May 12, 2026 Volume 72 Issue 35

To the Penn Community: 

Penn’s Commencement is a wonderful opportunity to gather and recognize the impressive accomplishments of our students. On behalf of the Trustees, Officers, and the Deans and their faculties, we invite all members of the Penn community to attend the University’s 270th Commencement on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Beginning shortly after 9:00 a.m., you will be able to watch and cheer the academic, alumni, and graduate processions from a viewing area on Shoemaker Green as they walk to Franklin Field. The ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m.

There will be airport-style security screening for all those entering Franklin Field, which will slow entry into the stadium. Please be aware that no bags are permitted inside Franklin Field; only small hand-held items (including cell phones, wallets, and small clutches) may be carried into the stadium. A good rule of thumb: if an item does not fit in your pocket, please do not bring it with you. The event will take place rain or shine, but only small collapsible umbrellas will be permitted (no golf umbrellas). A full list of prohibited items can be found on the Commencement website.

If you plan to attend, please seek your supervisor’s approval to ensure that your department’s needs are met. You can also watch a live webcast of the ceremony, beginning at 9:00 a.m., which can be found on the Commencement homepage. Whether you attend virtually or in-person (tickets are not necessary), we very much hope that you will join us in this University-wide celebration of the academic year.

—J. Larry Jameson, President
—John L. Jackson, Jr., Provost
—Medha Narvekar, Vice President and University Secretary

William Sturkey has been named the Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Associate Professor of American History in the School of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Sturkey is a historian of the United States, specializing in the history of race in the American South since 1865. His research focuses on the experiences of working-class racial minorities living in the United States. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in modern American history, African American history, southern history, and historical research methods and writing.

Dr. Sturkey is the author of numerous books. His first, To Write in the Light of Freedom: The Newspapers of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Schools, is a co-edited collection of newspapers, essays, and poems produced by African American Freedom School students during the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964. It was the first book ever published to feature the writings of young activists who attended the famous Mississippi Freedom Schools.

Dr. Sturkey’s other works include Hattiesburg: An American City in Black and White, a biracial history that traces the rise and fall of Jim Crow through the racial and economic history of a single Southern city between 1880 and 1966, and The Ballad of Roy Benavidez: The Life and Times of America’s Most Famous Hispanic Veteran. He is currently working on Precious Lord, Take My Hand, a narrative history of the Americas in the 1960s. Beyond his scholarship and teaching, Dr. Sturkey is a deeply engaged public scholar. His writing has appeared in a variety of popular venues, and he is a regular public speaker and moderator at a variety of public-facing events, including author interviews, public panels, museum exhibitions, podcasts, and more.

The Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Chair of American History was established by the late Roy and Jeannette Nichols, longtime members of the history faculty. Roy Nichols served as dean of graduate studies in Penn Arts & Sciences and as Penn’s Vice Provost, while Jeannette Nichols served as chair of the graduate group in economic history.

Weitzman School of Design faculty members Scott Aker, Xiaoxia (Summer) Dong, and Shea O’Neill have been selected to receive G. Holmes Perkins Distinguished Teaching Awards for academic year 2025-2026. The awards are presented annually to three members of the Weitzman faculty to recognize distinguished teaching and innovation, based on nominations by students.

Scott Aker is a lecturer of architecture and teaches foundational architecture and design in the undergraduate architecture program. An award-winning architect and educator, Mr. Aker’s research focuses on inclusive design pedagogy and trauma-informed approaches to architecture. His work emphasizes architecture as a teaching tool, centering on social issues and professional ethics. Mr. Aker is a registered architect and co-founder of the nonprofit Institute for Architectural Research. According to one student who nominated him, “He is incredibly patient when teaching architecture courses and content. He understands that students may not get software or concepts at first glance.”

Xiaoxia (Summer) Dong is an assistant professor of city and regional planning who has taught at Penn since 2021. Dr. Dong’s research examines traffic safety and the impact of new transportation technologies and services on travel behavior and the built environment. He has published peer-reviewed articles on user perceptions of driverless buses, mode preferences for rideshares and transit, road safety, and driver’s education for adolescents in the U.S. Among his nominations, one student wrote, “Summer is one of the best instructors I have ever had in my academic and professional career. He is incredibly good at conveying information and has a wealth of knowledge.”

Shea O’Neill has taught at Penn for over five years in the department of city & regional planning. He is a vice president at U3 Advisors’ Philadelphia office, where he builds the foundation to support U3’s data-driven approach to economic and real estate development. Mr. O’Neill manages the majority of U3’s company-wide data and analytic needs on a variety of projects. With a background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Tableau, he has helped U3 use public and institutional data sets to visualize novel trends in housing, transportation, and economic development. One of the students who nominated him said, “Shea is a truly extraordinary lecturer. He has a way of teaching that is both engaging and inspiring, that both provides a solid foundation in GIS and that encourages exploration on its own.”

Mr. Aker, Dr. Dong, and Mr. O’Neill will be formally honored at the 2026 Weitzman Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Leonard Berwick Memorial Teaching Award 

This award was established in 1981 as a memorial to Leonard Berwick by his family and the department of pathology. It recognizes a member of the medical faculty who in their teaching effectively fuses basic science and clinical medicine. It is intended that this award recognize outstanding teachers, particularly among younger faculty.

Robert G. Micheletti is an associate professor of dermatology and medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine, and completed a combined residency in internal medicine and dermatology at Penn.

Dr. Micheletti serves as chief of dermatology at Pennsylvania Hospital. His clinical and research interests include vasculitis, severe drug reactions, hidradenitis suppurativa, and complex medical dermatology. Dr. Micheletti previously directed the dermatology medical student elective and now serves as program director of the combined medicine-dermatology residency program. He is an active educator of residents and fellows and a frequent invited lecturer. He has received multiple teaching awards and was elected to the Academy of Master Clinicians at Penn Medicine in 2019.

Robert Dunning Dripps Memorial Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education 

This award was established by the department of anesthesia in 1984. As a pioneer in the specialty of anesthesia and chair of the department from 1943 to 1972, Robert Dunning Dripps was instrumental in the training of more than 300 residents and fellows, many of whom went on to chair other departments. This award recognizes excellence as an educator of residents and fellows in clinical care, research, teaching, or administration.

Amanda K. Leonberg-Yoo is an associate professor of clinical medicine in the renal, electrolyte and hypertension division at the Perelman School of Medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine, followed by a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in nephrology at Tufts Medical Center.

She serves as program director of the nephrology fellowship, which she has led and significantly expanded to national recognition since 2019. She also co-developed a med-peds nephrology track in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Leonberg-Yoo teaches across all levels of training, with a focus on clinical reasoning, bedside teaching, and procedural skills. She also serves as medical director of the Penn Living Kidney Donor Program. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple teaching awards, including the Outstanding Program Director Award and the J. Russell Elkinton Faculty Teaching Award.

Blockley-Osler Award 

Created in 1987 by the Blockley Section of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, this award is given annually to a member of the faculty at an affiliated hospital for excellence in teaching modern clinical medicine at the bedside, in the tradition of William Osler and others who taught at Philadelphia General Hospital.

Annique Hogan is a complex care pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and an associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and completed her residency at CHOP.

She has dedicated her career to the care of medically complex children in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She serves as medical director of the Complex Care Service, the Compass Care Program, Care Management, and CHOP Home Care.

Dr. Hogan is a committed educator of students, residents, and fellows. She has received numerous honors, including the CHOP Faculty Teacher of the Year, the Master Clinician Award, and Faculty Honor Roll recognition.

Scott Mackler Award for Excellence in Substance Abuse Teaching 

This award was established in 2000 by the Center for Studies of Addiction and Treatment Research Center, which is jointly sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Scott Mackler is remembered for his excellence in teaching medical students, residents, postdoctoral fellows, nurses, and other Penn faculty in many different departments in the area of substance abuse.

Krishna White leads the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Program at Penn Family Care and co-founded the Penn Medicine Addiction Consult Service. She also partners with Prevention Point Philadelphia to provide mobile, community-based addiction care and harm reduction services.

Dr. White has developed educational programs in addiction medicine for fellows, residents, medical students, and practicing physicians, including experiential curricula and clinical electives. Her work integrates clinical care, education, and community engagement to expand access to addiction treatment and training.

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching (Affiliated Hospital)

The Dean’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching was established in 1989 to recognize clinical teaching excellence and commitment to medical education by outstanding faculty members from affiliated hospitals. One or more Dean’s Awards are given annually; recipients are selected on the advice of a committee of faculty and students.

Kimberly Genesio is an assistant professor of psychiatry and the service line director for inpatient psychiatry at Pennsylvania Hospital. She earned her medical degree and completed her residency at Tulane University, where she served as chief resident and later held faculty leadership roles.

Since joining Penn in 2021, Dr. Genesio has played a central role in inpatient psychiatric care and education. She directs an advanced inpatient psychiatry elective and contributes to residency training and program development. She is known for integrating real-world clinical cases into her teaching and fostering a practical, patient-centered learning environment.

Jane Nathanson is an associate professor of clinical pediatrics and a primary care physician at CHOP. She earned her BA from Yale University, earned her MD from the Perelman School of Medicine, and completed her residency at CHOP.

She has held multiple educational leadership roles, including site director for the pediatric clerkship, co-director of the Measey Primary Care Pathway, and associate program director of the CHOP pediatrics residency.

A dedicated mentor and educator, she has received numerous honors, including CHOP Faculty Teacher of the Year (2022) and induction into the Gold Humanism Honors Society.

William R. Short is an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Hahnemann University and completed his training in internal medicine and infectious diseases at MCP/Hahnemann.

He serves as associate director of Penn’s HIV clinical trials unit and co-director of the clinical core of the Center for AIDS Research. His clinical work includes care for patients with HIV, including pregnant patients.

Dr. Short contributes to national HIV treatment guidelines and is an active educator and mentor across multiple disciplines. He is recognized for his engaging, clinically grounded teaching style.

Albert H. Yu is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry, a consult psychiatrist at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, and senior associate program director of the psychiatry residency. He earned his medical degree and completed his training at the University of Pennsylvania.

He is a dedicated educator across clinical, classroom, and administrative settings and has received multiple teaching awards, including the Penn Pearls Teaching Award.

Dr. Yu is known for fostering independence in learners while grounding teaching in practical clinical application.

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Medical Student Teaching by an Allied Health Professional

This award was established in 1997 to recognize outstanding teaching by allied health professionals (e.g. nurses, physician’s assistants, and emergency medical technicians). The recipient is selected on the advice of a committee composed of faculty and students.

Felicia Duch is an occupational therapist at Pennsylvania Hospital. She earned her bachelor of health science and master of occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University.

She has led multiple clinical and educational initiatives, including development of expanded group programming and interdisciplinary training models. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member and professional association leader.

Her work focuses on patient-centered care, trainee education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She received the Josie King Hero Award in 2024.

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Basic Science Teaching

The Dean’s Award for Excellence in Basic Science Teaching was established in 1988 to recognize teaching excellence and commitment to medical student teaching in the basic sciences. One or more Dean’s Awards are given annually; recipients are selected on the advice of a committee of faculty and students.

Sanjeev R. Shah is an associate professor of clinical medicine (renal-electrolyte and hypertension) at Penn and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center. He cares for patients with rheumatic diseases and conducts research on modifiable risk factors in clinical care.

Dr. Shah directs the Introduction to Epidemiology course and has taught medical students for more than a decade. He is also an active mentor to trainees across all levels.

Dr. Shah is deeply committed to education and values teaching and mentorship as central to his work.

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching by Housestaff

This award was established in 2015 to recognize clinical teaching excellence and commitment to medical education by housestaff. One award is given annually; the recipient is selected on the advice of a committee of faculty and students.

Chioma Elechi earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

During her residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to medical education through clinical teaching, small group facilitation, and curriculum development.

She is particularly focused on interactive learning, mentorship, and fostering inclusive training environments. She received the Penn Pearls Teaching Award in 2024.

Special Dean’s Award

The Special Dean’s Award was established in 1990 to recognize outstanding achievements in medical education by faculty members—particularly in the creation of new and innovative educational programs.

The Vice Dean for Undergraduate Medical School Education, in consultation with the Teaching Awards Selection Committee, selects faculty or staff who have made unique contributions and demonstrated exceptional support and innovative planning across all educational programs.

Anna T. Delaney serves as chief operating officer of undergraduate medical education (UME). She earned her degrees from Saint Joseph’s University and West Chester University.

She has led strategic and operational initiatives across UME, including curriculum innovation, simulation programs, and digital transformation. She also oversees complex administrative functions that support students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Delaney’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing medical education programs and strengthening the infrastructure that supports them. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education.

Michael P. Nusbaum Graduate Student Mentoring Award

The Michael P. Nusbaum Graduate Student Mentoring Award was established in 2017 to honor Mikey Nusbaum as he stepped down from his role as associate dean for graduate education and director of biomedical graduate studies (BGS).  

This year’s recipient is Mingyao Li, a professor of biostatistics. Dr. Li’s role as the chair of the biostatistics program in GGEB since 2019 has proven to be invaluable to the graduate group. Her dedication to the GGEB students is visible through her consistent attendance at their dissertation defenses. This philosophy aligns with the mentoring values of BGS that Mikey Nusbaum established during his time as director. 

Jane M. Glick Graduate Student Teaching Award

The Jane M. Glick Graduate Student Teaching Award was established in 2009 by the Glick family in remembrance of Jane Glick and her dedication to the biomedical graduate studies programs.  

This year’s recipient is Robert Bowman, an assistant professor of cancer biology. Since 2023, Dr. Bowman has been co-director of the course Concepts in Cancer Biology. His leadership has shown his persistent commitment to his students and to exposing them to essential topics needed to become successful cancer biologists. Dr. Bowman’s dedication to these efforts exemplifies the type of scientist and educator that Dr. Glick represented.

Awarded to current students, faculty, and staff, the annual Penn GSE Awards recognize outstanding service and commitment to the Penn GSE community. The 2026 honorees are:

Laurie Wagman Award for Visual and Performing Arts in Education 

This award is given to a scholar who integrates creativity and the arts into educational practice, research, or expression.

Jessica Whitelaw is a lecturer in literacy studies at Penn GSE, where she teaches courses in literacy theory and practice, teacher research, and literature for children and youth. Her research interests include the arts, storytelling, and inquiry-based methodologies. As an educator, researcher, and cultural worker, she is committed to creating spaces for teachers and students to explore the critical role of the imagination in transformative education and building a more just world.

Penn GSE Excellence in Teaching Award

This award honors a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to student learning and academic engagement.

Wendy Chan is an associate professor at Penn GSE whose research focuses on the development and application of statistical methods to improve the generalizability and transportability of study results. This research is designed to support policymakers and practitioners with tools to address questions of what works, for whom and under what conditions.

Recognition of Service Award

This award celebrates those whose service contributions have had a meaningful impact on campus culture and operations.

Kaitlyn Hendrickson serves as associate director of the executive doctorate in higher education management. With over 14 years of experience in higher education, she brings a strategic and student-centered approach to management of the program. Dr. Hendrickson holds a master of arts in higher education and a bachelor of arts in linguistics from the University of Minnesota. She is deeply committed to advancing institutional effectiveness by bridging operational excellence with innovation, not only ensuring that programs run efficiently, but also meaningfully supporting student success and organizational goals.

Diana Wildermuth is a Pennsylvania licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, and Pennsylvania certified school counselor who began teaching in Penn GSE in 2023, focusing on the education and formation of future school counselors and mental health counselors. Drawing on more than two decades of experience across school and mental health environments, she contributes nationally and statewide through her membership in the American School Counselor Association editorial board and her leadership as ethics chair of the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association. Her teaching, scholarship, and service advance effective and equitable approaches to school counselor training, with research interests spanning resilience, identity development, and well-being across the lifespan, including work with student-athletes.

Award for Excellence in Building Community

Jancarlos Montoya Mejía is a PhD candidate in the educational linguistics program at Penn GSE. He has extensive experience teaching languages in universities and community centers in Honduras and the United States. His current research explores how Latinx immigrant families develop bilingual skills at home with limited institutional support. 

Huan Yang is the associate director and case manager for international students at Penn GSE’s Office of Student Success. She is a dynamic and globally-minded educator with over 10 years’ experience in international education teaching, advising and management. She is recognized for leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural communication, with a proven track record in higher education institutions, nonprofits, and edtech.

Christman–Goldberg Award for Best Dissertation in Urban Education

Laura Ogburn is the director of community-engaged scholarship at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships. Before receiving her PhD in education, she taught kindergarten and pre-kindergarten in Atlanta and Philadelphia. Her research interests include youth-adult partnerships, the politics of expertise and knowledge production, and participatory methodologies.

Manager of the Year Award

Tre Grue is an operationally focused admissions professional who is passionate about user-centered workflows and data-driven decision-making and storytelling. With more than 10 years of experience across enrollment management in medicine, health professions, public health, and education, he is currently focused on enhancing Penn GSE’s usage of customer relationship management systems to better serve prospective and active students, faculty, staff, and leadership. He enjoys work related to data collection, dashboards, automation, and process engineering.

William E. Arnold Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Student

The Arnold Award reflects GSE’s commitment to preparing outstanding educators and academic leaders. The awardee is Jessica Jiapei Zhu.

The Making It Happen Award

The awardee is Madeleine Russell.

Following a national search, Penn Dental Medicine has named Patricia Miguez to lead the department of periodontics. Her appointment as chair took effect on May 1, 2026.

Dr. Miguez comes to Penn Dental Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry, where she had been part of the faculty since 2014, most recently as an associate professor with tenure. 

This is her second appointment at Penn Dental Medicine, having served as an assistant professor in the department of periodontics from 2011 to 2014.

A nationally and internationally recognized clinician-scientist, educator, and leader in periodontology, Dr. Miguez’s research has been funded by many organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, the Osteology Foundation, and the Academy of Osseointegration. Her work focuses on understanding the microenvironment around cells (extracellular matrix [ECM] and its biomodifications by enzymes, environment and diet) and the implications to health and disease. 

Her research targets the discovery of novel ECM-derived or inspired synthetic therapeutics to treat inflammatory diseases and connective tissue disorders and aid in regenerative dentistry.

Dr. Miguez has been active on academic committees and in leadership roles within organized dentistry throughout her career, including serving as president of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) Women in Science Network, as a fellow of the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), and as chair and a member of multiple IADR, AADOCR, American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), and AAP Foundation committees. 

She currently holds editorial roles with several peer-reviewed journals—among them serving as associate editor in periodontics and regenerative dentistry for Frontiers in Dental Medicine and on the editorial boards of the Journal of Dental Research, Scientific Reports, and Journal of Periodontology.

A devoted mentor, Dr. Miguez has also been recognized for her own research with a wide range of awards, including the AAP’s 2024 E. Earl Robinson Regeneration Award, presented annually for the best research article in periodontal regeneration.

A diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology since 2013, Dr. Miguez earned her PhD in oral biology combined with a certificate in periodontology (2011) and her MS in operative dentistry (2003) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. 

She holds a certificate in periodontology (1999) and a DDS (1997) from Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

May 5, 2026

Celebrate the outstanding achievements of University of Pennsylvania staff at the Models of Excellence Award Ceremony 2026 on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

A reception will follow from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Penn Museum’s Warden Garden. This year, 73 staff members from Penn’s schools and centers will be recognized for their exceptional contributions. Gather with colleagues from across the University to hear their stories, show your appreciation, and celebrate the impact of staff at Penn.

Register for the Models of Excellence ceremony and reception. Learn more about this year’s honorees at www.hr.upenn.edu/models.

Christina Mairi (Scott) Shea, a former assistant at the Penn Museum, died on November 21, 2025. She was 92. 

Ms. Shea was born in 1933 and raised in Farnham, Quebec, Canada. She graduated with honors from Macdonald College of McGill University in Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, with a diploma in handcrafts. She began her career at the linoleum factory Barry & Stains, where she worked as a switchboard operator. Later, she worked at as an administrative assistant in the anatomy department at McGill University, and then at the British Consulate in Philadelphia. She came to the Penn Museum in 1982, where she served as an administrative coordinator, as administrative assistant to the director, and as a staff assistant until retiring in 2002. 

Ms. Shea was a member of Christ Church in Old City, Philadelphia and of the Philadelphia Guild of Hand Weavers. During her time with the Guild of Hand Weavers, she placed first in the “Yardage” category in a 1979 exhibition and received many other awards and honors, including the J. Willard Lord Award in 1983 and 1986. 

Ms. Shea is survived by her husband, John (Jay) Shea, Jr.; her sisters, Wilma (Charles/David) Stewart-White and Louise (Kenneth) Murphy; and many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.

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To Report A Death

Almanac appreciates being informed of the deaths of current and former faculty and staff members, students and other members of the University community. Call (215) 898-5274 or email almanac@upenn.edu.

However, notices of alumni deaths should be directed to the Alumni Records Office at Suite 300, 2929 Walnut St., (215) 898-8136 or email record@ben.dev.upenn.edu.

Pursuant to the Faculty Senate Rules, formal notification to members may be accomplished by publication in Almanac. The following is published under that rule.

TO:            Members of the Faculty Senate
FROM:       Lauren Massimo, Chair, Nominating Committee
SUBJECT: Senate Nominations 2026 (Part One)

In accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules, official notice is given of the Senate Nominating Committee nominees for chair-elect. The nominee, who has indicated willingness to serve, is:

Chair-elect:

• Eileen Lake (School of Nursing)

Also in accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules, you are invited to submit additional nominations, which shall be accomplished via petitions containing at least twenty-five valid names and the signed approval of the candidate. All such petitions must be received no later than fourteen days after circulation of the nominees of the Nominating Committee by email to the Faculty Senate, senate@pobox.upenn.edu, or Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Under the same provision of the rules, if no additional nominations are received, the slate nominated by the Nominating Committee will be declared elected.

The remaining slate of nominees will be published in a future edition of Almanac.

A meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee and a meeting of the Executive Committee will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. 

The meeting schedule is as follows:

Thursday, May 14, 2026
10–11 a.m.—Budget & Finance Committee
1:30–1:45 p.m.—Public Meeting of the Executive Committee 

The agenda and dial-in information will be posted at https://secretary.upenn.edu/trustees-governance/open-trustee-meeting. Please contact the Office of the University Secretary at (215) 898-7005 or ofcsec@pobox.upenn.edu with questions regarding Trustees meetings.

Click here for the 2025-2026 University Council Year-End Reports.

The Renaissance Society of America (RSA) has announced that Abdulhamit Arvas, a professor of English in the School of Arts & Sciences, has been selected as a co-winner of the 2026 Phyllis Goodhart Gordan Book Prize for the Best Book in Renaissance Studies for his book, Boys Abducted: The Homoerotics of Empire and Race in Early Modernity. The book has also been named the winner of the 2026 Shakespeare Association of America First Book Award, which is annually awarded “to a monograph with a significant Shakespeare component published as the first book-length publication.” Boys Abducted builds on Dr. Arvas’ broader work and research concerning early modern literature and culture, along with comparative histories of sexuality and race. 

In addition, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has named Dr. Arvas a 2026 ACLS Fellow. ACLS Fellowships provide up to $60,000 to support scholars for six to 12 months of full-time research and writing. Awardees who are independent scholars, are adjunct faculty, or have teaching-intensive roles receive an additional stipend between $3,000 and $6,000. The awardees were selected from a pool of over 2,000 applicants through a multi-stage peer review process and represent a broad range of institutions, fields, and career stages. More than half of the 2026 ACLS Fellows are early-career scholars and scholars who do not hold tenure-track faculty appointments.

At Penn, Dr. Arvas holds affiliations in gender, sexuality, and women’s studies; comparative literature & literary theory; the Middle East Center; theater arts; and global medieval and Renaissance studies.

Nancy P. Blumenthal, an advanced senior lecturer in the department of biobehavioral health sciences in Penn Nursing, has been elected a fellow of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT).

Dr. Blumenthal is a distinguished leader in lung transplantation with over three decades of clinical, academic, and research contributions, including long-standing roles at Penn Medicine and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and its lung transplant program. She has demonstrated sustained impact through extensive scholarly work, national and international presentations, and leadership in the society, including committee service and prior council leadership. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing transplant nursing practice, education, and patient-centered care, alongside mentorship of the next generation of clinicians. This combination of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and dedicated service to ISHLT underscores her well-deserved recognition as a fellow of the society.

Penn will honor the following graduate and professional student leaders on Thursday, May 14 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Graduate Student Center. The Penn community is invited to attend the awards ceremony; RSVP at www.gsc.upenn.edu/events.

President & Provost’s Honor for Developing New Initiatives in Graduate & Professional Student Life

• Ludwig Zhao, PhD in Bioengineering, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences 

Andy Binns Award for Outstanding Service to Graduate & Professional Student Life

• Meha Chauhan, Master of Social Policy and Data Analytics, School of Social Policy & Practice  
• Rong Tang, Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics, School of Arts & Sciences (LPS) 
• Jasleen Virk, Master of Social Work, School of Social Policy & Practice   

Each of these honorees has volunteered their time to improve life at Penn for their fellow graduate students, and Penn’s campus is a better place for their efforts. More information about these students’ contributions and the awards can be found at www.gsc.upenn.edu/2025-graduate-leadership-awards.

Li Jiang, a graduate student in Penn’s Graduate School of Education, has won a prize at the Beijing Film Festival. Her 13-minute VR documentary, Dreams of Blindness, about the inner worlds of the visually impaired, recently screened at and was celebrated by the 2026 Beijing International Film Festival, earning the Best Immersive Narrative award. 

Dreams of Blindness, which Ms. Jiang made last year as part of a documentary production class in China, is her first film as a director, but not her first time working on a film—or even being selected for a major international film festival. She began her career in front of the camera as an actor, starring in 2018’s Vanishing Days, which screened over 30 international film festivals, including the 69^th Berlin International Film Festival, the 43^rd Hong Kong International Film Festival, and the 23^rd Busan International Film Festival. Dreams of Blindness is a documentary, inspired by Ms. Jiang’s interest in the dream-life of the visually impaired, featuring five stories drawn from more than 20 interviews with visually impaired participants. Ms. Jiang told these stories (in Mandarin with English subtitles) through immersive sound and VR environments, bolstered with AI-generated content—all technologies she had to learn how to create from scratch.

At Penn GSE, Ms. Jiang is a member of the AI in Education Lab and a graduate assistant in the school’s VR Lab, and she looks forward to supporting more creative inquiry and expression through technology.

Cara McClellan, GEd’12, director of Penn’s Advocacy for Racial and Civil Justice Clinic (ARC) and a practice associate professor of law in Penn Carey Law, will receive the 2026 Presidential Award of Courage from the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia.

For 76 years, the Barristers have been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s legal community, advocating for civil rights and supporting the professional development of Black attorneys. Its annual awards and scholarship gala—held this year on May 2 at the Grand Belle at the Bellevue in Philadelphia—brings together lawyers, judges, law students, and community leaders for a night of recognition, celebration, and impact to honor legal professionals who have demonstrated outstanding service to their communities and the justice system. 

“As a practice associate professor at Penn Carey Law School and founding director of the ARC Justice Clinic, McClellan leads impactful civil rights litigation and prepares the next generation of advocates to challenge systemic inequities,” said the association. “From her work at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to leading high-profile cases on police accountability and affirmative action, her advocacy continues to shape the national fight for justice.”

“I am humbled that the Barristers’ Association has chosen to recognize the work of ARC Justice Clinic,” said Ms. McClellan. “Directing the clinic has been a privilege for me, as I get to work collaboratively with students and represent clients whose visions for justice give me hope.”

Ms. McClellan joined Penn Carey Law in 2022 after serving as assistant counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc., where her work focused on increasing education equity and ending the criminalization of Black people. She gained litigation experience as the lead counsel on several cases, including I.S. et al. v. Binghamton School District, a case challenging a school’s discriminatory strip search of four Black and Latina middle school girls, and Smith v. City of Philadelphia, challenging the Philadelphia Police Department’s indiscriminate use of military-style weapons against protesters, residents, and bystanders in a predominately Black West Philadelphia community.

Recently, she has represented the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition (ATAC), a group that helped create the President’s House slavery exhibits in Philadelphia, and presented arguments in a U.S. District Court hearing on the abrupt removal of the panels and exhibits from the site on Independence Mall in January 2026. Additionally, Ms. McClellan is a member of the Philadelphia Reparations Task Force, which studies and develops reparations proposals and programs for Black Philadelphians whose ancestors endured chattel slavery and Jim Crow in the United States.

On April 21, graduate students, friends, families, and staff gathered to celebrate the ten recipients of the 2026 Penn Prize for Excellence in Graduate Teaching.

According to Bruce Lenthall, executive director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, which provides support for the awards organized by the Office of the Provost, “The impact that this year’s Penn Prize winners have had on their students—students talk about how these graduate instructors transformed how they understand a field, learning in general, and sometimes even themselves —is an inspiring reminder of just how meaningful teaching can be.”

The awards were presented by Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, Vice Provost for Graduate Education, who noted that the nominations had come directly from undergraduates. This year, there were 74 nominations that were narrowed by a committee to 20 finalists and then to 10 winners.

The awardees are:

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs have announced the 2026–2027 cohort of Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellows. These scholars represent a range of disciplines across the Graduate School of Education, the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Social Policy & Practice, and the Perelman School of Medicine. Each fellow was selected for their outstanding scholarly potential and will contribute to Penn’s academic and research community through independent research, professional development, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Allison Langer joins the Graduate School of Education, where she will work with Sigal Ben-Porath. Her research examines how emerging technologies shape child and adolescent development, with a focus on social media, artificial intelligence, self-regulation, and digital literacy. Dr. Langer is the inaugural recipient of the SNF Paideia–Provost Fellowship, a new partnership supporting research at the intersection of scholarship, dialogue, and public engagement.

Annika Margevich joins the School of Arts & Sciences, where she will work with Hugo Ulloa in the department of Earth and environmental science. Her research focuses on Pacific-Arctic ocean exchange, especially the physical processes that regulate Bering Strait throughflow and Arctic change.

Desiree O’Neal joins the School of Social Policy & Practice, where she will work with DeMarcus Jenkins. Her research examines race, politics, policy, and K–12 schooling, with particular attention to structural racism, antiblackness, and community responses to inequitable education policy.

Emma Peterman joins the Perelman School of Medicine, where she will work with Christoph Ellebrecht in dermatology and the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies. Her research focuses on synthetic biology and cellular immunotherapy, including programmable gene circuits and next-generation CAR T cell design.

More information on the Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship can be found at https://postdocs.upenn.edu/provosts-fellowship/.

Sophia Rosenfeld, the Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History in the School of Arts & Sciences, has received the István Hont Book Prize from the Institute of Intellectual History at University of St. Andrews for her book, The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life.

The István Hont Book Prize is awarded each year to the best book published in intellectual history. Anyone can recommend a book for the Hont Prize, including authors and publishers.

Dr. Rosenfeld is the former chair of the department and teaches European and American intellectual and cultural history with a special emphasis on the Enlightenment, the trans-Atlantic Age of Revolutions, and the legacy of the eighteenth century for modern democracy.

Rogers Smith, the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Political Science Emeritus in the School of Arts & Sciences, has received the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the APSA section in American Political Thought. He was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to research and teaching in the field.

Dr. Smith’s research centers on constitutional law, American political thought, and modern legal and political theory, with special interests in questions of citizenship, race, ethnicity and gender. He is the author or co-author of nine books and numerous articles. His 1997 book, Civic Ideals: Conflicting Visions of Citizenship in U.S. History, won six book prizes and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History.

There will be an array of ceremonies and events to recognize the accomplishments of the members of the Class of 2026.  Listed below are the date, time, and location of the University-wide ceremony and those of the 12 schools. In addition, a link for additional information regarding each ceremony, including the guest speakers (if applicable) is provided below.

This information is subject to change. Tickets may be required or other limits on attendance may be in place. For more information, please visit https://commencement.upenn.edu/ceremonies/school-ceremonies.

Conferences

14        Achieving Maternal Empowerment and Transforming Health Through Implementation Science and Training 2026 Communications Summit; will bring together IMPROVE investigators, patient advocates, practitioners, and legislators to engage in meaningful dialogue about messaging, misinformation, mistrust, and maternal health in the United States; noon-2:50 p.m.; Zoom webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/ldi-conf-may-14 (Leonard Davis Institute).

Exhibits

15        Building Creativity: An Online Tour of “Under Scores: 2026 Weitzman Fine Arts MFA Thesis Exhibition”; tour of the work of eight graduating artists: Ana González, Cacie Rosario Jackson, Sol Kim, Dylan Li, Jingyi Ling, Noa Mori Machover, Shay Myerson, and Ambika Trasi; noon; online webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/under-scores-tour-may-15 (Weitzman School of Design). In-person tour: May 16, 11 a.m., Gordon Gallery, Weitzman Hall.

16        2026 Year End Show; brings together work from the Class of 2025 in architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, historic preservation, and urban spatial analytics; Meyerson Hall.

22        Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly Kick Off Weekend; Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ beloved Garden Railway rolls back into action; set within lush garden plantings, the immersive miniature landscape celebrates Philadelphia’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding; visitors can take a self-guided tour highlighting the trees, herbs, and flowers that fed, healed, sheltered, and inspired colonial Philadelphians; Morris Arboretum & Gardens.

            “Under Scores” Performances & Reception; an evening of live performances, sound, and moving image as the artists of Under Scores activate and amplify their work; includes performances by artists Sol Kim, Dylan Li, Jingyi Ling, Ambika Trasi, Cacie Rosario Jackson, and Noa Mori Machover; 4 p.m.; Gordon Gallery, Weitzman Hall, and Arthur Ross Gallery, Fisher Fine Arts Library; full schedule: https://arthurrossgallery.org/event/under-scores-performances-reception/ (Arthur Ross Gallery, Fine Arts).

Fitness & Learning

15        Spring Floral Arrangements; design your own four-piece bud vase arrangement using a vibrant selection of seasonal blooms—all sourced from Best of Philly-winning flower truck, Rosebud, a beautifully restored 1959 vintage VW and Philadelphia’s most famous flower truck; 1 p.m.; Morris Arboretum & Gardens; fee: $65/general, $60/members; register: https://www.morrisarboretum.org/see-do/events/spring-floral-arrangements (Morris Arboretum & Gardens).

17        Sunday Reset with Dope Botanicals; reset your nervous system and create your own herbal ritual; craft your very own herbal remedy for the support you need; 2-4 p.m.; Institute of Contemporary Art; register: https://tinyurl.com/ica-reset-may-17 (Institute of Contemporary Art).

23        More Hidden Gems Tour; tour of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens that highlights garden features not often discovered on an average visit; go off the beaten path to visit places you’ve never been and see garden gems you haven’t seen before; 11 a.m.; Morris Arboretum & Gardens; free with arboretum admission (Morris Arboretum & Gardens).

Penn Libraries

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

13        Penn Libraries Research Support Staff Networking Event; the Penn Libraries invite research support staff to connect with other staff members and librarians over snacks to learn about the various Penn Libraries research services that you can use; noon-2 p.m.; Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion, Ven Pelt Library.

21        Canvas 101 for Faculty and Staff; will introduce basic Canvas functions that will allow participants to set profile and notifications; navigate the Canvas interface; create content for a Canvas site; and post files, images, and videos; noon; online webinar.

            Coffee with a Codex: Hybrid Book of Hours; Kislak Center curator Dot Porter will discuss Ms. Codex 1531, a book of hours that was printed ca. 1507 in Paris; noon; online webinar.

Music

16        Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America: Songs from Near & Far; program of Ukrainian music that will feature the Ukrainian bandura, a stringed instrument combining lute and harp elements, rooted in Ukraine’s oral tradition of storytelling and song; 7 p.m.; Iron Gate Theatre; tickets: $24-$33; register: https://pennlivearts.org/event/songs-from-near-and-far (Penn Live Arts).

Talks

13        How Neighborhoods Shape Overdose Risk: Evidence from Spatial and Quasi-Experimental Studies; Elizabeth Nesoff, Perelman School of Medicine; 9 a.m.; room 11-102, 3600 Civic Center Blvd., and Zoom webinar; join: https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/j/98976330974 (Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics).

            Using Fink’s Taxonomy to Design Legal Research Courses that Promote Significant Learning; Julie Tedjeske Crane, Penn State University; 3 p.m.; Zoom webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/crane-talk-may-13 (Penn Carey Law).

15        Higher Education in the United States: From Origins to Outlook; panel of speakers; noon; room TBA, Cohen Hall, and online webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/pwh-panel-may-15 (Perry World House).

18        Indefinite for Dysplasia in the Era of Non-Conventional Dysplasia: When Morphology Isn’t Enough; Kristen M. Stashek, Perelman School of Medicine; noon; room TBA, 415 Curie Blvd.; register: https://tinyurl.com/stashek-talk-may-18 (Pathology & Laboratory Medicine).

This is an update to the May AT PENN calendar, which is available online now. To submit events for future AT PENN calendars and 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 April 27-May 3, 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 April 27-May 3, 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: 11 incidents were reported for April 27-May 3, 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 University of Pennsylvania invites applications and nominations for the position of executive director of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI).

Penn LDI’s mission is to improve health and healthcare by catalyzing collaborative, multidisciplinary research that influences policy and practice. Penn LDI achieves this mission through programs in research, policy, and education focused on the management, organization, financing, and delivery of healthcare that advance multidisciplinary research and scholarly investigation. The goals of Penn LDI are to strengthen and expand multidisciplinary healthcare research and education at Penn; establish and maintain LDI and the University of Pennsylvania as internationally recognized leaders in healthcare research, policy, and education; and to have an impact on improving our nation’s healthcare.

The next director will build upon the established strengths of the institute, leveraging the unique interdisciplinary environment that exists on Penn’s campus. The LDI executive director is responsible for setting the vision for the institute’s mission, facilitating team-based scholarship and decision-making on scientific policy, strategic directions, and investments. The authority and influence of this role are far-reaching and span the full spectrum of research and policy activities at Penn. The director must also be knowledgeable on how emerging disciplines such as artificial intelligence are transforming health economics research and health policy, identifying opportunities and challenges that will impact the institute’s priorities. The director reports to the Vice Provost for Research of the University and serves as a senior advisor to Penn deans and other leaders. The director plays a vital role within Penn and is actively involved in major committees, recruitments, and efforts of the University.

Applicants for the position of director must hold a PhD or MD degree and must be tenure-eligible for faculty appointment as a professor in the standing faculty of the University of Pennsylvania. The successful candidate will possess a distinguished research record, strong communication and leadership skills, and a strong commitment to advancing healthcare policy, economics, and health services research both as an advocate and consensus builder. Other valuable qualities include demonstrated leadership skills that promote integration and collaboration, visionary thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Members of the search committee for this position span Penn schools and represent the multiple disciplines engaged in health policy, economics and services research. 

Members include:

• Rajeev Alur, Zisman Family Professor of Computer and Information Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science
• Amanda Bettencourt, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
• Steven Joffe (Committee chair), Chair, Medical Ethics & Health Policy; Art and Ilene Penn Professor of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine
• Ingrid Nembhard, Fishman Family President’s Distinguished Professor; Professor of Health Care Management; Professor of Management, Wharton School
• Flaura Winston, Distinguished Chair; Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine

All interested applicants are invited to send their curriculum vitae and letter of interest to ldi_director_search@upenn.edu on or before May 16, 2026.

The new minimum stipend levels established by Penn for postdoctoral researchers, fellows, and NRSA fellows, effective July 1, 2026 (FY2027), are shown below. These levels are set annually by the Vice Provost for Research in consultation with the Provost’s Council on Research, representing all the schools of the University.

Departmental and school administrators must ensure that stipends are adjusted for reappointment dates occurring on or after July 1, 2026.

Please note the following:

Additional increases to stipend amounts can be negotiated at the discretion of the PI or mentor.

Prior years of experience as a postdoc at another institution should be included when determining the appropriate stipend level for a new appointee at Penn.

In cases where a funding sponsor mandates stipend levels higher than the University minimum, mentors must pay the higher amount.

Questions about stipends can be directed to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at opa@provost.upenn.edu. 

—David Meaney, Vice Provost for Research

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

As the academic year ends, it’s a great time for faculty and staff to take a few proactive steps to protect University of Pennsylvania data, systems, and devices. Transitions—travel, time away from campus, staff changes, or reduced onsite presence—can increase the risk of data loss or unauthorized access if systems are left unsecured.

Start by reviewing where your data lives. Ensure that University data is stored in approved locations such as secure network drives, OneDrive, PennBox, or other Penn-supported services—not solely on local desktops, laptops, or external USB drives. Remove sensitive files (student records, research data, HR or financial information) from personal devices whenever possible.

Next, lock down your accounts. Confirm that your PennKey password is strong, unique, and not reused on non-Penn services. Verify that TwoStep Verification (Duo) is working on your primary and backup devices, so you’re not locked out while traveling. 

Log out of applications and browsers on shared or lab computers, and never share accounts. Use the University VPN to access Penn systems from off campus. 

Before extended time away, update your devices. Install pending operating system, browser, and application updates on University-owned and personal computers used for work. These updates often include critical security patches.

Physical security matters too. Shut down or fully lock your computer when not in use. Secure laptops, tablets, and external drives in locked offices or cabinets, especially in shared spaces. If you’re traveling, keep devices with you—not in checked bags—and be cautious on public WiFi.

Finally, set up an out-of-office message and identify who can access essential files or systems if needed—without sharing passwords. If a device is lost, stolen, or compromised, report it immediately.

Penn Global Departure Checklist at https://global.upenn.edu/gss/travel-guidance/pre-departure/pre-departure-checklist/.

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For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: https://isc.upenn.edu/security/news-alerts%23One-Step-Ahead.