Frances E. Jensen, chair of neurology in Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, was awarded the Smith College Medal at a ceremony on February 20. The Smith Medal was established in 1962 to recognize Smith College alumnae who exemplify in their lives and work “the true purpose” of a liberal arts education.

Dr. Jensen, who earned an AB in neuro-psychology from Smith College in 1978, is the first woman to lead the University of Pennsylvania’s department of neurology. Her research focuses on epilepsy and stroke, and how epilepsy interacts with other diseases, such as autism and dementia.

Beyond her academic role, Dr. Jensen authored The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults, and she lectures about the teen brain at science museums, educational events and in other venues.