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Computer Science

How common is common sense?
Artist rendering depiction of common sense: This image features an abstract representation of multiple silhouetted profiles facing each other against a background of overlapping, multicolored shapes, symbolizing the interplay and convergence of diverse perspectives and ideas. The interlocking colors and profiles suggest the complex, multifaceted nature of common sense.

How common is common sense? A straightforward question that, surprisingly, has yet to receive a definitive science-based answer. Now, PIK Professor Duncan Watts and co-author Mark Whiting of the Wharton School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science present a new way to quantify common sense among both individuals and collectives.

(Image: Courtesy of Mark Whiting)

How common is common sense?

Researchers from Penn develop a framework for quantifying common sense, findings address a critical gap in how knowledge is understood.
Penn alum named 2024 Churchill Scholar 
Xander Uyttendaele standing in front of a windowed door with sunlight streaming through

A May graduate of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Xander Uyttendaele is among 16 students or recent graduates selected nationwide as 2024 Churchill Scholars.

(Image: Courtesy of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships)

Penn alum named 2024 Churchill Scholar 

Xander Uyttendaele, a 2023 graduate, is among 16 selected nationwide to receive the scholarship.
AI security
Digital hands manipulating by a man in the suit. Internet risks, artifical intelligence anxiety concept.

As large language models become increasingly adept at synthesizing information and producing human-like responses, many are concerned that malicious actors may use this technology in dangerous ways. Alex Robey, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, is developing a first-of-its-kind defense­­, SmoothLLM.

(Image: iStock / Moor Studio)

AI security

As AI gets more adept at synthesizing information and producing humanlike responses, many are concerned that malicious actors may use this technology in dangerous ways. Ph.D. candidate Alex Robey safeguards AI systems against malicious tampering.
A peek into the future of visual data interpretation
Photograph of a cellphone homes screen.

Alyssa Hwang, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, developed a new framework for evaluating the performance of large language models’ ability to analyze images. Hwang utilized the tool to run a battery of tests on the new ChatGPT-Vision to assess its ability at describing scientific images ahead of its release.

(Image: iStock/Robert Way)

A peek into the future of visual data interpretation

Researchers from Penn have developed a framework for assessing generative AI’s efficacy at deciphering images.
Three from Penn receive NIH Director Award
Headshots of Jina Ko, Kevin Johnson, and Sheila Shanmugan

Jina Ko (left) and Kevin Johnson (middle), from both the School of Engineering and the Perelman School of Medicine, along with Sheila Shanmugan (right) from the latter, have received the National Institute of Health Director’s Award to support their “highly innovative and broadly impactful” research projects through the High-Risk, High-Reward program.

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Three from Penn receive NIH Director Award

Kevin B. Johnson, Jina Ko, and Sheila Shanmugan awarded NIH Common Fund’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research program.