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School of Arts & Sciences
English professor J.C. Cloutier’s latest book sheds new light on African American literature
English professor J.C. Cloutier’s latest book sheds new light on African American literature
Like a literary detective, English prof Jean-Christophe Cloutier sifts through library archives searching for material written by African American authors that is often hidden, uncatalogued, misfiled, or forgotten.
Side gigs for good
Side gigs for good
After putting in a full, impactful day at work at Penn, some faculty and staff fill their spare hours with endeavors that make a difference.
Behind the mask with Ava Rosati
Behind the mask with Ava Rosati
The senior goalkeeper, who recently concluded her collegiate field hockey career, chats about her competitive nature, her sister’s influence, why goalies need a short memory, and her plans for the future.
Herman Beavers’ balancing act of creativity and educational innovation
Herman Beavers’ balancing act of creativity and educational innovation
The professor of English and Africana studies is defined by his artistic curiosity and commitment to community building as a teacher and mentor.
‘Paradigm Lost’: New book outlines ‘one-state reality’ for Israelis, Palestinians
‘Paradigm Lost’: New book outlines ‘one-state reality’ for Israelis, Palestinians
Middle East expert Ian Lustick, once a firm believer in a two-state solution as a path to peace in Israel, describes his new way of looking at the problem in his new book, “Paradigm Lost.”
Where math meets biology
Where math meets biology
Through his research, Yoichiro Mori, the Calabi-Simons Visiting Professor of Mathematics and Biology, demonstrates how mathematical theories can provide insights into complex, living systems.
A missing link in haze formation
A missing link in haze formation
Hazy days don’t just block the view; they mean the air contains particulate matter that can compromise human health. Chemists have discovered a way that alcohols can balance out the formation of new particles, a finding that could improve the accuracy of air-quality forecasts.
Socioeconomic status in the U.S. harder to change than any time in past 150 years
Socioeconomic status in the U.S. harder to change than any time in past 150 years
Research from Penn sociologist Xi Song and colleagues shows that mobility declined substantially during this period, particularly for those born in the 1940s and later.
As good as new at Penn Closet
As good as new at Penn Closet
The student-run thrift shop on the ground floor of Williams Hall gives clothes and other items a second life, plus offers donators and shoppers a simple way to practice sustainability.
Penn senior and May graduate win 2020 Rhodes Scholarship
Penn senior and May graduate win 2020 Rhodes Scholarship
Nurul Ezzaty Binti Hasbullah and Stephen Damianos have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships for graduate study at the University of Oxford.
In the News
Forward.com
The Trump Administration is using accusations of anti-Semitism to silence criticism of Israel
Ian Lustick of the School of Arts and Sciences wrote an opinion piece about the current administration’s efforts to “chill free speech and criticism of Israel” using the Department of Education’s civil rights mandate.
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“The Brian Lehrer Show,” WNYC Radio (New York City)
America, are we ready: Democracy and impeachment and inclusion
Mary Frances Berry of the School of Arts and Sciences spoke on a podcast about the role of impeachment in American democracy.
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The New York Times
Make room at the table for difficult people
Annette Lareau of the School of Arts and Sciences wrote an op-ed about how families can make space for everyone at the Thanksgiving table, including those with mental illnesses and cognitive disabilities. “The trick is to reframe our expectations and accept the situation for what it is,” she said.
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Science
French playwright Molière did indeed write his own masterpieces, computer science suggests
Joan DeJean of the School of Arts and Sciences said the 17th-century French playwright Molière has a uniquely identifiable authorial voice.
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Gizmodo
The energy upside to Ilhan Omar’s trillion-dollar public housing plan
Daniel Aldana Cohen of the School of Arts and Sciences weighed in on proposed federal public housing legislation. “I think both bills really share a vision of public housing that is creating comfortable, safe, climate-friendly, beautiful homes that anybody would be happy to live in and lift up the communities they’re located in,” he said.
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