’s issues
• The quality of undergraduate and graduate life for women
• The advancement of women, and/or
• The physical, emotional and psychological well-being of women

Favorable consideration will be given to projects that:

• Affect a broad segment of the University population
• Foster a greater awareness of women’s issues, and/or
• Provide seed money for pilot programs that have the potential to become ongoing self-supporting programs

To apply, visit the TCPW website at TCPW Grant. Applications must be submitted no later than April 12, 2024. Awards will be announced in the spring of 2024 and funds will be distributed in July/August 2024 for projects in the 2024-2025 academic year. For more information, contact Terri Welsh at welsh@upenn.edu.

The Trustees’ Council of Penn Women (TCPW) Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising is now accepting nominations through May 1, 2024. Nominations may be submitted by students, faculty, or staff in the Penn community.

Please visit https://provost.upenn.edu/for-students/teaching-at-penn/tcpw-undergraduate-advising-award/ for more information and the nomination form. For questions, please contact Laura Francisco (frlaura@upenn.edu) in the Office of the Vice Provost for Education.

Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy

Be aware; secure your usernames and passwords.

One part of ensuring that your personal information is safe is by keeping your passwords secure. Do not share your usernames and passwords with others. You should also use unique passwords for each of your accounts. This can be challenging, but the university offers tools to help you secure and create complex passwords.

In addition to complex passwords, some accounts may offer additional layers of security to you. One option might be adding two-step verification. Simply put, two-step verification adds something you have, like a phone, a security key, an authenticator app, or even something you are, like a fingerprint or your face, to help secure your account in addition to your username and password. If your accounts offer a two-step verification option, please use it. An example of using an app instead of SMS/text is using the Duo Push option with your PennKey.

Two-Step verification: https://upenn.edu/twostep.

For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/news-alerts#One-Step-Ahead.