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Philosophy, technology, and pushing beyond human limitations
Gary Purpura teaches class.

But to Gary Purpura, the associate vice provost for education and academic planning in the Office of the Provost and a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, is teaching Enhancing the Human Mind with Technology this semester.

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Philosophy, technology, and pushing beyond human limitations

Gary Purpura’s class Enhancing the Human Mind with Technology introduces students to philosophy through the lens of transhumanism, illustrating the possibilities of technology to enhance the human condition and expand the idea of what it means to be human.

3 min. read

Bringing the US Navy’s 250-year history to life
J.J. Ahern stands in a storage area in the University Archives.

Penn archivist J.J. Ahern.

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Bringing the US Navy’s 250-year history to life

Penn archivist J.J. Ahern has been putting his professional experience and personal passion for the past to work as a volunteer for the Navy’s 250th anniversary curating an exhibition about the human side of the service’s history.

3 min. read

Craig Roncace puts his green thumb to work
Craig Roncace, Penn’s urban park manager, gardening and caring for plants in an outdoor park setting on campus.

Craig Roncace, Penn’s urban park manager, oversees a team of 60+ staff members dedicated to waste management and campus maintenance.

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Craig Roncace puts his green thumb to work

As Penn’s urban park manager, Craig Roncace leads a versatile team in charge of outdoor maintenance, waste management, and sustainability initiatives across campus.

3 min. read

Walking the walk with Penn’s VP of Business Services
Michael Scales.

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Walking the walk with Penn’s VP of Business Services

A year into his role as vice president of Business Services, Michael Scales has built on the division’s “legacy of excellence” while being a sponge and getting to know students and staff around the division.

4 min. read

Staff Q&A with Peter Fixler
Peter Fixler stands among the trees and greens at the Morris Arboretu.

Image: Eric Sucar

Staff Q&A with Peter Fixler

The lead arborist at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens discusses his interest in tree work, how trees benefit the planet, the tallest tree he has climbed, current research at the Morris, and its impact in America and beyond.

6 min. read

The importance and power of undergraduate research
Ann Vernon-Grey standing outside College Hall.

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The importance and power of undergraduate research

Many students come to Penn with the idea of doing research but don’t know what that actually means. Ann Vernon-Grey of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships helps them find their way.

Louisa Shepard

4 min. read