May 14, 2019 Volume 65 Issue 35

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania announced the establishment of Analytics at Wharton, uniting the School’s teaching, research and industry engagement initiatives that use big data to improve decision-making and generate actionable business insights. This change is made possible by a new anonymous $15 million gift, creating the Data Science and Business Analytics Fund, which will accelerate Wharton’s innovations in applying sophisticated analytical tools to solve challenges and leverage the opportunities for business and society generated by the data and technology revolution. This gift is an instrumental investment in analytics, a core area of focus of Wharton’s More Than Ever campaign.

“In the 21st century, leaders will increasingly use data and analytics to develop insights that will help them make better decisions and become better leaders. The creation of Analytics at Wharton demonstrates our commitment to using big data to transform how business is done,” said Wharton Dean Geoffrey Garrett. “This gives us the opportunity to expand our analytics research, curriculum, and industry engagement to respond to the enormous interest from our students, our faculty and business at large in championing the responsible use of data to benefit society.”  

Analytics at Wharton will be supported by the creation of a new senior leadership position at Wharton, the Vice Dean for Analytics. The inaugural vice dean will be Eric T. Bradlow, the K.P. Chao Professor and professor of marketing, economics, education and statistics and the chair of Wharton’s marketing department. Dr. Bradlow is also the co-founder of the Wharton Customer Analytics Initiative. 

The Data Science and Business Analytics Fund will support new opportunities to expand the impact of big data analytics on areas as diverse as sports and entertainment, healthcare and medicine, and network science and the media, drawing on the Wharton faculty’s diverse research excellence in areas that are being transformed by the opportunities created by unprecedented volumes of digital, numerical and text-based data.   

“At Wharton, our teaching and research define the cutting edge in using data analysis to inform decision-making,” said Dr. Bradlow. “Our students and faculty are applying these methods in real time to real problems, meeting the growing needs of organizations seeking talented people who can turn raw data into actionable business intelligence.”

Analytics at Wharton will also bring together five existing programs at the School:

Customer Analytics, which focuses on analytical methods to further business intelligence for companies centered around granular customer-level data.

Penn Wharton Budget Model, a nonpartisan, research-based initiative that provides accurate, accessible and transparent economic analysis of public policy’s fiscal impact.

People Analytics, which uses data to help organizations make smarter decisions about people by understanding the character, culture, collaboration and careers at their organizations.

Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, which develops new technologies that can collect and analyze novel forms of behavioral data at the nexus of business and brain science.

Wharton Research Data Services, an award-winning research platform and business intelligence tool used by corporate, academic, governmental and non-profit clients at 400+ organizations worldwide.

Wharton’s outstanding reputation for analytics drives students’ high demand for courses and co-curricular activities in this area. For example, at Wharton:

• 47 analytics-based courses are offered in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
• 14% of MBA students major in Business Analytics.
• More than 1,100 students participate in undergraduate and MBA Analytics Clubs.
• 18 analytics-related conferences and public events take place each year. 
• Tens of thousands of learners worldwide have enrolled in analytics programs and courses through Wharton Executive Education and Wharton Online.

The Faculty Senate has announced its new leadership for the upcoming year: Past Chair: Jennifer Pinto-Martin (Nursing); Chair: Steven Kimbrough (Wharton); Chair-Elect: Kathleen Hall Jamieson (Annenberg). See the 2018-2019 Annual Reports of the Faculty Senate in this week’s supplement.

Amrit Thapa, a lecturer in Penn GSE’s International Educational Development Program and instructor in the Education Entrepreneurship Program, is the recipient of the GSE Excellence in Teaching Award. Students describe Dr. Thapa’s class as a place where quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis are demystified. He challenges students to critically examine research in the field, including his own work, because he wants them to be partners in learning. In addition to his teaching, Dr. Thapa creates a positive classroom environment that prioritizes his students’ wellness. Thanks to his mentorship, students said Dr. Thapa has opened up career possibilities they wouldn’t have otherwise considered.

Kellie Ann Jurado has joined the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania as a Presidential Assistant Professor of Microbiology. Dr. Jurado’s research examines how the immune system interacts with viral infections. Her current work investigates the abnormal immune response during Zika virus infection, including how the immune system reacts to Zika in the brain.

As a new Penn faculty member, Dr. Jurado will continue her research on Zika virus pathogenesis and how antigen-presenting cells shape T cell responses in the central nervous system. She will also start on a new line of inquiry exploring the enterovirus D68, an emerging and important viral infection that causes a polio-like disease in children. The research is expected to provide clues about how this virus attacks the body.

Dr. Jurado is the recipient of several major grants and fellowships, including the L’Oréal Women in Science Fellowship, the Charles H. Revson Senior Fellowship in Biomedical Science and a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Fellowship. She was named a 2018 “Wunderkind” by the life sciences publication STAT. She received her PhD in virology from Harvard University and served as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University.

Dr. Jurado grew up in a small town in New Mexico where her family engages in chili pepper farming and business. Guided by her own experiences as a first-generation doctoral student who did not meet a scientist until college, Dr. Jurado has given back to the community by mentoring students at Harvard and Yale and within underserved middle and high schools in the New Haven/Bridgeport area. She has also engaged in community outreach by educating communities there about the HPV vaccine. The Hartford Courant named her a Hometown Hero for these activities.

The Presidential Professorships are five-year term chairs, awarded by President Amy Gutmann to outstanding scholars, whose appointments to the standing faculty are approved by the Provost,  and who demonstrably contribute excellence and diversity to Penn’s inclusive community.

The Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award

This year’s Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award was presented to Joseph Bender. The Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award is the most prestigious teaching award in veterinary medicine. It is presented annually to a faculty member at each college of veterinary medicine in the United States. Its purpose is “to improve veterinary medicine
education by recognizing outstanding instructors who, through their ability, dedication, character and leadership, contribute significantly to the advancement of the profession.” The entire Penn Vet student body votes on the recipient.

Dr. Bender is currently assistant professor of clinical dairy production medicine in dairy field investigation for the Center for Animal Health and Productivity at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Findlay, and his veterinary and master of science degrees from Iowa State University.

Dr. Bender’s main area of work involves providing on-farm consultation to dairy farmers throughout Pennsylvania to improve production, profitability and well-being for both dairy cattle and producers. Primary interests and teaching include dairy farm management, nutrition, reproduction and on-farm interactions to help the sustainability of the Pennsylvania dairy industry.

Dr. Bender’s research projects focus on global food security and the role of animal agriculture; antibiotic resistance; and the Penn Wharton China Center’s sustainability project through the Penn China Research and Engagement Fund. His family dairy farm, located nearby, is where he spends most of his time away from Penn Vet.

Noted one student: “Dr. Bender is truly an inspiration to those he meets and teaches. I can attest to his enthusiasm that students in his classes exude after interactions with him. Dr. Bender is an enthusiastic educator, encouraging students to think logically about problems and to constantly scrutinize their preconceptions. He empowers students to think independently—when posed a question his retort is often advice on how to approach the problem rather than the answer. Despite his fondness of debate, he treats students, clients and colleagues with sincere respect. He spends countless hours outside of the classroom helping students with their own projects and providing invaluable mentorship.”

The William B. Boucher Award

The Boucher Award honors a house officer at New Bolton Center for excellent teaching, as was exemplified by William Boucher over four decades at Penn Vet.

This year’s winner is Caitlin Moore. Dr. Moore graduated from Penn Vet (V’16) where she is currently a resident in Internal Medicine at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center.

“When working with the students, Dr. Moore has a high level of empathy for them,” wrote a student. “She understands what it’s like be a student, and how scary and overwhelming it is, and how work just piles up and sometimes you just don’t know the answer. When she talks to students she really gets that and I’m so happy that the students recognize it too.”

Class of 2019 Philadelphia Campus Teaching Award

Deborah Mandell graduated from Penn Vet (V’93) where she also completed an internship and a residency in emergency and critical care medicine. After becoming board certified and moving to Maryland, she was a criticalist at VCA/Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg. In 2001, Dr. Mandell returned to Penn Vet, where she is currently a professor in emergency and critical care medicine and works in Ryan Hospital’s emergency room. Her clinical interests include ophthalmological emergencies and respiratory distress in cats.

As a pet safety advisor for the American Red Cross, she has provided expert review for Red Cross Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid guides, the Pet First Aid app, and the Cat and Dog First Aid online course. She has participated in multiple print interviews and live segments on Animal Radio. Dr. Mandell is also a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.

According to one student, “Few people are more invested in student learning than Dr. Mandell. Between her legendary CPR lab, her extraordinary teaching rounds and her willingness to provide hands-on experience, Dr. Mandell continues to go above and beyond for her students. On top of all that, she is also fun, brilliant and calm under pressure—a true role model.”

Class of 2019 New Bolton Center Teaching Award

Nikki Scherrer currently serves as an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. She received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and graduated summa cum laude from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. She earned her veterinary degree from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation Dr. Sherrer interned at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. Following this, she started a second rotating internship at New Bolton Center and a subsequent ophthalmology residency.

“As a student, it is impossible to work on a case with Dr. Scherrer and not be blown away by her incredible knowledge. But with this knowledge comes a great talent for translating the information to her students. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Scherrer on multiple cases while out on rotation at New Bolton Center and they were some of the most rewarding cases I have been involved with at New Bolton. Not only did I learn a great deal about ophthalmology, but her mastery of client communication and the way she advocates for her patients was a joy to behold.”

Class of 2020 Philadelphia Campus Teaching Award

Rebecka Hess received her DVM degree in 1992 from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. She completed an internship in small animal medicine in 1994 and a residency in small animal internal medicine in 1996, both at Penn Vet, where she is currently professor and chief of internal medicine. Dr. Hess was a 2019 winner of a Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (Almanac March 26, 2019). Her research and publications focus on diabetes and other endocrinopathies in dogs and cats, topics she is invited to speak on nationally and internationally. She is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Said one student: “While there are some truly great lecturers, there are some that go beyond what is required, Dr. Rebecka Hess took time in class to check in with the students, summarized each major topic, signposted her lectures, and most of all, showed us empathy when it came to learning the challenging material that is small animal endocrine disease.”

Class of 2020 New Bolton Center Teaching Award

Michael Pesato received his undergraduate degree from the University of Findlay and his veterinary degree from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing an internship and subsequent Field Service residency at New Bolton Center, he accepted a position of lecturer in food animal field service. Dr. Pesato’s clinical focus is on overall health and productivity of cattle and small ruminants. He is especially interested in working with small ruminant farms and small bovine herds to develop herd management strategies and preventative healthcare plans. He also enjoys community outreach activities and educating the public on food animal topics. Dr. Pesato received The William B. Boucher Award in 2017 (Almanac May 23, 2017).

According to one student, “Dr. Pesato spends countless hours in and out of the classroom to teach small- and large-animal students alike. He volunteers his weekends to wet labs, teaches the basics of rectal palpation in Large Animal block, and comforts and guides students when they must remediate their pre-clinical assessment.”

Class of 2021 Laboratory Teaching Award

Deborah Gillette attended Purdue University as an undergraduate and veterinary school at Cornell University. After completing a pathology residency at Penn Vet, she earned a PhD in comparative pathology at University of California, Davis, and became board certified. Dr. Gillette joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin for one year before joining the pathology faculty at New Bolton Center. During this time she received a master’s degree in health professions education from Penn’s Graduate School of Education.  Dr. Gillette left Penn Vet to become a pathologist in the toxicology department of Rohm and Haas Company (now part of Dow Chemical). After retiring from industry, she returned to Penn Vet in 2018, working for the pathology department at the Philadelphia campus. Dr. Gillette also serves as photo editor for the journal Veterinary Pathology.

“Dr. Gillette always has a smile for us during our pathology wet labs,” noted a student. “She is one of the most friendly and helpful teachers we have. She really encourages us to make diagnoses like actual doctors.”

Class of 2021 Lecture Teaching Award

Julie Engiles graduated from Penn Vet in 2002 and completed a surgical internship at the New Jersey Equine Clinic 2003, followed by an anatomic pathology residency at Penn Vet. She is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. She was hired in 2007 as an assistant professor of pathology at New Bolton Center, which provides autopsy and biopsy services for the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Lab Services (PADLS). Dr. Engiles’ research and teaching interests include orthopedic pathology, equine laminitis and gastrointestinal pathology.

“When we hear ‘soggy nachos’ we now think of osteochondritis dissecans,” noted a student. “Dr. Engiles’ enthusiasm and positive energy made her lectures engaging and easy to follow. She went out of her way to provide us with practice cases to apply the information we were learning in class.”

Class of 2022 Laboratory Teaching Award

Peter Hand received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, then graduated from Penn Vet in 1961. He earned his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. Dr. Hand is currently an emeritus professor of anatomy after a 35-year career at Penn Vet, and he continues to help out during anatomy labs.

One student wrote that “Dr. Hand always has something nice or encouraging to say, especially during histology point and shoot, or when handing you a clipboard as you’re walking into your anatomy practical. He is humble, polite and extremely knowledgeable in his field.”

Class of 2022 Lecture Teaching Award

Elizabeth Woodward joined the department of biomedical sciences in 2016 as a clinical assistant professor. Prior to her faculty appointment, she held postdoctoral research appointments in the Reference Andrology Laboratory at New Bolton Center and at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center, where she also earned her doctorate studying equine reproductive physiology. As faculty, she is course organizer for physiology, teaches anatomy, serves on several College committees, and is a faculty adviser for the Wine Club. Her research interests are in the field of reproductive physiology, specifically in the areas of sperm physiology and equine endometritis.

“Dr. Woodward goes above and beyond to answer our questions in a way that benefits the entire class, and even consults new research to do so,” said a student. “If you email a question, she will make an additional PowerPoint slide to answer it, and incorporate that slide into the next lecture so everyone is on the same page. You might find her in the courtyard, shouting through a megaphone, choreographing students into a complex dance that roughly resembles a functional beating heart. We’re really lucky to have someone who cares as much as she does, and we’re certainly grateful for her.”

A.T. Charlie Johnson, professor of physics and astronomy in Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences, has been ap pointed the Rebecca W. Bushnell Professor of Physics and Astronomy. A condensed matter experimentalist, Dr. Johnson focuses on the physics of nanoscale materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. He is a leading expert on transport phenomena (energy, charge and spin) in such systems.

Dr. Johnson has served as director of Penn’s Nano/Bio Interface Center, a National Science Foundation-funded Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, and was recently named as a member of the Defense Science Study Group. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the American Physical Society, and he has been recognized for excellence in teaching and mentorship with the Provost’s Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Penn Arts & Sciences Dean’s Award for Mentorship of Undergraduate Research.

The Penn Arts & Sciences Board of Overseers created this professorship in 2012 in recognition of Rebecca W. Bushnell, who was dean of the School 2005-2013. It was originally known as the School of Arts & Sciences Board of Overseers Professorship and was held by Dr. Bushnell from 2013 until her retirement in 2018, when it was renamed the Rebecca W. Bushnell Professorship and designated for the sciences to reflect her commitment to all academic disciplines. Dr. Bushnell joined the Penn Arts & Sciences faculty in the department of English in 1982.

The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has named Cynthia M. Otto professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine in the department of clinical sciences and advanced medicine.

“Dr. Otto espouses the highest standards of collegiality, clinical service, teaching and research on working and athletic dogs,” said Oliver A. Garden, Corinne R. and Henry Bower Professor of Medicine and chairman of the department of clinical sciences and advanced medicine. “She has carved an amazing career to date, with much still to come. Her caliber is impressive and showcases with incisive clarity, the impact and global reach of the Working Dog Center at Penn Vet. As far as we are aware, we have the very first professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine in the world.”

Dr. Otto joined Penn Vet in 1991 as associate professor of critical care. Inspired by her work with the 9/11 search-and-rescue canines, she became the founding director in 2012 of the School’s Working Dog Center, a national research and development facility for detection dogs (Almanac September 4, 2012). Dr. Otto oversees the fitness and medical care of detection dogs in the program, as well as physical rehabilitation for local law enforcement canines. Her research focuses on all aspects of detection dog health and performance with an emphasis on canine olfactory function. Her studies include using dogs to help identify odors associated with difficult-to-diagnose conditions such as ovarian cancer, and evaluating how medications might alter a dog’s sense of smell.

In response to the concerns of drug detection dog exposure to opioids, she has investigated the effects of intramuscular and intranasal applications of Naloxone. She has helped develop effective hydration strategies to enhance canine thermoregulation and reduce the risk of heat stroke through collaborations with the Department of Defense, Customs and Border Protection, and industry.

Dr. Otto is frequently quoted in the national and international press about medical detection, the behavior of search and rescue dogs, as well as the health and occupational hazards of working dogs. She was named the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year in 2018.

Dr. Otto, who is dually boarded in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, and Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, earned her veterinary degree at Ohio State University, and her PhD in veterinary physiology from the University of Georgia.

“The mission of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center is to transform global health and safety through working dogs,” said Dr. Otto. “Our Center has become so much more than I ever imagined. I want to thank Penn Vet, as well as my peers and colleagues who share my commitment to working dogs, who have been such a pivotal addition to human lives.”

Penn Parking Services would like to thank its valued permit holders for their patronage of the University’s parking facilities. Over the last year, Parking Services’ ongoing commitment to enhance the experience of its patrons included multimillion-dollar investments in safety and security, facility repairs and renovations, and aesthetic features throughout our lots and garages. 

In addition, recently implemented federal legislation (The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017) contains provisions that pertain specifically to parking programs and, in turn, results in a substantial impact on the overall cost structure of Penn’s Parking operations. Parking Services has worked diligently to minimize permit rates to the extent possible and remains committed to investing resources to sustain Penn’s comprehensive parking and transportation infrastructure in support of the campus community. 

Effective July 1, 2019, the following FY20 rates, which reflect a 5% increase, apply to all permit holders. These new permit rates remain favorable to comparable parking facilities in University City and the vast majority reflect a daily parking rate of $9.09, which represents an approximate 20% discount off of other local permit rates and almost 30% less than area transient rates. 

¹  Rates reflect the permit holder’s payroll deduction

—Penn Parking Services

As part of Penn’s integrated transit solution, the University offers a wide array of options for commuting to campus. They are designed to accommodate a variety of circumstances and include discounted, pre-tax purchases of passes that can be used for the robust network of transit systems that serve Penn’s campus to the Occasional Parking Program that serves as an alternative to the monthly parking permit. Currently, up to $265 of your monthly commuter fare costs can be paid for through pre-tax payroll deductions, and utilizing these commuting methods contributes to the goals of Penn’s Climate Action Plan. Visit the Penn Transportation and Parking website at www.upenn.edu/transportation for further information or contact the staff in the Transportation and Parking office by emailing parking@upenn.edu 

Penn’s Occasional Parking Program—For those instances when Penn faculty and staff have a need to drive and park on campus, sustainable transit program participants who receive monthly payroll deductions can receive 10 daily parking permits per year at a significant discount. 

Local and Regional Public Transit—Commuters can travel to and from campus by bus, trolley, subway or railway via local and regional transit authorities such as SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit, DART and Amtrak. Discounts of up to 10% are available, depending on the commuter fare, along with options for monthly payroll deduction. For those who are interested in commuting by SEPTA, specific questions about travel options and schedules can be addressed in person by SEPTA staff at the SEPTA Travel Center @Penn, located on the first floor of the Penn Bookstore (Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.). 

WageWorks Commuter Cards—Commuter Cards are accepted at transit agencies, fare vending machines and designated transit retail centers that sell transit passes, tickets, fare cards, and accept the VISA Card for payment. The monthly amount placed on commuter credit cards is discounted by 5%. 

Vanpools—Penn Transportation and Parking has joined with Enterprise Rideshare, a national leader in vanpooling and sustainable transportation, to offer vanpooling options that are available throughout the region, including New Jersey and Delaware. The average cost of participating in a vanpool is between $100 and $150 monthly (depending on location and the number of riders). 

Carpools—Parking permit patrons can take advantage of discounts by teaming up with fellow employees to form a carpool. Discounts are based on the number of participants in the carpool.

—Penn Parking Services

The Penn Professional Staff Assembly’s Annual Meeting will feature a conversation with Penn’s chief wellness officer Benoit Dubé, noon-1 p.m., Hall of Flags in  Houston Hall. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y2f8upzf

Nominees for the PPSA Executive Board will also be introduced at this meeting. Online voting will be available for PPSA members immediately after the meeting until midnight on May 29.

Download the supplement as a PDF.

Download the supplement as a PDF.

Robert Carpick, the John Henry Towne Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, has been selected as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Founded in 1880, ASME is a leading engineering organization that emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and skill development. Of its more than 100,000 members around the world, fewer than 4,000 have attained the grade of Fellow. The ASME Fellow distinction recognizes the nominee for their significant engineering achievements.

Dr. Carpick’s engagement in the ASME community and his years conducting foundational research in the engineering field earned him the honor of ASME Fellow. Dr. Carpick and his lab focus on investigating the nature of many different materials, particularly characterizing the importance of friction, adhesion, wear and lubrication at the nanoscale. His work has implications for understanding the role such factors play in a variety of systems, ranging from car parts to earthquakes.

Daeyeon Lee, professor in SEAS’ department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, has been selected by the US chapter of the Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers (KIChE) as the recipient of the 2019 James M. Lee Memorial Award.

The James M. Lee Memorial Award honors the late first president of the US Chapter of KIChE by recognizing an outstanding Korean or Korean-American chemical engineer.

KIChE is an organization that aims “to promote constructive and mutually beneficial interactions among Korean chemical engineers in the US and facilitate international collaboration between engineers in the United States and Korea.”

Dr. Lee has been a particularly active member of the KIChE community, winning the KIChE President Young Investigator Award in 2012 and taking over the position of president of the US Chapter in 2015. Dr. Lee’s research seeks to deepen scientists’ knowledge of how soft materials interact. His lab focuses on using microscale materials to engineer macroscale materials with particular properties.

Dr. Lee will accept the award and give a presentation on his research at a conference this November.

Eugene Mele and Nancy Speck of the University of Pennsylvania have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) “in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.”

Dr. Mele and Dr. Speck are among 100 new members, along with 25 new foreign associates. Researchers are elected by their peers for membership in the NAS based on contributions made to the field, and election to the NAS is considered one of the highest honors a scientist can receive.

Dr. Mele is the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Physics in the School of Arts & Sciences’ department of physics and astronomy. His research is focused on the study of quantum electronic phenomena in condensed matter. By studying how microscopic structures of carbon-derived nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, can elicit a wide range of electronic phenomena such as insulating and superconducting, Dr. Mele’s research has the potential to provide insights on how these molecular properties could be modified to better control a wide range of electronic phenomena in these novel materials. Dr. Mele also shares the prestigious 2019 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.

Dr. Speck is chair of the department of cell and developmental biology in the Perelman School of Medicine and is a widely recognized international leader in the field of hematology. She is also co-leader of the Hematologic Malignancies Program at the Abramson Cancer Center and is an investigator in the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute. Her lab purified, cloned and characterized the proteins RUNX1 and CBFβ, mutations that are frequently found in leukemia. In her 30-plus-year career, Dr. Speck has made important contributions in understanding the role of RUNX1 and CBFβ in normal blood cells, as well as how this knowledge can be translated into ways to fight the disease.

Amish Patel, Reliance Industries Term Assistant Professor in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering in SEAS, has been selected to receive the 2019 Van Ness Award by the chemical and biological engineering department at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

According to the RPI website, “The Van Ness Award is made in recognition of the achievements of the late H.C. Van Ness, Institute Professor Emeritus at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The award is presented annually to honor a chemical engineer who has made seminal contributions to the profession.”

Dr. Patel’s research focuses on understanding aqueous and polymeric systems at the molecular level. His lab’s work on biochemical interactions between liquids and surfaces has applications that include water purification and energy storage. Dr. Patel’s research has also earned him a 2017 NSF CAREER Award and a 2018 OpenEye Outstanding Junior Faculty Award.

Aerate, founded by six Penn undergraduate students, is this year’s winner of the $30,000 Perlman Grand Prize at the third annual Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship Startup Challenge, which was sponsored by Eric Aroesty (C’92). The team members are:

Ashwin Kishen (ENG’19, W’19, GEN’20)

Spencer Collins (ENG’19, GEN’19)

Jake Fine (ENG’19, GEN’19)

Yann Pfitzer (ENG’19, C’19, GEN’20)

Connor Sendel (ENG’19, W’19)

Sam Weintraub (ENG’19, GEN’20)

Aerate’s novel, patent-pending air conditioner functions as a dehumidifier and air cooler up to 20 times more efficient than others in the market. Specifically designed for high-humidity environments, Aerate plans to bring this climate-friendly product to the Indian market to combat the growing need for cool air.

Aerate predicts that by 2050, the global population will purchase 3.3 million new air conditioners. In India, the need is greater than ever, and many expect the country to become the world’s top user of electricity for cooling. CFO and co-founder Mr. Kishen was always jarred by the heat when visiting relatives in India. This experience resonated with him and it fueled his entrepreneurial drive at Penn. The team developed their concept while enrolled in Penn’s Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics program, focusing on technology that could tackle climate change. Aerate also recently won the 2019 Pennvention competition held by Weiss Tech House.

Four Penn students have been selected as Goldwater Scholars by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, which provides scholarships of as much as $7,500 to undergraduate students interested in research careers in the natural sciences, math or engineering.

They are among 496 recipients chosen this year from across the US from out of more than 5,000 applicants. To date, 43 Penn students have received the award since Congress established the foundation in 1986 to honor the work of US Sen. Barry Goldwater.

The 2019 Goldwater Scholars from Penn are:

Chloe Cho, a sophomore from Moorestown, New Jersey, who is majoring in bioengineering in SEAS. She works at the Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics on engineering novel treatments for retinal degenerative disorders. Ms. Cho intends to pursue a MD/PhD in bioengineering.

Lauren Duhamel, a junior from Groton, Massachusetts, is majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering in SEAS. She has worked in the labs of Joshua Klein and Ophir Shalem, and she recently published as first author the results of her multi-year research project on high purity charge variant samples of monoclonal antibody drug therapies at Bristol-Meyers Squibb. She intends to pursue a PhD and then teach and conduct research.

Srinivas Mandyam, a junior from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is majoring in math, physics and biophysics, and also pursuing a master’s in physics in SAS. He works on graphene field effect transistors and the growth of two-dimensional materials in the lab of Charlie Johnson. The recipient of the Vagelos Challenge Award, Mr. Mandyam intends to pursue a PhD in physics.

Abigail Poteshman, a junior from New York City, is majoring in math and physics in SAS. Working in Danielle Basset’s Complex Systems Lab, she has published two first-author papers on network science. She is a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and a University Scholar. She has participated in the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program and intends to become a computational condensed matter physicist.

In addition to the GSE Excellence in Teaching Award (see related article), Penn’s Graduate School of Education recently announced the following 2019 award winners:

Ann Tiao, assistant dean for student services and Krista Featherstone, education policy program manager, received the Lois MacNamara Award for Outstanding Service to Students, named for Ms. MacNamara, who had been GSE’s long-time assistant dean of Student Affairs.

Katie Pak (GEd’19) received the William E. Arnold Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Student.

Jax Lastinger (GEd’20) received the GSE Student Award for Promoting Diversity and
Inclusion.

Yared Portillo (GEd’19) received The Laurie Wagman Award for Visual and Performing Arts in Education.

Paul Wolff Mitchell, an anthropology PhD student, and Michael Vazquez, a philosophy PhD student, both in the School of Arts & Sciences, have been awarded the inaugural Provost’s Graduate Academic Engagement Fellowships at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships for 2019-2021.

This two-year fellowship is a new opportunity open to PhD students across all schools and fields at Penn. Fellows are outstanding students whose scholarship significantly involves Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) and related activities, including locally-based community problem-solving, engaged scholarship, service learning and learning by teaching in public schools. The Fellowship involves participation in an interdisciplinary faculty-student seminar on community-engaged research and teaching, a research fund for each fellow of $5,000 over the two years, support to attend and present at conferences, and a full fellowship in the students’ second year to continue studies and/or work on their dissertation.

As fellows at the Netter Center, Mr. Vazquez and Mr. Mitchell will both build on existing work with local public schools and, through the fellowship, will design and teach new ABCS seminars. Mr. Vazquez will develop an ABCS course that brings Penn students into partnership with a West Philadelphia high school centered around the concept of ‘public philosophy.’ Mr. Mitchell will develop an ABCS course on the history of race, science and the academy that will also bring together Penn students with local high school students in collaborative research projects.

The University of Pennsylvania has released architectural renderings of the design for the transformative Tangen Hall. The new building, made possible through a $25 million gift from the AKO Foundation on the recommendation of Wharton School alumnus Nicolai Tangen and his wife, Katja (Almanac October 30, 2018), will be Penn’s first dedicated space for cross-campus student entrepreneurship and innovation activity.

“Tangen Hall is a real game changer for Penn,” said President Amy Gutmann. “With it we are creating a signature space, which manifests the innovation at the heart of a Penn education and the exploration that touches on every aspect of the Penn experience.

“Tangen Hall is one of those dreams come true. The real motivator for this is the amazing entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of our undergraduate and graduate students who are working to do great things in the world. I want to thank Dean Geoff Garrett and Wharton for taking the lead and driving this project forward, bringing the finest of business, engineering and design together.”

Located on the northeast corner of 40th and Sansom streets, the project is the first major student-focused development on 40th Street. The building’s design is sensitive to urban and campus contexts. The site is a center of Penn student activity, just steps from the under-construction New College House West, the 40th Street retail district and numerous off-campus residences.

Developed by the Hankin Group, KSS Architects’ design for Tangen Hall sets up each floor with a destination program. A façade of precast concrete and shades of green glass will offer a transparent view into the innovation culture at Penn. The project uses sustainable materials and is designed to meet Penn’s LEED Silver target.

Supporting student entrepreneurship and innovation, the seven-story, 68,000-square-foot building will be one of the largest hubs of its kind on any college campus. It will include incubator spaces and maker spaces to pilot student-led ventures, a test kitchen for food-centric startups and the master’s level Integrated Product Design Program jointly operated by Wharton, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. Tangen Hall will also be home to the new Venture Lab, where students from across Penn’s 12 schools can turn good ideas into great outcomes. 

“The Venture Lab and Tangen Hall will support our students as never before with critical new resources, tools and space for product development and business incubation,” said Wharton Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Karl Ulrich. “There is no doubt our students will come to rely on Venture Lab as the starting point in their journey to build innovative concepts into scalable and sustainable businesses.” 

Several long-standing campus entrepreneurship-focused programs, such as Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship, the Goergen Entrepreneurial Management Program, Weiss Tech House, and the Sol C. Snider Entrepreneurial Research Center, will also be housed at Tangen Hall. The building will also serve as home to research centers and programs covering a range of fields, including the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance, the Joshua J. Harris Alternative Investments Program, and the Jay H. Baker Retailing Center. 

The plan also includes: 

• Dozens of co-working, meeting and collaboration spaces for students 
• Street level storefront “pop-up” retail space for student ventures 
• Various maker spaces, including a maker lab operated by Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science and featuring 3D printers and laser cutters 
• A virtual reality environment 

Construction of Tangen Hall is slated to begin in spring 2019 and be completed by fall 2020. 

Mr. Tangen is a member of Wharton’s Board of Overseers, the School’s More Than Ever Campaign Cabinet, and the Penn United Kingdom Europe Leadership Committee. He is also a founding donor to Wharton People Analytics. The Tangens have also contributed four scholarships for undergraduate students at Penn, with a special focus in international students, and supported the Knowledge@Wharton Business Ethics Series and The Wharton Fund.

Workday@Penn goes live on July 1, 2019. As we make the transition from legacy systems to the new platform, a “freeze” period during the last few days of June will restrict changes to information in the affected systems. If you have a change to make to your personal information, we suggest you make it in the current systems before 5 p.m. EDT on June 12. Otherwise, you will be able to make your changes in Workday@Penn starting July 1. Some examples of these changes include:

• Changing your direct deposit information
• Changing your home address or emergency contact
• Declaring a qualifying life event for your benefits

If you have an emergency request during the freeze, please contact the Penn Employee Solution Center at (215) 898-7372 or hcmsolutioncenter@upenn.edu

The freeze will allow the rapid transition from legacy systems, also known as cutover, to Workday@Penn; the final snapshot of data is used for conversion. Some human resources and payroll administration systems may freeze at different dates.

Your current personal record, payroll data, benefits information and more will convert to Workday@Penn automatically, with no action needed from you. Workday@Penn is the new human resources and payroll platform, replacing many separate and aging systems with one state-of-the-art platform.  More information on the freeze is available on Your Workday webpage at https://www.workday.upenn.edu/home/your-workday for general University users, or on the Cutover Calendar webpage at https://tinyurl.com/yypl362n for human resources, payroll, and business partners and administrators.

Please review important information from the Division of Finance on payroll tax effective July 1, 2019 at https://tinyurl.com/yyctxsnk

—Human Capital Management Transformation Initiative

Exhibits

17   Alumni Weekend Reception for In A Woman’s Shadow: A Visual Essay; 5 p.m.; Burrison Gallery; remarks at 6:15 p.m. (Alumni Relations).

Talks

14    Epigenetic Modifications in Chromatin: More or Less Than Meets the Eye?; Benjamin Tu, University of Texas; noon; Grossman Auditorium, Wistar Institute (Wistar).

22    JD Book Talk; Lynn Malzone Ierardi, Gift Planning; 4:30 p.m.; Events Room, Penn Bookstore (Bookstore).

Penn faculty, staff and students are invited to celebrate Bike to Work Day at Penn on Friday, May 17, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Penn bicyclists are invited to stop by the Energizer Station at the Penn Museum Indego Bike Share Station, near the corner of 33rd and South Streets, to learn about various bike resources found on or near Penn’s campus. 

Mixing fun with learning, attendees will be able to:

• Learn how to use the Penn Bus bike rack;
• Register your bike with Division of Public Safety;
• Receive Be in the Know bonus credit;
• Obtain information about the University’s Bike Commuter Expense Reimbursement Program; and
• Explore campus bike maps that show the locations of bike corrals and bike repair stations on campus.

Cyclists who stop by the event can take a selfie with fun props for #BikePenn. There will be giveaways from many of the participating organizations, such as snacks and beverages along with bike lights and bike checks. There are even chances to win cool bike gear!

For more information and registration: https://bicyclecoalition.org/ride-your-bike/bike-work-and-wherever-day-2019/ Bike to Work Day at Penn is a collaboration between the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia,  Penn’s Divisions of Business Services, FRES and Public Safety, Penn Museum and the Office of Student Health Service.

The Burrison Gallery is calling for artwork submittals to be considered for its seventh annual Summer Group Show. Any Penn faculty or staff member may submit their work for consideration. This juried, group show will open with a reception in the early summer and will be on display in the Gallery May 24–August 23, 2019.

The purpose of this show is to highlight the creativity of Penn faculty and staff and to provide a venue to share their work with the University community.

Submittal packages will include 1) a completed application form (available at https://tinyurl.com/mneor98) and 2) up to three digital images of individual works of art. Works of art must be two dimensional; paintings, drawings, photography, prints, fabric pieces, etc. All works must be available for sale.

The deadline for submission of the package is May 17; selected artists will be notified by May 20.

Vote on Pennsylvania Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 21. Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Verify your registration status and your polling place at www.votesPA.com

For information or assistance, contact the Office of Government & Community Affairs at ogca@pobox.upenn.edu or (215) 898-1388.

Vote absentee if you cannot appear at your polling place in person on Election Day. Pennsylvania Absentee Ballot Applications are available at OGCA. They must be received by the County Election Office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. Penn Leads The Vote (PLTV) provides additional details about absentee voting at www.pennvotes.org

Volunteer to support Penn’s eight campus polling places on Election Day. Contact Jordan Gallo at jordaneg@upenn.edu or (215) 898-4626 for more information.

Ward 27, Division 3 & 19–rm. 108, The ARCH

Ward 27, Division 5–Civic House

Ward 27, Division 11–Iron Gate Theater

Ward 27, Division 18–Vance Hall

Ward 27, Division 20–Harrison College House

Ward 27, Division 21–Harnwell College House

Ward 27, Division 22–Houston Hall

The University of Pennsylvania Police Department Community Crime Report

Below are the Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Society and Crimes Against Property from the campus report for April 29-May 5, 2019. View prior weeks' reports. —Ed.

This summary is prepared by the Division of Public Safety and includes all criminal incidents reported and made known to the University Police Department for the dates of April 29-May 5, 2019. The University Police actively patrol from Market St to Baltimore and from the Schuylkill River to 43rd St 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 the Division of Public Safety at (215) 898-4482.

04/30/19         12:29 PM         4012 Walnut St           Unauthorized transactions made on account

04/30/19         2:16 PM           255 S 36th St              Unsecured bike taken from bike rack

04/30/19         2:41 PM           3700 Hamilton Walk   Two graphic processing units taken

04/30/19         7:19 PM           3900 Market St           Vehicle taken

04/30/19         7:42 PM           3900 Chestnut St        Complainant assaulted by boyfriend/Arrest

04/30/19         10:06 PM         3400 Spruce St           Female entered building without authority/Arrest

05/01/19         12:20 AM        3935 Walnut St             Male wanted on warrant/Arrest

05/01/19         9:06 AM          3925 Walnut St            Merchandise taken without payment/Arrest

05/01/19         11:20 AM        3535 Market St            Two rolls of quarters taken from cubicle

05/01/19         2:42 PM           3730 Walnut St           Two Penn blankets taken

05/01/19         6:49 PM           110 S 36th St             10 Adidas shirts taken without payment

05/02/19         9:31 AM          4214 Spruce St            Secured bike taken

05/02/19         9:54 AM          3925 Walnut St            Merchandise taken without payment/2 Arrests

05/02/19         12:51 PM         3820 Locust Walk       Female cited for underage drinking

05/03/19         9:09 AM          3925 Walnut St           Unknown male took packets of medication without payment

05/03/19         12:12 PM         51 N 39th St              Unsecured bike stolen

05/03/19         2:05 PM           3401 Walnut St          Unsecured wallet stolen

05/03/19         4:41 PM           101 S 39th St             Secured bike taken from rack

05/03/19         11:02 PM         200 S 42nd St            Strongarm robbery by male/Arrest

05/03/19         11:05 PM         4200 Sansom St         Phone taken from complainant by two unknown offenders

05/04/19         2:46 AM          3800 Spruce St            Male on probation warrant/Arrest

05/04/19         8:17 AM          3925 Walnut St            Merchandise taken without payment

05/04/19         9:35 AM          3601 Market St            Unknown male took complainants wallet

05/04/19         1:57 PM           4000 Walnut St           Secured bike taken from pole

05/04/19         3:26 PM           3901 Walnut St           Unsecured airpods taken from table

05/04/19         8:24 PM           4145 Chestnut St        Unknown male demanded money from register

18th District

Below are the Crimes Against Persons from the 18th District: 7 incidents (3 robberies, 2 assaults, 1 aggravated assault and 1 domestic assault) were reported from April 29-May 5, 2019 by the 18th District covering the Schuylkill River to 49th Street & Market Street to Woodland Avenue.

04/29/19         1:03 PM           4600 Market St           Assault

04/29/19         1:59 PM           3600 Market St           Assault

04/30/19         7:42 PM           3942 Chestnut St        Aggravated Assault/Arrest

05/02/19         10:34 AM        213 S 47th St               Domestic Assault/Arrest

05/03/19         11:57 PM         4200 Sansom St         Robbery

05/04/19         8:26 PM           4145 Chestnut St       Robbery

05/05/19         11:22 AM        4301 Chestnut St        Robbery

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

Data Security During Travel 

When traveling, especially abroad, Penn’s Office of Information Security (OIS) recommends the following to secure your data during travel. 

Before Travel 

• Check the Department of State Travel advisories for travel advisory levels when planning to travel internationally. Traveling to countries listed as “Do not travel” or “Reconsider travel”—Faculty should contact the Office of Research Services for assistance before carrying Penn-owned equipment or data, and staff should contact their local computing support staff for questions or advice. 
• Minimize data you have with you. Back up your data before travel and keep sensitive data in a secure location such as Penn+Box. Limit and encrypt data you need access to during travel. 
• Identify options with your local computing support staff. A sanitized mobile device “loaner” may be a viable option to take on travel. 
• Enroll in Two-Step verification and print out single-use codes to avoid interruption of service during travel. 

While Away 

• Use Encrypted wireless networks and avoid accessing sensitive data from public computers. Use Virtual Private Network software (VPN) when possible. 
• Keep your mobile device with you and lock it in a safe when possible. 
• Be cautious of inserting portable media acquired during international travel. 

Upon Return 

• Work with your local computing staff to securely transfer any new data. Scan your portable device for malware and viruses. 
• Consider changing your Pennkey password, or any passwords, you may have used while on your trip. 

For More Information 

• Dept. of State Travel Advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/ traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ 
• Data Security on Foreign Travel: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/ aware/practice/travel 
• Two-Step verification: Before You Travel: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/two-step-verification-before-you-travel

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

The next meeting of the WXPN Policy Board will take place on Tuesday, May 21 at noon at WXPN. For more information, call (215) 898-0628.

There is no issue of Almanac next Tuesday, May 21. The final issue of the semester will be published on May 28. It will contain the Commencement Supplement and the Summer AT PENN. Today is the deadline for that issue.

Volume 66 will begin with the July 16 issue; the deadline for submissions is July 1.

The academic calendar through 2022 summer term is now available at https://almanac.upenn.edu/penn-academic-calendar From the Almanac site, you can download a pdf or sync it directly into your personal calendar application (Google, Outlook, et al)—any updates will transfer automatically.