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Electrical and Computer Engineering

The world’s first general purpose computer turns 75
ENIAC_Teitelbaum and Meltzer

The world’s first general purpose computer turns 75

The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), built at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering, sparked the “birth of the computer age” thanks to a team of women programmers.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Penn Engineering and Steppingstone Scholars launch a STEM equity and innovation lab
two middle school-age students work on a robotics project.

(Pre-pandemic image) In the Blended Learning Initiative, Steppingstone Scholars use Arduino based robotics, coding and design thinking to ready themselves for Java certification and AP computer science as well as prepare for college or careers in STEM fields. (Image: Penn Engineering Today)

Penn Engineering and Steppingstone Scholars launch a STEM equity and innovation lab

Penn Engineering and Steppingstone will begin developing a new blended AP Computer Science course for the fall 2021 semester, in which engineering students will create online content modules to supplement high school classroom instruction.

From Penn Engineering Today

Engineers develop laser-controlled, cell-sized robots
A microscopic robot next to a paramecium.

One of the researchers’ robot next to a paramecium. (Image: Penn Engineering)

Engineers develop laser-controlled, cell-sized robots

Researchers at Penn Engineering are creating microscopic robots with semiconductor processing that can be controlled, and made to walk, as small as biological cells.

From Penn Engineering Today

High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program
Face of high school student wrapped in a paper face covering mask with sensors attached that are glowing green.

One student’s “Smile Mask” used a combination of sensors and LED lights to promote social distancing. Get too close and the green smile switches to a red frown. (Image: Penn Engineering)

High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program

A virtual Maskathon showcased high school students’ problem solving, product development, and creativity with their tech-integrated face masks.

From Penn Engineering Today

Engineering’s Firooz Aflatouni’s electronic-photonic innovations
Firooz Aflatouni and a member of his lab sit at a table in his lab surrounded by engineering equipment.

Aflatouni’s (left) lab works to make the electronic and photonic components of our modern information delivery infrastructure work together. (Pre-pandemic image: Penn Engineering)

Engineering’s Firooz Aflatouni’s electronic-photonic innovations

Firooz Aflatouni has built his career on designing clever combinations of electronic and photonic technology with applications from laser-based 3D imaging, to microwave “cameras.”

From Penn Engineering Today

Novel ways to store data in light waves
a portrait of ritesh agarwal and liang feng inside of a research lab

Novel ways to store data in light waves

A pair of studies from Penn Engineering provides new ways to increase information density in optical communications, paving the way for a massive increase in the bandwidth of fiber optic networks.

Erica K. Brockmeier , From Penn Engineering Today

At home, but still engaged with STEM classes
close up of tito device

At home, but still engaged with STEM classes

While instructional laboratories on campus are closed, students, faculty, and instructors are finding creative solutions for science, math, and engineering courses and projects.

Erica K. Brockmeier