From interdisciplinary research and life-changing discoveries to a new University president and everything in between, this year at Penn has been one for the books. We document our favorite stories below.
Students from Paul Robeson High School mimicked Philadelphia topography using aluminum foil and pieces of sponge in a hands-on lesson about water quality and hydrology at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center. Support from Penn’s Projects for Progress initiative is enhancing the resources the Center uses to run such programming.
This year is one that could never be simply defined. Faculty, staff, and students at Penn emerged from the thick of a pandemic and online learning, showcased our adaptability, and whole-heartedly immersed ourselves into a new normal—one with its fair share of ups and downs, but an undoubted appreciation for the power of community.
The writers and editors at Penn Today, alongside our dedicated photographers, videographers, designers, and web developers, worked each day of 2022 to bring the stories of Penn to life. In total, we produced well over 1,000 original stories that touched on the arts, humanities, and social sciences; education, business, and law; health sciences; science and technology; sports; and campus and community writ large.
Narrowing down our 15 favorite stories from 2022 was no easy feat, but we provide an attempt below. Give each piece a well-deserved second read over break, and don’t sleep on our honorable mentions, either.
Pivoting to study SARS-CoV-2, many scientists on campus have launched new research projects that address the challenges of the pandemic but also prepare us to confront future challenges.
The student-led group Penn for Refugee Empowerment offers tutoring and helps refugee-resettlement organizations with after-school programming, childcare, home setup, and event assistance.
The Mask and Wig Club made history when they took the stage Oct. 12-15 in the fall show, “Better Call Y’all,” the first gender-inclusive production since its founding as an all-male comedy group in 1889. The cast rehearsed at the Platt House for the Performing Arts.
Dolan, the Frank Dolson Director of the Penn Relays, discusses the resumption of the world-famous meet after a two-year break, notable athletes who will be competing, new programming and features, and what makes the Relays so special.
Claire Conklin Sabel, a doctoral student in Penn’s History and Sociology of Science department, uncovers the findings of 18th-century amateur naturalist Elizabeth Thomas, along with artist and illustrator Alix Pentecost-Farren, who brings Thomas’ work to life.
In a proof-of-concept study, researchers from the School of Dental Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science show that a hands-free system could effectively automate the treatment and removal of tooth-decay-causing bacteria and dental plaque.
Sophia Zehler recently earned her master’s degree from the Fels Institute of Government. The first-generation Cuban American also spent the year as Penn’s mascot, her third mascotting position in five years.
The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new season and a planned building expansion. Penn Today looks back at the Center’s history—and where it’s going under Penn Live Arts.
Most people who don mascot suits are male, meaning Sophia Zehler, who identifies as female, falls in the minority. “Some roles are male-dominated and that’s something I’ve learned to maneuver,” she says. “I was not shocked that I was one of the few.”
Through a Projects for Progress award and other University support, students in West Philadelphia are gaining greater access to STEM learning resources at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center.
Historian Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet, an expert on modern Iran and gender in the School of Arts & Sciences, discusses what sparked the protests and why they’re important.
The 133-year-old comedy troupe becomes gender-inclusive, opening auditions to all undergraduates this fall, recruiting 20 new members, 14 of them female-identifying.
More than 30 representatives from the University traveled to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, for two weeks of negotiations at this year’s United Nations climate change conference.
Deepfakes, digital doubles, and the law: Jennifer Rothman on protecting identity in the AI era
The evolution of AI technology may require more robust copyright laws and guardrails that protect people’s control of their own identities, says the Penn Carey Law professor.
Bold ideas and innovation on display at the Fall Research Expo
On Sept. 15, hundreds of posters were presented throughout Houston Hall at the annual Fall Research Expo, representing the research projects of 410 undergraduate students conducted through the Center for Undergraduate Research.
Exposure to air pollution worsens Alzheimer’s disease
New research from Penn Medicine finds living in areas with high concentration of air pollution is associated with increased buildup of amyloid and tau proteins in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, accelerating cognitive decline.
