In this issue of OMNIA, we speak with historians to get their nuanced take on how we can understand our past through the lens of the present. We also detail the exciting process of the discovery the largest comet on record, and retrace the careers of two scholars: a teacher and writer who has brought the gift of poetry and literature to the community, and a professor whose career in political science grew from activism. In addition, we learn why we need to put our faith in chemistry now, maybe more than ever.
Features
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The Future of History
Three historians weigh in on how we can understand our past.
Connecting the Celestial Dots
Pedro Bernardinelli, then-doctoral candidate in physics and astronomy, and Gary Bernstein, Reese W. Flower Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, discover the largest comet on record.
Política, Activismo, y Academia
The career of Tulia Falleti, Class of 1965 Endowed Term Professor of Political Science, grew from her activism as a student in a newly democratic Argentina.
Better Living... Through Chemistry?
Eric Schelter, Professor of Chemistry, offers his thoughts on chemistry’s continuing promise, and its public relations problem.
OMNIA Photo Essay: Back to Campus (For the First Time)
First- and second-year College students talk campus living and saying goodbye to virtual classes.
Dwelling in Possibility
Celebrating poetry and literature at Penn since 1985, Al Filreis, Kelly Family Professor of English, continues to create community at the home for writers he founded in a Locust Walk house a quarter-century ago.
Omnia 101
Omnia 101: Defining Modern Art
André Dombrowski, Frances Shapiro-Weitzenhoffer Associate Professor of 19th-Century European Art, discusses modern art’s origins, influences, and impacts.
Movers & Quakers
Coming Full Circle
Ami Shah Brown, C’96, works on a DNA-based COVID vaccine, a technology she first witnessed as an undergraduate researcher.
Inspiring Community
Highlighting Penn Arts & Sciences Alums
Inspiring Community
In the Classroom
Fieldwork Experience, No Travel Required
During a two-week, in-person bootcamp at the Penn Museum, 11 undergrads learned basic archaeological skills in subjects from ceramics and sample-taking to archaeobotany.
Insomnia
Explained, Explained
Vijay Balasubramanian, Cathy and Marc Lasry Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, reflects on his recent appearance on the hit Netflix show, Explained.
Three Questions: A Biologist's Photography
From beach grass to fallen leaves, Philip A. Rea, Professor of Biology, uses a camera to give a new view of the things around us.
Dean's Message
Editor's Note
School News
New Faculty
Karen Detlefsen Named Vice Provost for Education
Faculty Honors
Robert A. Rescorla Fund Supports Undergraduate Research With MindCORE
Harun Küçük Brings Science, Philosophy, and History to the Middle East Center
Making a Difference in Global Communities and Klein Family Social Justice Grants
Vice Dean Appointments Announced for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Advancement
