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.
Features
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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.
Dean's Message
School News
Mark Trodden Named Next Associate Dean for Natural Sciences
Topping off the new home for energy science at Penn (VIDEO)
Brett Sundheim Gift Supports International Undergraduate Students
Penn Arts & Sciences 2023 Graduation Ceremonies
The Linda Ye and Robin Ren Family Foundation Funds Construction of State-of-the-Art Spectroscopy Facility
Faculty Honored for Outstanding Teaching
Mark Devlin and Colleagues Awarded NSF Grant to Upgrade Prominent Observatory
