A new understanding of brain activity when we ‘read the minds’ of others
Penn psychologists Anna Jenkins and Dilara Berkay show the role of uncertainty in engagement of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. Their findings pave the way for a broader understanding of autism and social anxiety.
Library research in action: Wandering the stacks with Mengliu Cheng
The history doctoral student is working on a dissertation about agricultural science in modern China with the help of Penn Libraries’ Zilberman Family Center for Global Collections.
New teacher-staffing model rethinks ‘one-teacher, one-classroom’
A new study by Penn GSE’s Richard Ingersoll evaluates a team-based model of organizing teaching staff in elementary and secondary schools that integrates teams of teaching staff in contrast to this traditional one-teacher, one-classroom approach.
Wensi Wu uses digital twins to explore the hidden mechanics of the human heart
Wu, a research faculty member at Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, develops ‘digital twins’ of the human heart through computational modeling that capture both the visible and invisible aspects of cardiac function.
‘Leukemia-on-a-chip’ could transform CAR T blood cancer treatments
In a collaborative effort with NYU, Penn researchers have helped pioneer a novel 3D platform that mimics the human bone marrow and immune environment, enabling more predictive testing of cancer immunotherapy success in patients, including CAR T cell therapies.
New Penn Vet study uncovers a key guardian of gut health and metabolism
Researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine unveil the critical role of secretory immunoglobulin M (sIgM) in maintaining microbiota balance, regulating metabolism, and protecting against disease.
Known for stellar musicianship and dynamic live shows, West Philadelphia Orchestra is a brass band inspired by the Romani brass “orkestras” and “fanfares” of Eastern Europe. They will perform as part of Garden Jams, Penn Museum’s outdoor summer concert series.
The West Philadelphia Orchestra performs at the Sachs 2019 Grant Awards on May 2 at the Penn LGBT Center. (Photo: Dominic Mercier)
Penn’s guiding principles are the University’s enduring values and distinctive strengths: anchored, inventive, interwoven, and engaged. The practices support and strengthen Penn’s core educational mission.
At Penn Today, we focus on some of the ways the University is putting this framework into action. From student, faculty, and staff profiles to research updates and event coverage, Penn Today highlights the latest examples of the University’s principled approach to excellence.
Keeping it local: Penn’s partnerships with Philadelphia-based vendors boost local economy, neighborhood impact
According to the University’s latest Economic Impact Report, Penn helps power Philadelphia’s economy by procuring goods and services from neighboring businesses. Local CEOs discuss the meaningful impact that Penn has on their bottom line and in the community.
Using behavioral economics-based interventions, a 2025 President’s Engagement Prize-winning project will address health and nutrition inequities in a West Philadelphia elementary school.
Penn lends support to Rebuilding Together Philadelphia effort repairing 11 local homes in two days
Marking a milestone block build, 70 Penn volunteers combined forces with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, a nonprofit with roots at the University, to revitalize owner-occupied houses in the West Philadelphia community. The momentous two-day event involved a block build and speaking program—with a local homeowner sharing a heartfelt message.
Supporting a community for learning, research, and thriving
Four months after the launch of the Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests (Title VI), the office is combating discrimination in all forms while leading educational efforts about dialogue and adaptive leadership.
Emily Falk of the Annenberg School for Communication writes that, “by making choices based on your goals and values, you’ll influence not just yourself but also those around you.”
What most American women don’t know when it comes to breast cancer screening
More than half of American women may be confused about when to start regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer, according to a survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center, with comments by Kathleen Hall Jamieson.
Executive Director of Penn Washington Celeste Wallander says that a more capable and independent Europe will be more willing to defy U.S. priorities and make demands for cooperation.
