At Convocation, first-years called on to ‘embrace the unexpected’
Penn’s 286th academic year formally began at Convocation, where President J. Larry Jameson drew lessons from nature by invoking fireflies—recognizing students’ brilliance, prescribing them to ‘“embrace the unexpected,” and reminding them, “Fireflies do not glow alone.”
Penn Today’s visual review of the 2024-25 academic year highlights the innovation, community outreach, individual milestones, and collective celebration.
The Polyhedral Structures Laboratory is housed at the Pennovation Center and brings together designers, engineers, and computer scientists to reimagine the built world. Using graphic statics, a method where forces are mapped as lines, they design forms that balance compression and tension. These result in structures that use far fewer materials while remaining strong and efficient.
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Designing cleaner, greener concrete that absorbs carbon dioxide
Penn engineers, materials scientists, and designers have developed a 3D-printed concrete solution based on diatomaceous earth that has enhanced carbon capture, is stronger, and uses fewer materials like cement.
As part of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS), Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center helps to protect animals and humans from health threats and minimize agricultural economic loss.
Penn salutes graduates at University’s 269th Commencement
Actor, director, producer, and Penn alumna Elizabeth Banks delivered the Commencement address to around 6,000 graduates on Monday, May 19, at Franklin Field.
Quakers notch a number of noteworthy performances at Penn Relays
The 129th running of the Penn Relays was held Thursday to Saturday at Franklin Field. The three-day extravaganza features nearly 20,000 athletes of all levels.
