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What can theoretical physics teach us about knitting?
knitted squiggles

(On homepage) A close-up of a highly structured self-folding knit, where carefully designed stitch patterns create a repeating wave-like geometry. This fabric’s shape is dictated entirely by its stitch arrangement, demonstrating how knitting can be programmed to form complex, three-dimensional structures without the need for additional shaping forces. Such advancements in knitigami—the fusion of knitting and origami—could lead to innovations in deployable textiles, soft robotics, and adaptive materials.

(Image: Courtesy of Lauren Niu)

What can theoretical physics teach us about knitting?

Penn physicist Randall Kamien, visiting scholar Lauren Niu, and collaborator Geneviève Dion of Drexel bring unprecedented levels of predictability to the ancient practice of knitting by developing a mathematical model that could be used to create a new class of lightweight, ultra-strong materials.
Four from Penn named 2025 Sloan Research Fellows
Four portraits arranged in a 2x2 grid. Clockwise from top left: Jason Altschuler, Cesar de la Fuente, Liang Wu, and Anderson Ye Zhang

Jason Altschuler (top left) and Anderson Ye Zhang (bottom left) of the Wharton School, Liang Wu (bottom right) of the School of Arts & Sciences, and César de la Fuente (top right) of the Perelman School of Medicine have been named 2025 Sloan Research Fellows. They are among 126 early-career scientists in North America chosen this year to receive the two-year, $75,000 fellowship in recognition of their accomplishments, creativity, and potential to become leaders in their fields.

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Four from Penn named 2025 Sloan Research Fellows

Jason Altschuler, César de la Fuente, Liang Wu, and Anderson Ye Zhang have been honored as early-career researchers and scholars for their accomplishments, creativity, and potential to become leaders in their fields.
Who, What, Why: Serene Safvi on strengthening dialogue
A woman in a brown jacket and brown shirt stands in a stairwell smiling at the camera.

Serene Safvi, a philosophy, politics, and economics major, says the SNF Paideia Program’s fellowship has helped her understand the importance of dialogue and bridging differences.

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  • Who, What, Why

    • Who, What, Why: Serene Safvi on strengthening dialogue

    The third-year Paideia Program fellow shares her work educating others about issues and the importance of constructive conversations.
    Looking to the past to understand the impacts of human land use in South Asia
    R. Ramesh adjusts measuring tape at archaeological site.

    R. Ramesh, assisting superintending archaeologist at the Archaeological Survey of India, adjusted a measuring tape at an archaeological site in India before he and Penn's Kathleen Morrison took samples for paleoenvironmental analysis from a Neolithic (3000-1200 BCE) deposit. 

    (Image: Courtesy of Kathleen Morrison)

    Looking to the past to understand the impacts of human land use in South Asia

    An international group of scholars, including archaeologists from the School of Arts & Sciences, synthesized archaeological evidence in South Asia from 12,000 and 6,000 years ago.

    5 min. read

    Senior thesis explores Bayard Rustin’s civil rights vision
    A man stands in a stairwell leaning on the banister.

    Connor Nakamura’s senior thesis traces Bayard Rustin’s life from 1955 to 1965, including his focus on creating economic opportunity.

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    Senior thesis explores Bayard Rustin’s civil rights vision

    Fourth-year Connor Nakamura’s research delves into Rustin’s life, work, and legacy as a thinker and leader.
    The monstrous and mythical
    An ancient bronze bust of a centaur.

    'Man and Centaur,' bronze, circa 750 BC.

    (Image: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

    The monstrous and mythical

    In his book “Centaurs and Snake-Kings: Hybrids and the Greek Imagination,” Jeremy McInerney, professor of classical studies in the School of Arts & Sciences, investigates the power of hybridity in myth.

    Blake Cole

    Can sports fandom be a religious experience?
    A football on a field atop a Kansas City and Eagles logo.

    Image: Courtesy of Omnia

    Can sports fandom be a religious experience?

    With the Philadelphia Eagles set to compete for the ultimate prize at Super Bowl LIX, religious studies professor Megan Robb has noticed a 'buzz of collective effervescence' in her Religion and Sports class, a space where students discuss ritual and ceremony, and debate where sports and religion intersect.

    Michele W. Berger

    Nurturing a love for math
    A young student writing a math equation on a white board.

    Image: iStock/gorodenkoff

    Nurturing a love for math

    A new book by Penn mathematics professor Robin Pemantle and longtime math teacher Henri Picciotto offers middle and high school educators actionable materials and invites reflection and connection across disciplines.

    Lauren Rebecca Thacker

    Amy Gutmann receives Yale Legend in Leadership Award
    Amy Gutmann speaking at a podium.

    Amy Gutmann received the Legend in Leadership Award at the Yale Higher Education Leadership Summit at the Yale School of Management on Jan. 28.

    (Image: Harold Shapiro)

    Amy Gutmann receives Yale Legend in Leadership Award

    Gutmann accepted the award, presented by five current and former university presidents, at a ceremony on Jan. 28.