February 3, 2026 Volume 72 Issue 22

January 29, 2026

Dear Colleagues:

We want to share an update on the University’s financial position, and the key considerations guiding our approach, as we begin budget planning for the coming fiscal and academic years.

At this time last year, there was considerable uncertainty about how evolving federal policy changes might impact us. In response, we took deliberate, proactive steps, beginning in March 2025, to slow the growth of expenses, constrain staff hiring, and closely review faculty hiring and capital spending. These actions required care, collaboration, and difficult tradeoffs, and we are grateful to all our partners across the schools and centers who made this progress possible.

As a result of these efforts, Penn is in a better financial position today than we anticipated a year ago—and without having taken the more stringent measures announced by some of our peer institutions. However, the impact of recent policy changes on future years is now clearer. These include: upcoming changes to student loan programs; changes in visa policies; an increase in the endowment tax; and ongoing negotiations related to research funding. In addition, legal, insurance, and benefit expenses that are shared across the University continue to increase faster than revenues, adding to ongoing budget pressures. Taken together, these conditions reinforce our responsibility to continue careful financial management to stabilize our finances for the long term.

To ensure that we are prepared for both expected and unexpected financial pressures, we have asked each school and center to take two actions. First, schools and centers have been asked to continue the implementation of the proactive financial measures outlined in March 2025. Second, we have asked each school and center to develop a plan to further reduce certain expenditures by four percent in the coming fiscal year. This includes building on actions already underway, so that progress made this year can contribute to the overall reduction. It is important to note that this planning effort is just that—an effort to plan deliberately and collaboratively against a changing financial landscape. Any actions resulting from this plan will be guided by our commitment to long-term financial sustainability, our academic mission, and a desire to preserve the flexibility of schools and centers. As we move forward, we will continue to update the Penn community. 

Penn has navigated many moments of uncertainty throughout its history, and we remain energized by and optimistic about the mission that we continue to advance together. We appreciate your shared commitment as we face these challenges together.

—John L. Jackson, Jr., Provost
—Mark F. Dingfield, Executive Vice President

Penn GSE is a core partner in the newly launched K–12 AI Infrastructure Program, a groundbreaking initiative led by Digital Promise to transform the future of artificial intelligence in education.

With a total investment of $26 million over four years, the program aims to close critical gaps between the science of learning and the capabilities of generative AI (GenAI) by funding the development of openly shared data sets, models, benchmarks, and other digital public goods. These resources will be freely available to researchers, developers, school districts, and educators to use in building safe, effective, and equitable AI tools for K–12 teaching and learning.

Penn GSE’s Catalyst @ Penn GSE joins a distinguished group of collaborators—including Learning Data Insights, DrivenData, and the Massive Data Institute at Georgetown University—in stewarding this effort. Together, the partners will ensure that the program’s outputs reflect the diversity of learners, uphold rigorous learning science principles, and promote responsible governance of AI technologies.

“This initiative represents a pivotal moment for education,” said John Gamba, director of innovative programs at Catalyst @ Penn GSE. “By investing in infrastructure that supports trustworthy and inclusive AI, we are laying the foundation for tools that truly enhance learning outcomes and empower educators.”

This project is emblematic of Penn GSE’s accelerating leadership in artificial intelligence in education. The school, which has long pioneered research-to-practice programs that integrate innovative technologies into education thoughtfully, equitably, and ethically, launched a new online master’s degree program focused on AI in education this fall and welcomed two new AI-specialist faculty members to deepen its research and teaching capacity. Additionally, thanks to support from Google, Penn GSE is scaling up its Pioneering AI in School Systems (PASS) program, a professional development initiative launched in 2025 to help school leaders and educators responsibly integrate AI into classrooms.

The K–12 AI Infrastructure Program will invite public participation through an open request for information slated to begin soon. Educators, researchers, and community members are encouraged to help shape its direction.

Penn has received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, which is awarded by the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its commitment to community engagement. Penn was among 237 U.S. colleges and universities to earn the distinction this year and will hold the designation through 2032.

Penn was one of the first institutions, and the only Ivy League University, to earn the classification in 2006 when it was launched; and it received reclassification in 2015. Penn was also instrumental in Carnegie’s pilot efforts for the Community Engagement Classification in the early 2000s.

“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide. We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors—fostering civic engagement, building useable knowledge, and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students.”

The recognition acknowledges Penn’s long-standing commitment to community-engaged scholarship and partnerships, particularly in West Philadelphia and beyond. The designation also increasingly reflects an emphasis on democratic partnerships and civic engagement.

“We are very proud of Penn’s Community Engagement Classification,” said Provost John L. Jackson Jr., “which reflects the strong commitment to community engagement across our campus. In Principle and Practice, our strategic framework, calls on members of the Penn community to deepen connections with our neighbors and our world, as one of five core practices that support and strengthen our academic mission. Penn’s anchoring in Philadelphia is essential to our identity, our history, and our values; and we are deeply grateful to the Netter Center for Community Partnerships for helping to lead this work for almost 35 years.”

Penn’s application, guided by the Provost’s Office and the Netter Center, included conversations and contributions across all 12 Penn schools and many administrative units, cultural institutions, and interdisciplinary programs.

The Carnegie Foundation commended Penn’s application for demonstrating “excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.” 

The application featured the work of longstanding centers dedicated to local, mutually beneficial civic and community engagement, most notably the Netter Center (established in 1992) and Civic House (established in 1998), as well as University-wide initiatives to advance the work, such as the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Community Engaged Scholarship.

Adapted from a Penn Today news article, January 29, 2026.

The following is published in accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules. Among other purposes, the publication of SEC actions is intended to stimulate discussion among the constituencies and their representatives. Please communicate your comments to Patrick Walsh, executive assistant to the Senate Office, by email at senate@pobox.upenn.edu.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Actions

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Report from the Chair. Faculty Senate chair Kathy Brown shared information regarding the January 21, 2026, University Council meeting and the status of the ongoing review of the Guidelines on Open Expression. She called for candidates interested in participating on the 2026 Senate Nominating Committee; its roster will be finalized during the next meeting.

Reports from Constituencies. Professor Brown invited three SEC members to offer reports from their constituencies.

Update from the Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission (“SCOF”). SCOF chair Nelson Flores offered a mid-year progress report on its charges to examine the role of academic support staff with respect to their career pathways, professional roles, governance participation, and compensation.

New Business. SEC members proposed and prioritized topics for its work in the coming months, focusing on broad institutional risks and pressures including issues impacting international students and challenges to research funding.

Enrichment & Recreation

Morris Arboretum & Gardens Nature Explorers Camp: Awaken your child’s curiosity and nurture their appreciation for nature by registering them for Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Nature Explorers Camp. Led by experienced educators, the camp aims to inspire new generations of environmentally aware citizen scientists. Little Lightning Bugs is designed for children ages 4-5, and Bloomfield Buddies is designed for children ages 6-10. Fees: $370/week for non-Morris Arboretum & Gardens members; $340/week for members. For the week of June 29-July 2, the cost is $300 for members and $330 for non-members. Register: https://www.morrisarboretum.org/learn-discover/kids-families/summer-camp. Deadline: May 30. 

Little Lightning Bugs 2026 Themes: 
June 29-July 2: Make a Splash
July 6-10: Natural Creativity
July 13-17: Bugs Galore 
July 20-24: Marvelous Mud
July 27-31: Animal Babies
August 3-7: Roots and Shoots 

Bloomfield Buddies 2026 Themes: 
June 29-July 2: Wonderful Water 
July 6-10: Upcycle Adventure
July 13-17: Insect Detectives 
July 20-24: Spectacular Soil
July 27-31: Animal Engineers
August 3-7: Plant-tastic!

Penn Band High School Summer Camp: July 12-18. The Penn Band High School Summer Music Camp (grades 8-12) is a week-long instrumental music experience. This student-centered and student-driven program provides visiting musicians with a unique blend of music and mirth, set against the backdrop of Penn’s historic campus and the City of Philadelphia. Cost: $1,395/overnight; $625/commuter; early bird discount (by March 10) $1,200/over-night and $550/commuter; 10% Penn faculty/staff discount and 20% discount for two or more registrants. Register: https://camp.pennband.net/summerband.html#top. Deadline: June 30. 

Lavner Education Tech Revolution STEM Camp: June 15-August 14. Camp Tech Revolution’s mission is to provide a best-in-class experience in summer enrichment and prepare students for a future in STEM. Tech Revolution STEM Summer Camps are filled with the hottest topics in tech and offer a unique camp experience that prioritizes experiential, hands-on learning, serious skill building, exciting weekly events, and tons of fun that is found only at Camp Tech Revolution. For ages 6-14. List of camps and fees and registration: https://www.lavnercampsandprograms.com/location/philadelphia-pa-summer-camp-university-of-pennsylvania-upenn/.  

Academics

Penn Carey Law Pre-College Academy: Residential Session: July 12-31. Commuter Session: July 13-31. The Penn Carey Law School’s Pre-College Academy offers high school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a law school environment. This three-week program is the only one of its kind: classes are held in a law school with standing faculty members and high-level legal practitioners providing students with a comprehensive introduction to the American legal system and specialized areas of law. Fees: $9,899/residential; $6,299/commuter. Register: https://www.law.upenn.edu/academics/legaleducationprograms/pre-college-summer.php. 

Penn Medicine Summer Program: June 28-July 24. Spend four weeks experiencing the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine intensive summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in medical careers. Modeled after first-year Penn medical school classes, participants will gain exposure to the basics of medical training, including practical experiences, simulations, and live demonstrations. Participants will live on campus. For students entering grades 11-12. Ages 15-18. Fees: $11,255. Reg-ister: https://www.boldsummers.com/summer-programs/penn-medicine-summer-program/. Deadline: February 26. 

Engineering Summer Academy at Penn: July 12-31. Spend three weeks experiencing the Penn Engineering’s intensive summer program designed for high school students interested in engineering careers. The Academy’s curriculum combines sophisticated theory with hands-on practical experience in cutting-edge technologies. Work with leading faculty while earning college credit. Participants will live on campus. For students entering grades 10-12. Fee: $9,250. Register: https://esap.seas.upenn.edu/about/. Deadline: February 28.

Penn SAS Middle School Programs: Session 1: July 6 –10; Session 2: August 10–14. The Future Scientists: Biology Edition program is designed to give students a taste of life in a molecular biology lab—all participants will explore the topics hands-on. Through supervised experiments, participants will gain familiarity with common tools and experimental techniques used in molecular biology research, meet Penn researchers, and tour Penn laboratories. Techniques include DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, light microscopy, ELISA, and sterile cell culture. Open to current 7-8 grade students. See website for tuition and application details. Register: www.upenn.edu/middleschool.

Penn SAS Summer Academies: Subject-intensive programs that fuse sophisticated scientific or social theory with relevant applications. Open to current 9-11 grade students, with some programs having prerequisites. Three-week and two-week options. See website for tuition and application details. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/. 

Three-Week Summer Academies (July 11-August 1):

Biomedical Research Academy. This residential academy introduces the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology, focusing on relevance to diseases. Fusing daily lectures, faculty research talks, laboratory experiments, and small group investigations with current research topics, this academy lets students gain insight into the core of biomedical research. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/biomedicall.  

Chemistry Research Academy. Penn’s chemistry department is a leading center for molecular research and instruction whose researchers are at the frontier of modern chemistry, tackling a wide variety of important societal challenges. This residential academy provides students with the foundational knowledge to understand this cutting-edge research, while providing opportunities to learn directly from research professors and students. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/chemistry.  

Chinese Language and Culture Academy. Learn Mandarin Chinese at the University of Pennsylvania. This three-week intensive summer program combines daily language instruction with hands-on cultural exploration, giving students an immersive introduction to both modern Chinese and the richness of Chinese civilization. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/chinese-language-and-culture. 

Economics Academy. Students will engage with economic models and thinking in an approach that doesn’t require an extensive math background, enabling them to participate in discussions about economics and economic policies. They will gain an understanding of basic economic terms and models of analysis, engage with economics in the workplace and everyday life, and learn about the global contexts of economic policy making. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/economics. 

Experimental Physics Research Academy. This residential academy focuses on current physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics. Through lectures, activities, projects, and discussions with their instructors, students will move past memorized equations to gain an understanding of cause and effect, and ultimately an appreciation of physics on a higher level. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/experimental-physics. 

Global Culture and Media Academy. This academy seeks to introduce students to the intricate and complex relationship between language, culture, communicative practices, and the role we play as individuals in a globalized world. The course will provide a basis for nuanced practices, reflections, and strategies of a global citizen. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/global-culture-media. 

Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Academy. This academy will introduce students to the basic cell and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, epidemiology and public health initiatives surrounding the study of infectious disease. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, influenza, smallpox, as well as other endemic and pandemic species, both old and new, will be discussed Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/microbiology-infectious-diseases.  

Writing and Research in the Age of AI Academy. Learn the foundations of research-informed writing and responsible AI use in preparation for university-level study across the arts, sciences, and humanities. This academy will involve drafting, revising, and sharing work that’s geared toward varied academic and professional audiences. Students will closely explore how scholars develop questions, locate reliable resources, and share their original research in different settings. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/3-week/writing-and-research-age-ai.  

Two-Week Summer Academies (July 11-25): 

Academic English & University Readiness. A program for international high school students designed to build the English language and critical thinking skills needed for success in U.S. university settings. The immersive experience will help students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities while gaining insight into American academic culture and campus life. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/academic-english-university-readiness. 

Astronomical Techniques Research Academy. Provides students with an understanding of the techniques of observational astronomy and data analysis and allows them to understand and build the tools to acquire and analyze astronomical data in the form of images and spectra. Students will delve into the theory behind imaging and spectroscopy and construct their own simple cameras and spectrometers. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/astronomical-techniques-research-academy. 

East Asian History Academy. Introduces students to the history, culture, economy, and society of East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam). Students will learn about the utility of a historical perspective for understanding the world through small-group classes, interactive workshops, and faculty-led discussions. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/east-asian-history. 

Environmental Policy Academy. Students will learn about current environmental problems and explore potential solutions from a policy and regulatory perspective. The program is designed to encourage critical thinking, debate, and discussion. Case studies and presentations by expert guest speakers will play a central role and will assist students in understanding the “real-world” implications of policy choices. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/environmental-policy. 

Experimental Design Academy. For students interested in conducting experimental research in one of the physical sciences (chemistry, physics, biology, etc.) or engineering (chemical, materials, electrical, environmental, mechanical, nuclear, biomedical, etc.). The empirical methods taught in this academy will be useful in students’ future scientific or engineering endeavors. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/experimental-design. 

Forensic Science Academy. Introduces high school students to the scientific principles and investigative techniques used in modern forensic science. Through hands-on lab work, mock crime scene investigation, and analysis of real-world case studies, students will explore how evidence is collected, processed, and interpreted across disciplines such as toxicology, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and trace evidence examination. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/forensic-science-academy. 

Mathematics Academy. Led by Penn faculty and graduate teaching assistants, this program introduces participants to advanced mathematical concepts that are typically encountered in undergraduate study through interactive lectures, collaborative problem-solving, and guided discovery. Students will explore the beauty and logic of mathematics as both a creative art and an analytical discipline. Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/mathematics. 

Social Change and Social Justice Academy. How does change happen in our society? How can the levers of change across a range of fields be used to bring about social justice? In an intentionally dialogical space, participants will explore several justice related topics with the driving question of “what would positive change in this situation look like and how might we get there?” Register: https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/2-week/social-change-and-social-justice. 

Penn SAS Online Seminars: Session 1: July 13-24; Session 2: July 20-August 7. Online Seminars integrate advanced theoretical concepts with real-world scenarios and are led by University of Pennsylvania faculty and long-standing professionals in their respective fields of study. Choose from American Sign Language and deaf culture, developing the leader within, genomics and bioinformatics, food systems—history, power, and politics, and writing for researchers. Seminars are non-credit and open to current 9-11 grade students.  See website for tuition and application details. Register: hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/online-seminars. 

Session 1:
American Sign Language and Deaf Culture
Developing the Leader Within
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Global Food Systems: History, Power, and Politics

Session 2:
Writing for Researchers

Penn SAS Pre-College Residential Program: June 30-August 8. For the full undergraduate residential experience, high school students live, dine, and study on campus as they take six-week, for-credit courses alongside Penn undergraduates. Open to current 10-11 grade students. See website for tuition and application details. Register: hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/pre-college-program/residential. 

Penn SAS Pre-College Online Program: Session 1I: May 26-July 1; Session 2: July 2-August 7. Students can enroll in online courses from anywhere in the world and take six-week, for-credit courses alongside Penn undergraduates. Open to current 10-11 grade students. See website for tuition and application details. Register: hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/pre-college-program/online. 

Penn Summer Abroad: Dates vary. Penn Summer Abroad offers the opportunity to study in exciting international locations for a span of weeks—rather than a semester—while still getting the full cultural experience. Dig deep into topics that excite you with Penn faculty experts, meet peers who share your interests, and discover new ideas and traditions around the globe. Programs are open to Penn undergraduate students and domestic or international undergraduate students studying at an accredited college or university. Summer 2026 locations include The Alps, Cannes, London, Madrid, and Tours. Register: www.upenn.edu/summerabroad. Deadline: February 15.

Penn Summer Global Institute: July 1-August 7. Comprehensive for-credit academic experience from the School of Arts & Sciences for top international undergraduates from around the world with high English language proficiency. Students live on Penn’s campus in Philadelphia, and enjoy exciting local cultural and historic excursions, as well as the city’s proximity to other major cities on the east coast. See website for tuition and application details. Register: www.upenn.edu/globalinstitute. Deadline: April 1.

Penn SAS Summer Sessions: 11-Week Session: May 26-August 7; Session 1: May 26-July 1; Session 2: July 2-August 7. Penn Summer Sessions offers undergraduate classes in the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Penn Carey Law, Perelman School of Medicine, and the Wharton School—daytime, evening, and online. Open to all Penn and visiting undergrads. See website for tuition details and enrollment deadlines. Register: https://summer.sas.upenn.edu/programs/penn-summer-sessions. Deadlines: May 5 and June 10.

Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI): July 6-30. This free, four-week summer program is open to local high school students who are interested in materials science and engineering. Students will get exposure to a variety of materials characterization techniques, such as scanning electron and optical microscopies, thermal analysis techniques, mechanical testing, and x-ray diffraction. Students will be expected to work on reports, projects, and other assignments outside of program hours. Register: https://www.lrsm.upenn.edu/outreach/pssi/. Deadline: March 1. 

Wharton Global Youth Program: The Wharton Global Youth Program mobilizes its academic community to educate and inspire pre-collegiate students to explore business practices, analyze the world’s complex challenges, and take the first steps in becoming leaders who will transform the global economy. Open to students entering grades 9-12. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/. 

On-Campus Programs

Product Design Academy. June 5-25. This three-week, hands-on program introduces students to the full design thinking process, from user research to product development. Working in teams, students will identify real-world problems, generate original ideas, and bring them to life through iterative prototyping. Along the way, they’ll gain technical skills using digital and analog tools in Penn’s Studios@Venture Labs and explore entrepreneurial strategies for turning their product into a viable business. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/product-design-academy/. Deadline: March 18. 

Essentials of Entrepreneurship. Session 1: June 7-19. Session 2: June 21-July 3. Session 3: July 12-25. Session 4: July 26-August 8. An introductory program designed for students to explore the foundations of launching a startup. Through interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and team collaboration, students will develop skills in innovation, marketing, and venture creation. The program culminates in a final pitch competition where students present their startup ideas and receive real-time feedback. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/essentials-of-entrepreneurship/. Deadline: March 18. 

Essentials of Finance. Session 1: June 7-19. Session 2: June 21-July 3. Session 3: July 12-25. Session 4: July 26-August 8. Provides an introduction to the theory, the methods, and the concerns of the world of finance. Learn about the fundamentals of both personal and corporate finance. Delve into topics like the time value of money, the trade-off between risk and return, equities, and corporate accounting. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/essentials-of-finance/. Deadline: March 18. 

Leadership in the Business World (LBW). Session 1: June 7-27. Session 2: June 28-July 18. Session 3: July 19-August 8. A three-week immersive program that provides students with a strong foundation in business fundamentals and organizational strategy. Participants will engage in team-based projects, simulations, and debates while learning to analyze internal and external business environments using essential management frameworks. The program culminates in a capstone case competition, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world business scenario. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/leadership-in-the-business-world/. Deadline: March 18.

Data Science Academy. Session 1: June 21-July 11; Session 2: July 12-August 1. Students will learn data wrangling and visualization, fundamental probability and statistics (distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing), and core modeling (simple/multiple regression, classification, model assessment), then build steadily toward modern machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). There is emphasis not only on technical skills, but also the responsible use of data, attention to bias and fairness, and the ability to communicate results clearly. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/data-science-academy/. Deadline: March 18.

Moneyball Academy. July 5-25. The Moneyball Academy teaches students how to apply advanced statistical concepts to sports analytics—beyond what’s typically covered in AP Statistics. The curriculum draws from several Wharton courses (STAT 101, 470, and more) and includes hands-on coding in R, the programming language used by professional statisticians. Students will learn to conduct the types of analyses featured in outlets like FiveThirtyEight and Fangraphs. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/moneyball-academy/. Deadline: March 18. 

Management & Technology Summer Institute. July 5-25. M&TSI is a fast-paced college course that introduces students to the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for successfully linking technology and management concepts in just three weeks. Register: https://fisher.wharton.upenn.edu/management-technology-summer-institute/. Deadline: March 25. 

Location-Based Programs
San Francisco, CA

AI Leadership. July 5-17. An immersive program for students who want to explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and transformational technology. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/ai-leadership/. Deadline: March 18.

Moneyball Experience. July 19-31. This summer experience serves as an entrée into the sports statistics world that is not heavily focused on computing, but rather the fundamental principles of sports statistics. Throughout the program, students will work collaboratively with peers to complete a final data analytics project, which may be featured in the Wharton Sports Analytics Journal. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/moneyball-sf/. Deadline: March 18.

Innovation and Startup Culture. Session 1: July 5-17; Session 2: July 19-31. Immerses students in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship through direct exposure to the San Francisco startup ecosystem. Blending innovation, venture creation, and the practical use of AI tools, students will collaborate to develop and pitch original startup ideas. Through site visits, hands-on projects, and Wharton-led instruction, participants gain valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and business model development. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/san-francisco-ca/. Deadline: March 18.

Cambridge, England

Public Finance and Society. July 18-31. Public finance is the study of how government taxes and expenditures affect the economy and how these government programs should be designed. Public finance professors teach their students about how government taxes and expenditures affect the economy. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/cambridge-public-finance/. Deadline: March 18. 

Strategy and International Management. July 4-17. Featuring interactive lectures by Wharton faculty, as well as guest speakers from the U.K., this two-week program acquaints students with core concepts of management and international business. In addition, the course invites students to apply strategy and international management frameworks to relevant, contemporary business problems. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/cambridge-uk/. Deadline: March 18.

Online Programs

Financial Decision Making. Session 1: June 15-26. Session 2: July 6-17. By delving into the basics of economics and fundamental financial principles, students will develop a robust understanding of financial concepts and navigate the complexities of the financial world confidently. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/financial-decision-making/. Deadline: Rolling.

Moneyball FLEX. Session 1: March 29-May 3. Session 2: June 21-July 26. Moneyball FLEX is a four-week online program that introduces students to statistics and coding through a sports lens. The program serves as an entrée into the sports statistics world that is not heavily focused on computing, but rather the fundamental principles of sports statistics. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/moneyball-academy-training-camp/. Spring deadline: March 4; Summer deadline: Rolling.

Future of the Business World. Session 1: June 15-26. Session 2: July 6-17. A unique online experience that allows high school students to ask big questions about the world in the midst of dramatic change. The program applies innovative online tools used in Wharton undergraduate and graduate classrooms to introduce different business themes in which Wharton’s faculty lead the global conversation. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/future-of-the-business-world/. Deadline: Rolling.

Sports Business Academy. July 6-24. Takes students inside the business of sports, exploring how the industry is structured, monetized, and evolves. The online program combines faculty lectures, case discussions, current events, guest speakers, and a capstone project, giving students an authentic Wharton-style introduction to one of the most exciting global industries. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/sports-business-academy/. Deadline: March 18.

Essentials of Leadership. Session 1: June 15-26; Session 2: July 6-17. Prepares talented high school students to become leaders in the global economy. Through a curriculum of rigorous coursework and activities, students will build skills in emotional intelligence, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and effective teamwork and collaboration. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/essentials-of-leadership/. Deadline: Rolling.

Moneyball: Training Camp. Session 1: June 22-26; Session 2: July 13-17. This summer experience serves as an entrée into the sports statistics world that is not heavily focused on computing, but rather the fundamental principles of sports statistics. At the end of the program, students will create their own sports analysis project, which may be featured in the Wharton Sports Analytics Journal. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/moneyball-training-camp/. Deadline: Rolling.

Understanding Your Money. Self-paced. Students will access the program on the Wharton Online learning platform. This program is on-demand and self-paced, so participants can move through the material as their schedule allows. Register: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/understanding-your-money/. 

Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking Program: June 23-July 24. A month-long summer program for motivated high school students interested in the mathematical foundations of computer and data science. Through interactive lectures, problem solving, and discussion, students explore combinatorics, probability, and graph theory while developing strong proof-writing and analytical skills. Living on Penn’s campus, they join a vibrant community of curious peers and leave with a solid foundation in theoretical computer and data science, prepared for advanced study. Register: https://algorithmicthinking.org. Deadline: March 9.

Wharton Global Youth Program: Pre-Baccalaureate Program: Summer Session 1: May 26-July 1. Summer Session 2: July 2-August 7. Pre-baccalaureate courses are selected from across Wharton’s academic departments and designed to instill a deep understanding of how business works. Courses are offered at the introductory level and convey the rigor and relevance of a Wharton undergraduate education. List of courses and registration: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/pre-baccalaureate-program/. Deadline for Summer Session 1: March 25. Deadline for Summer Session 2: May 6. 

Athletics

Campus Recreation Adventure Camp: Session 1: July 6-10. Session 2: July 13-17. Session 3: July 20-24. Session 4: July 27-31. Children will engage with the West Philadelphia and Penn communities in a safe and fun-filled sports and recreation experience. For youth ages 6-12. Fee: $375 from February 1-April 5; $400 from April 6-July 6. Register: https://www.pennreccamps.com/. 

John Yurkow Baseball Camp: Several sessions June through August. This camp gives participants the opportunity to compete, learn, and improve with a high level of instruction. It also gives staff the chance to know the personality of the athletes they are working with and teaching. Register: https://www.pennbaseballcamp.com/. 

Penn Squash Camp: Session 1: June 15-18. Session 2: June 21-25. Session 3: June 28-July 2. Session 4: July 12-16. Session 5: July 20-23. This camp’s purpose is to help beginner, intermediate, and elite players develop their game in Penn’s brand new, world-class facility. Campers receive elite-level instruction from Penn’s head coaches. Open to all skill levels, ages 8-18. Fee: $1,150 for day campers, $2,050 for overnight campers. Register: https://www.pennsquashcamp.com/. 

Sanela’s Penn Tennis Summer Camp: Session 1: August 3-7; Session 2: August 10-14; Session 3: August 17-21. Experience a high-energy, fun-filled summer camp where each week campers will develop skills in stroke production, footwork, technique, learn about healthy nutrition, and experience the excitement of team competition—all while embracing the core values of sportsmanship and teamwork. Open to children aged 5-18. Fee: $640, multi-week discounts available. Register: www.PennTennisSummerCamp.com. 

Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps: Weekly sessions from June 8-August 28. Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camp is the nation’s most popular tennis camp. Hosting close to a thousand campers each summer, the camp has built a reputation for top-flight instruction, fun and well-organized days. Open to children aged 5-18. Fee: $485/week (5 days); $425/week (4 days). Register: https://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/.     

Jeff Berkowitz, L’26, and Christopher Tarakji, L’26, are this year’s Edwin R. Keedy Cup Winners. Mr. Berkowitz and Mr. Tarakji argued for the petitioner in the competition’s case, Olivier v. City of Brandon.

Mr. Tarakji was also named Best Oralist, while Caroline Kranick, L’26, and Samendra Prasad, L’26, argued for the respondents in the case.

The Keedy Cup, named for Edwin R. Keedy, who served as Dean of the Penn Law School during World War II, is the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s intramural moot court competition.

The competition begins in the spring, when all second-year students are invited to enter the Keedy Cup Preliminaries. The four students who receive the highest score in the Preliminaries, based on written briefs and three rounds of oral argument, move on to the Keedy Cup Finals.

In the Keedy Cup Finals, the four finalists brief and argue a pending Supreme Court case, Olivier v. City of Brandon, live before a panel of sitting federal judges at Fitts Auditorium.

Gabriel Olivier, a Christian evangelist, was convicted in 2021 for violating a City of Brandon ordinance that prohibited protests and demonstrations outside the city’s amphitheater. After pleading no contest and paying a $304 fine with a suspended sentence, Mr. Olivier filed a § 1983 action seeking prospective injunctive relief to prevent future enforcement of the ordinance, alleging violations of his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

Both the district court and Fifth Circuit held that Mr. Olivier’s claim was barred by Heck v. Humphrey, which prevents § 1983 claims that would “necessarily imply the invalidity” of a state conviction. The Fifth Circuit’s decision created two circuit splits: first, whether Heck bars prospective relief claims (conflicting with the Ninth and Tenth Circuits), and second, whether Heck applies to plaintiffs who never had access to habeas relief because they were never “in custody” (deepening an existing 5-5 circuit split).

The case involves the intersection of two federal remedial statutes. Section 1983 allows plaintiffs to sue state officials for constitutional violations, while Section 2254 permits those “in custody” to challenge convictions through habeas corpus. The Heck doctrine was designed to prevent circumvention of habeas’s exhaustion requirements by requiring that convictions be invalidated before bringing § 1983 claims that would undermine those convictions.

The Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve these circuit splits on the following questions:

Whether Heck v. Humphrey bars § 1983 claims seeking prospective relief where the plaintiff has been punished before under the law challenged as unconstitutional; and

Whether Heck v. Humphrey bars § 1983 claims by a plaintiff even where they never had access to federal habeas relief.

Four federally-funded studies led by faculty from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have been selected for Clinical Research Forum’s Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards. Each year, the organization names 10 studies that best exemplify how the United States’ investment in research benefits Americans’ health and well-being. The winning Penn studies span some of the most impactful areas of modern medicine, probing the health impacts of important policy issues, harnessing new technologies to deliver highly personalized therapies, repurposing drugs to attack “sleeping” cancer cells, and examining the risks of long COVID.

“The Penn studies selected for Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards offer a window into what federally supported science can achieve,” said Jonathan A. Epstein, Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System. “These discoveries are the result of a national commitment to advancing knowledge and improving human health. The discoveries and progress in this esteemed group are tangible examples of that funding in action, turning bold ideas into new therapies, new knowledge, and new hope for patients.” 

Many of these studies are the culmination of years of work, including decades of basic science research to lay the groundwork for first-in-human clinical trials. Overall, the winning Penn Medicine research was supported by more than $50 million in grants in recent years from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, plus generous philanthropic donations and other funding support. The federal funding currently supports more than 50 researchers, trainees, and support staff who have devoted their careers to making progress in science and medicine.

“These studies underscore how deeply clinical research touches everyone’s lives,” said Emma Meagher, senior vice dean for clinical and translational research. “Whether serving veterans, older adults, or individuals facing rare diseases or common cancers, Penn Medicine is forging advances that improve health across the nation and permeate throughout the world.” 

The Penn-affiliated work honored this year is:

“Patient-Specific In Vivo Gene Editing to Treat a Rare Genetic Disease”: In a historic medical breakthrough, KJ Muldoon, an infant diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, became the first person in the world successfully treated with a customized CRISPR gene editing therapy. The work, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was led by Kiran Musunuru, the Barry J. Gertz Professor for Translational Research in the Perelman School of Medicine and Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, director of the Gene Therapy for Inherited Metabolic Disorders Frontier Program (GTIMD) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“Targeting Dormant Tumor Cells to Prevent Recurrent Breast Cancer”: This first-of-its-kind, randomized Phase II clinical trial showed that it is possible to identify breast cancer survivors who are at higher risk of their cancer coming back due to the presence of dormant cancer cells and to effectively treat these cells with repurposed, existing drugs, offering proof-of-concept for a strategy to prevent breast cancer recurrence. The study, published in Nature Medicine, was led by Angela DeMichele, the Mariann T. and Robert J. MacDonald Professor in Breast Cancer Excellence, and Lewis Chodosh, chair of cancer biology.

“Loss of Subsidized Drug Coverage and Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries”: Losing Medicaid coverage—and with it, the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), which helps 14.2 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries afford their medications—is associated with significant increases in mortality, ranging from 4 to 22 percent. The analysis, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was led by Eric T. Roberts, an associate professor of general internal medicine and a Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics senior fellow.

“Long COVID Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Among Children and Adolescents”: The more often someone is infected with COVID, the more likely they are to develop “long COVID,” as young people and children infected with the COVID virus for a second time were twice as likely to develop long COVID than their peers who were infected just once. The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, was led by Yong Chen, a professor of biostatistics and director of the Penn Computing, Inference and Learning (PennCIL) lab.

Three other Penn studies were included in the Clinical Research Forum’s list of finalists, which are akin to honorable mentions for the Top 10 list, rounding out the Top 20 clinical research papers of the year. These finalists included a Phase III clinical trial for a rare blood vessel disorder, a Phase I clinical trial investigating the next generation of cell therapy, and an analysis of the impacts of a health policy that expanded options for where veterans can receive care. 

With seven of the Top 20 research papers—selected from submissions drawn from nearly 60 research institutions and hospitals across the United States and around the world—Penn Medicine’s showing underscores its exceptional leadership in advancing clinical research.

Sophia Tang, ENG’27, W’27, an undergraduate researcher in Penn Engineering, has been named a recipient of the Computer Research Association (CRA) Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award. The award is widely regarded as the highest honor for undergraduate computer science students and recognizes exceptional research accomplishments and future leadership potential in computing. 

Ms. Tang conducts research in the lab of Pranam Chatterjee, the Africk-Lesley Distinguished Scholar of Innovation in Engineering and an assistant professor of bioengineering in Penn Engineering, where she develops theoretical foundations for generative artificial intelligence systems applied to biological design. Her work focuses on building machine learning models that can reason about complex biological systems, with applications ranging from therapeutic peptide design to unified modeling of protein and cellular dynamics.

“Research is often a non-deterministic path, but receiving this award is a meaningful signal to myself and my family that I’m on the right track,” Ms. Tang said. “I’m grateful to the mentors who encouraged me to pursue independent ideas early on, and excited to continue exploring how theoretical machine learning and generative models can unlock new possibilities in biology.”

Since joining the Chatterjee Lab as a sophomore, Ms. Tang has made an extraordinary impact. She has co-authored more than six influential papers that establish new theoretical frameworks for solving fundamental design problems in biotechnology and her research has spanned multi-objective generation of therapeutic peptides, discrete diffusion models, and methods that connect molecular-scale and cellular-scale dynamics.

“Sophia is one of the greatest minds of her generation,” said Dr. Chatterjee. “Her work has inspired new application-driven directions for my PhD students and postdocs, with many molecules from these models now validated in disease models in the wet lab. Sophia continues to be a pioneering AI researcher, as well as an incredible mentor and collaborator. I’m deeply proud of her and grateful that she chose to do this work in my lab.”

The CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award is given annually to a select group of students whose work demonstrates exceptional depth, originality, and promise. Ms. Tang’s ability to contribute foundational theory, influence downstream experimental research, and mentor incoming students distinguishes her as an exemplary recipient of the award.

Stephanie Weirich, the ENIAC President’s Distinguished Professor of Computer and Information Science in Penn Engineering, has been named a 2025 fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the world’s preeminent educational and scientific computing society.

Selected by their peers for achieving remarkable results through their technical innovations and service to the field, ACM fellows represent the top one percent of ACM’s global membership. This year, ACM named 71 new fellows from 14 countries, drawn from a worldwide community of more than 100,000 computing professionals.

Dr. Weirich is recognized for “contributions to static type systems and mechanized mathematics of programming languages.” Her research has played a foundational role in advancing the theory and practice of programming languages. Her work spans advanced type systems, dependently typed programming, compiler design and formal methods that improve the reliability and security of software systems. In addition to her research contributions, Dr. Weirich is widely recognized for her service and leadership within the programming languages community.

“I’m deeply honored to be part of the ACM Fellow Class of 2025,” said Dr. Weirich. “I am fortunate to have contributed to the design of the Haskell programming language and to the use of mathematical proof assistants for machine-checked reasoning about programming language meta theory. I’m grateful to my colleagues, students, and mentors, both at Penn Engineering and in the ACM SIGPLAN community, who have made this work possible.”

A member of the Penn Engineering faculty since 2003, Dr. Weirich is part of the department of computer and information science and the programming language club research group. She has held numerous leadership roles in the international computing community, including service on conference steering committees, editorial boards, and professional organizations. She is also deeply committed to mentoring students and early-career researchers and to broadening participation in computing.

The 2025 ACM fellows work at leading universities, corporations and research institutions across the globe and are recognized for contributions in a wide range of computing research areas, including artificial intelligence for healthcare, computer graphics, data management, human-computer interaction, mobile computing, robotics, security, sustainability and more.

“These men and women represent the top 1% of professionals in our association,” said ACM president Yannis Ioannidis. “As we congratulate the new fellows for their accomplishments, we hope that their work will also serve as an inspiration to the next generation.”

The Annenberg School for Communication’s Library Archives (AS-CLA) began a decade ago with the gift of the TV Guide Prime-Time Script Collection, including 29,000 scripts of TV series, specials, and movies, such as Seinfeld and Agnes Nixon soap operas including One Life to Live and All My Children. Lead archivist Samantha Dodd Summerbell said the number of scripts increases each year, and the archives have also grown to include memorabilia, research, and more. Researchers from around the world come to examine scripts, she said.

Annenberg not only possesses these documents; it also played a role in the history of many. Annenberg’s founder, Ambassador Walter Annenberg, also founded TV Guide, of which ASCLA holds issues published from 1953 to the mid-1990s. It also houses the papers of former Dean George Gerbner, a pioneer in re-search on television’s impact on viewers’ perceptions of the world and the effects of violent media on children.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first public demonstration of television. Reflecting on this milestone, Penn Today took a look inside ASCLA’s collections. Here are a few TV-related highlights.

The First Issue of TV Guide

Gracing the cover of the April 3-9, 1953, inaugural edition is a chubby-cheeked, blue-eyed, consternated-looking Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV—the infant son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, or as TV Guide proclaimed, “LUCY’s $50,000,000 BABY.”

As Walter Annenberg stated in his publisher’s message inside the front cover, “television’s growing importance in our daily lives brought a need for accurate and complete station schedules printed in convenient form.” After his introduction, the first issue includes listings, a photo series depicting newspaper columnist and TV host Walter Winchell, a humor column on “three-D” films, and a review of the drama series Robert Montgomery Presents.

ASCLA has print editions of the Philadelphia version of TV Guide and microfiche for other media markets, Ms. Summerbell said.

HBO Oral History Project

Today’s viewers may associate HBO with popular shows such as The Sopranos, Sex and the City, or Game of Thrones. But the premium television network launched in 1972, and the HBO Oral History Project dives into business practices, government regulations, technology, and company culture in the early years.

The project was initiated by Annenberg alumnus Howard Burkat, HBO’s promotions director from 1977 to 1982, who also secured sponsorship from the Annenberg School for Communication. It features interviews with 38 people responsible for the founding and early development of HBO.

HBO founder Charles Dolan’s interview recalled that first broadcast included the Paul Newman movie Sometimes a Great Notion and a hockey game, and how he brought on as chief of programming Gerald M. Levin—a Penn Carey Law grad who would later become CEO of Time Warner. Other interviewees referenced HBO’s first broadcast via satellite in 1975: the Thrilla in Manila boxing match featuring Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

Last fall, Annenberg research associate and lecturer Jeff Pooley taught Media in the Making: Podcasting HBO, in which students learned about television history as they scripted, recorded, and edited podcast episodes using audio from the HBO Oral History Project.

Dr. Pooley said the students recorded four 10-minute episodes, which detail financial losses and a turnaround in the mid-1970s, innovative programming, and the impact of the mainstream adoption of videocassette recorders in the 1980s. The plan, noted Dr. Pooley, is to release the episodes publicly in connection with an event in April.

Federal Communications Commission Papers

Ms. Summerbell said that within the past two years, ASCLA acquired the collections of two former FCC chairmen: Alfred Sikes and Michael Copps. Annenberg professor Victor Pickard and doctoral student Matthew Conaty, a former FCC attorney, helped facilitate these acquisitions. Re-viewing these files, Mr. Conaty said he was struck by Mr. Sikes’ early advocacy of high-definition television and his calls for uniform technologi-cal standards across national borders.

Mr. Sikes, FCC chairman from 1989 to 1993, documented each time an article that mentioned him was published. An article in Radio Business Report and an op-ed by Mr. Sikes in Newsweek, for example, detailed the his criticism of rules preventing cross-ownership within the same market, such as ownership of a radio station and cable station or a telephone company and cable company.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 ultimately granted Mr. Sikes’ wish to allow cross-ownership. But in 1991, he lamented that incumbent congressional representatives interested in preserving the status quo were hampering his vision of the future: “What about a television in your home the size and quality of a movie screen?” Mr. Sikes wrote. “Or, what about being able to use a personal, pocket-sized telephone to place or receive calls anywhere in the world via satellite?”

Adapted from a Penn Today article by Erica Moser. 

Films

3          Skin of Glass; follows director Denise Zmekhol’s journey after discovering that her late father's most celebrated work as an architect, a modernist glass skyscraper in the heart of São Paulo affectionately known as the Pele de Vidro (“Skin of Glass”), has become occupied by hundreds of homeless families; noon; Plaza Gallery, Meyerson Hall (Architecture).

            Baci Rubati; documentary that explores the lives and repression of LGBTQ+ individuals in Italy during the Mussolini regime using personal stories and archives; 6 p.m.; room 543, Williams Hall (Francophone, Italian & Germanic Studies).

Fitness & Learning

Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships

Various locations. Info: https://curf.upenn.edu/events.

5          Summer Humanities Internship Program (SHIP) Information Session; learn about a 10-week paid program in which students work in arts, cultural, or historic organizations throughout Philadelphia; 4 p.m.; room G08/09, College Hall.

6          PURM Information Session; learn about a summer research program for undergraduates in which over 150 faculty members from across Penn have posted research projects in a wide variety of fields; 4 p.m.; room G08/09, College Hall.

10        Behind the CV: A Conversation with Prof. Lorena Grundy; Dr. Grundy will reflect on the experiences that shaped her path—from polymer electrolyte research at UC Berkeley to sustainability-focused curriculum design and national service—and offer insights on building a meaningful career at the intersection of engineering, education, and societal impact; 5 p.m.; room 108, ARCH.

Penn Libraries

Various locations. Info: https://www.library.upenn.edu/events.

3          Online Zine Making to Support Time Management; a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a personalized study and project plan, designed as an online zine, to help you stay organized and maintain balance throughout the semester; 3-5 p.m.; Zoom webinar.

10        Demonstration: 3D Scanning of Bindings; fine arts librarian Kathryn Reuter 3D scans bindings from the Kislak collections; 2-4 p.m.; room 623, Van Pelt Library.

Talks

3          Freedom of Expression in the New Media Landscape; David Kaye, University of California, Irvine; Sarah Banet-Weiser, Annenberg School; noon; Perry World House; register: https://tinyurl.com/kaye-talk-feb-3 (Perry World House).

            Sharp Phase Transition in the Repeated Averaging Process; Lingfu Zhang, Caltech; 3:30 p.m.; room 4C8, DRL (Mathematics).

            Dreamsound: Istanbul 1600/Vienna 1900 CE; Peter McMurray, University of Cambridge; 5:15 p.m.; room 101, Lerner Building (Music).

4          Care Equity in Healthcare AI: DEI Governance & SOGI Indicators; Sook Jung Kang, Ewha Women’s University in Korea; noon; Zoom webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/kang-talk-feb-4 (Penn Nursing; Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative).

            Discovery of Plant Derived Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Agricultural Bioengineering; Henry Squire, UC Berkeley; 3:30 p.m.; Wu & Chen Auditorium, Levine Hall (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering).

            Regulating the Growth of Galaxies Through Their Atmospheres; Chris Carr, Princeton University; 3:30 p.m.; room 4E19, DRL (Physics & Astronomy).

            Grading as Pedagogy: Strategic Grading Design for Undergraduate Courses; Karen Redrobe, English; 4:30 p.m.; room 543, Williams Hall (Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Innovation).

            Ensamble Studio: Architecture of the Earth; Antón Garcia-Abril, architect; 6:30 p.m.; Plaza Gallery, Meyerson Hall (Architecture).

5          Provably Efficient Learning in Nonlinear Dynamical Systems via Spectral Transformers; Elad Hazan, Princeton University; noon; room 414, Gutmann Hall (IDEAS Center; PennAI; Statistics & Data Science).

            Harnessing Membrane-Protein Interactions to Engineer Synthetic and Cellular Lipid Membranes; Neha Kamat, Northwestern University; 3:30 p.m.; Berger Auditorium, Skirkanich Hall (Bioengineering).

            Nested Cobordisms and TQFTs; Maxine Calle, mathematics; 3:30 p.m.; room 4C8, DRL (Mathematics).

9          Exchange, Labor and Work; Kevin Burke and Theodore Schurr, anthropology; noon; room 345, Penn Museum (Anthropology).

            “Legally, We’re Alright, But Ethically, I Don’t Know”: Research, Regret and Trans Medicine at the University of Washington, 1968-1972; Os Keyes, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; 3:30 p.m.; room 392, Cohen Hall (History & Sociology of Science).

            Printed Declarations: Life, Liberty, Editions, Issues, and States; John Bidwell, Morgan Library & Museum; 5:15 p.m.; Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion, Van Pelt Library (Workshop in the History of Material Texts).

            Housing Affordability and Urban Policy; Nikil Saval, Pennsylvania State Senate; 7 p.m.; room TBA, PCPSE; register: https://tinyurl.com/saval-talk-feb-9 (Penn Political Union, Andrea Mitchell Center; City & Regional Planning).

10        Even a Physicist Can Learn to Knit: Unraveling the Science Behind Sweaters; Randall Kamien, physics & astronomy; 5:30 p.m.; Ben Franklin Room, Houston Hall; register: https://tinyurl.com/kamien-talk-feb-10 (Penn Science Café).

Economics

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

5          Apostles of Development: Six Economists and the World They Made; David Engerman, Yale University; noon; room 230, PCPSE.

9          Contracting with Statistically Informed Intermediaries; Alvar Haltia, Aalto University; noon; room 203, PCPSE.

            Regression Adjustments for Disentangling Spillover Effects; David Ritzwoller, Stanford University; 4 p.m.; room 101, PCPSE.

10        Leveraging Auctions to Promote Competition: A Case Study in the Chilean Pension Market; Keunsang Song, economics; noon; room 200, PCPSE.

GRASP Lab

In-person events. Info: https://www.grasp.upenn.edu/events/.

4          Building Robotics Foundation Models with Reasoning in the Loop; Jiafei Duan, University of Washington; 4 p.m.; room 307, Levine Hall, and Zoom webinar.

This is an update to the February AT PENN calendar, which is online now. To submit events for future AT PENN calendars or weekly updates, email almanac@upenn.edu.

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 January 19-25, 2026. 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 January 19-25, 2026. 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: 3 incidents were reported for January 19-25, 2026 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.

The Trustees’ Council of Penn Women (TCPW) is accepting applications for its Annual Grants Program and encourages members of the University 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
• 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
• 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 February 16, 2026. Awards will be announced in the spring of 2025, and funds will be distributed in July/August 2026 for projects in the 2026-2027 academic year. For more information, contact Terri Welsh at welsh@upenn.edu.