Spring/Summer 2023

In this issue of OMNIA, we follow the path of Joseph Francisco from curious high school student to prominent chemist. We also spotlight Jason Schnittker, a medical sociologist studying the paradox of healthcare and prison; the growing field of disability studies; Ancient Rome’s rural poor; the science of being social; and ChatGPT. Plus, we highlight a course in which students tackle the subject of Russian identity, hear from a recent graduate who worked at a pharmacy during the pandemic, and more.

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Features

The Clues in the Chemistry
Childhood curiosity led Joseph S. Francisco, President’s Distinguished Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, to a career as one of the country’s most prominent atmospheric chemists.

The Other 90 Percent

Classical Studies Professors Kimberly Bowes and Campbell Grey reveal the world of Ancient Rome’s rural poor.

Seeing Disability Differently

Scholars are trying to understand—and change—how the world works for people with disabilities.

At the Intersection of Incarceration and Health

Medical sociologist Jason Schnittker explores the paradox of healthcare and prison.

The Science of Being Social

Five Penn Arts & Sciences researchers explain why connections are critical not just to human happiness but also to our survival.

Art on the River

Jonathan Katz, Associate Professor of Practice of History of Art and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, takes an art exhibition down the Amazon.

Omnia 101

Omnia 101: Generative AI

Bhuvnesh Jain and Greg Ridgeway, co-directors of the Data Driven Discovery Initiative, explain ChatGPT and generative AI, and what this technology means for learning and education.

Movers & Quakers

Root of the Matter

Human rights advocate Eva Maria Lewis, C’21, seeks to address root causes of gun violence through investment and empowerment.

Inspiring Community

Inspiring Community - Spring/Summer 2023

Highlighting Penn Arts & Sciences Alums

In the Classroom

Russia and the West

In an undergraduate course in Russian and East European studies, students tackle the question of Russian identity.

Insomnia

Summer Reading: Michael Mann

Suggestions for your summer reading list from the Presidential Distinguished Professor of Earth and Environmental Science.

Three Questions: Working in a Pharmacy During the Pandemic

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shivani Nellore, C’23, W’23, took a job as a pharmacy tech, learning a great deal about medications and humans in the process.