School of Arts & Sciences

Satellite image of port of Semarang with vulnerable coastal areas labeled "Industrial Greenbelt" "Future-ready Port" "Resilient Kampung, "Re-Water"

Designing with resilience to prepare for a changing world

Urban designers joined with architects, engineers, city planners, sociologists, and other experts to share strategies for adapting to rising sea levels, fiercer storms, and sinking shorelines, coinciding with the launch of the Certificate in Urban Resilience at the School of Design.

Penn students visiting a temple in Japan

In Japan, students learn to savor the moment

Nine students spent a week in Japan though a Penn Biden Center program. After a whirlwind tour that included a visit to Hiroshima and a home stay, students say the experience was life-changing.

Robert Berry and JC Cloutier read comics in Van Pelt-Dietrich Library

Through comics, profs draw path to visual literacy

In Making Comics, an English course for undergraduates, students learn the theory of comic books while working with others to make them—all in the name of visual literacy.

A group of people, some holding sacks, next to a small rustic house and under trees

The diversity of rural African populations extends to their microbiomes

In the largest study of its kind, researchers led by PIK Professor Sarah Tishkoff, Matthew Hansen, and Meagan Rubel investigated the gut microbiomes of people from Botswana and Tanzania, and illuminate the impact of lifestyle, geography, and genetics in shaping the microbiome.

Professor Charles Bernstein awarded Yale’s 2019 Bollingen Prize for Poetry

Charles Bernstein is the 51st poet to be honored with the biennial prize, one of the most prestigious given to American writers. Bernstein’s latest collection, “Near/Miss,” was published last year.

Kristen Ghodsee interacting with students in class

Reclaiming socialism

Kristen R. Ghodsee has been intrigued by the former Eastern bloc since she was in high school. Now, her research is reaching a new audience in a provocative book.

For Mia Levine, an assistant professor in the biology department, shown with postdoctoral scientist Cara Brand, participating in the Pathways program has given her a chance to take a step back from the demands of her day-to-day tasks and reflect on larger goals.

Launching junior faculty into fulfilling careers

Taking a holistic approach, the Penn Faculty Pathways Program equips early career professors with the tools they need to excel professionally and personally.

a metal tube with a line of flames coming out of the top and a blurred person posing in the background

Physics on display

Hundreds of regional junior high and high school students visited Penn’s campus in early January to beat the winter blues—and reds—by watching physics demonstrations about lights and waves.

Spencer named Robert S. Blank Presidential Professor

Quayshawn Spencer, an associate professor of philosophy, has been named the Robert S. Blank Presidential Associate Professor of Philosophy.

Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall talking to Christopher Murray

'Advocate for the hearing of the truth'

Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, a Global Order Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Perry World House and a former deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, encouraged scientists to tell policymakers what they know about climate change, to help shape regulations and policy decisions.

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