Iran at a crossroads Iran is functioning under an Internet communications blackout, which has strained economic and family ties, says Penn’s Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet.(Image: Vahid Salemi via AP Images) Q&A Iran at a crossroads In a Q&A, Penn historian Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet, an expert on Iran and the modern Middle East, speaks about the Iranian opposition movement, current protests, the Islamic Republic’s crackdown, and daily life in the country. 4 min. read
The research landscape is changing. Penn Forward’s Research Strategy co-chairs are ready to adapt Michael Ostap, left, with David Meaney on College Green. Ostap and Meaney are co-chairs of Penn Forward’s Research Strategy and Financing working group.nocred Q&A The research landscape is changing. Penn Forward’s Research Strategy co-chairs are ready to adapt As co-chairs of the Penn Forward Research Strategy and Financing working group, David Meaney, vice provost for research, and Michael Ostap, chief scientific officer of the Perelman School of Medicine, are collaborating to expand Penn’s research impact. 5 min. read
Kelly Jordan-Sciutto on advancing graduate education through Penn Forward Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, vice provost for graduate education and chair of the Penn Forward working group for Graduate and Professional Training. nocred Q&A Kelly Jordan-Sciutto on advancing graduate education through Penn Forward Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, vice provost for graduate education and chair of the Penn Forward Graduate and Professional Training working group, says, ‘I don’t want students to walk uphill both ways in the snow just because I had to.’ 7 min. read
Air travel quandary: Gad Allon and Megan Ryerson on challenges and solutions Travelers at a security checkpoint at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago during the government shutdown in November.(Image: Nam Y. Huh via Getty Images) Q&A Air travel quandary: Gad Allon and Megan Ryerson on challenges and solutions The recent government shutdown exposed long-standing issues facing commercial air travel. Leading into Thanksgiving holiday travel, Gad Allon of the Wharton School and Megan Ryerson of the Weitzman School of Design discuss the system’s infrastructure challenges and the need for workforce development. 4 min. read
Tom Murphy is leading Operational Transformation at Penn. Here’s his approach Tom Murphy, senior vice president and chief transformation officer, is chair of the Operational Transformation working group for Penn Forward, Penn’s strategic initiative to reshape how the University fulfills its missions of education, research, and service in a rapidly changing world.nocred Q&A Tom Murphy is leading Operational Transformation at Penn. Here’s his approach In a Q&A, Tom Murphy, who leads the Operational Transformation working group, one of six Penn Forward teams, discusses his approach to leading change in non-academic areas of Penn. 5 min. read
What to expect from the next Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi (center) was chosen as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party during recent leadership elections.(Image: Kyodo News via AP Images) Q&A What to expect from the next Japanese prime minister Penn political scientist Daniel Smith discusses this week’s Japanese prime minister election and the possible selection of a staunch conservative as the new premier. 3 min. read
Russell Composto talks leading Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group Russell Composto, chair of the Penn Forward Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group and vice provost for undergraduate education, seated with undergraduates on Oct. 13, 2025, inside College Hall. nocred Q&A Russell Composto talks leading Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group In a Q&A, Russell Composto, vice provost for undergraduate education and chair of Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group, talks about the guiding principles of the team and what it means to think boldly about the future of the undergraduate experience at Penn. 8 min. read
Michael Weisberg on building community at Penn Michael Weisberg has been chosen lead the continued implementation of recommendations from the 2024 University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.nocred Q&A Michael Weisberg on building community at Penn Michael Weisberg, a distinguished professor of philosophy, has been appointed to lead the continued implementation of recommendations from the Task Force on Antisemitism and the Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community. 7 min. read
Political redistricting: All about gerrymandering with Penn’s experts Image: Eric Gay via AP Images Q&A Political redistricting: All about gerrymandering with Penn’s experts Political scientist Matthew Levendusky and mathematician Philip Gressman in the School of Arts & Sciences explain gerrymandering and the redistricting process. 4 min. read
Q&A on the College House system and advice for first-years Carol Muller is faculty director of Riepe College House, which houses first-year students. nocred Q&A Q&A on the College House system and advice for first-years Carol Muller, faculty director of Riepe College House, discusses what makes a first-year house special and how to create community. 3 min. read