In this issue of OMNIA, our cover story follows the career and community engagement of poet, musician, and literary scholar Herman Beavers, whose students work alongside local high schoolers and West Philadelphia residents to study the works of famous playwright August Wilson. We also examine political scientist Brendan O’Leary’s lifework, from aiding in peace negotiations in Northern Ireland to advising the Prime Minister of Kurdistan. Other features include: an exploration of an initiative that moves brain research out of the lab and into the community; a look at a small and select cohort of students committed to solving energy problems; a profile of a partnership which builds alliances to restore Indigenous knowledge; and a retrospective on David Rittenhouse Lab, the setting for myriad scientific breakthroughs since 1954.
Features
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Playing in the Pocket
Herman Beavers performs a balancing act of creative expression and educational innovation.
Space, Time, and Laboratories
The long history of David Rittenhouse Lab
Recovery and Rejuvenation
Penn’s Educational Partnerships with Indigenous Communities builds alliances with Native Americans to restore Indigenous knowledge systems and languages.
Minds In The Wild
As part of an effort from MindCORE to get research out of the lab and into the community, the research group of behavioral psychologist Elizabeth Brannon spent the summer conducting two studies at the Academy of Natural Sciences to better understand how children learn.
Whatever You Say, Say Everything
Brendan O’Leary’s career, from aiding in the negotiating of peace in Northern Ireland to advising the Prime Minister of Kurdistan, has been guided by a simple principle: say exactly what you mean.
Summer of Science
As early as the summer after their first year, students in the College of Arts & Sciences have the opportunity to work alongside faculty from across the University.
The Power of Penn Arts & Sciences
Enhancing Foundations, Transcending Frontiers
Omnia 101
Omnia 101: Listening to Music
Jairo Moreno, Associate Professor of Music, explains how listening is at once historical, social, personal, affective, and technical.
Movers & Quakers
Back To School
Neil Tuch, C’88, PAR’21, isn’t surprised about where he ended up, but he couldn’t have predicted how he’d get there.
In the Classroom
My VIPER Summer
Students and professors in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research spent the summer in the lab.
Insomnia
Excerpts from Ladysitting
Lorene Cary’s memoir reflects on the responsibility and privileges of caregiving.
Where in the World Is Michael Weisberg?
The Professor and Chair of Philosophy has made recent stops on every continent.
