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The art of retelling ancient stories: A Q&A with Steven Weitzman
Steven Weitzman standing upright and smiling, facing forward, in the Library at the Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, next to a wall with books on display

Steven Weitzman is the Ella Darivoff Director of the Katz Center of Advanced Judaic Studies.

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  • Q&A

    • The art of retelling ancient stories: A Q&A with Steven Weitzman

    In his new book, the Penn professor and scholar of religion examines how the biblical story of the 10 plagues has been reshaped by people across time and culture to make sense of their experiences and find meaning in disasters.

    3 min. read

    Five from Penn named 2025 AAAS Fellows
    Portraits from left to right, first row: Cherie Kagan, Danny Krashen, George Pappas. Second row: Kai Tan, Patrick Walsh.

    (Top, from left) Cherie Kagan, Daniel Krashen, and George Pappas. (Bottom, from left) Kai Tan and Patrick Walsh.

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    Five from Penn named 2025 AAAS Fellows

    Five faculty researchers representing the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Perelman School of Medicine have been elected 2025 American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows. They are among the nearly 500 scientists, engineers, and innovators spanning 24 scientific disciplines who are being recognized for distinguished achievements.

    3 min. read

    How a postwar research push changed Penn
    Three men and one woman look at an item through a microscope in a HUP laboratory.

    Researchers look through a microscope in a lab at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania around 1940.

    (Image: Courtesy of University Archives)

    How a postwar research push changed Penn

    In the second of a limited series, “Chapters of Change” showcases another transformational moment in Penn’s past shaped by changes in society—World War II—during which the U.S.’s drive for knowledge sparked massive investments in research.

    5 min. read

    How does medicine come to be?
    A bowl of dried ginger root for traditional Chinese medicine.

    Image: LightStock via Getty Images

    How does medicine come to be?

    By tracing substances from their roots to how they’re used today, a team including Hsiao-Wen Cheng of the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations aims to answer questions about how medical practices evolve.

    From Omnia

    2 min. read

    2025 PEP, PIP, and PSP winners: Where are they now?
    nirby pip prize winner working on a laptop in a field

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    2025 PEP, PIP, and PSP winners: Where are they now?

    Nearly a year after being awarded the 2025 President’s Engagement Prize, President’s Innovation Prize, and President’s Sustainability Prize, the recipients—now alumni—provide updates on their projects.

    3 min. read

    Who, What, Why: Kara Butler on museum education
    Kara Butler talks at podium.

    Kara Butler spoke at an event for Makuu: The Black Cultural Center about her experience growing up in Philadelphia.

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  • Who, What, Why

    • Who, What, Why: Kara Butler on museum education

    Butler, a fourth-year anthropology and communication double-major from Philadelphia, is starting a master’s program at the Graduate School of Education in the fall, with the goal of becoming a museum educator.

    2 min. read

    Music, friendship, and a podcast on the side
    Emily Wilson, Kevin Platt, and Paul St. Amour seated with microphones at Kelly Writers House.

    Emily Wilson, Kevin Platt, and Paul St. Amour recording an episode of SideGig at Kelly Writers House.

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    Music, friendship, and a podcast on the side

    Through their new project, SideGig, School of Arts & Sciences faculty Paul Saint-Amour and Kevin Platt explore songs and sound. Plus, it gives the pals a chance to hang out.

    From Omnia

    2 min. read

    2025 President’s Engagement Prize recipient: LensBright
    The two members of Lensbright looking at a camera with a student in a classroom.

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    2025 President’s Engagement Prize recipient: LensBright

    Spearheaded by two 2025 President’s Engagement Prize recipients, LensBright expands upon an existing Penn student-led art mentorship initiative at Sayre High School in West Philadelphia with the aim of connecting under-resourced youth with hands-on art immersion, practical learning experiences, and industry networking opportunities.

    2 min. read