Universities today face incredible challenges, and in our latest Omnia, we aim to address those head on, like with our cover story on democracy and our feature about why fundamental research matters. Beyond that, we use a graphic-novel approach for the first time in our pages, highlighting the science behind the mud on Major League baseballs. Plus, we offer up a conversation about choice and another about anime and religion; a fruit fly mating chamber; the introduction of Mark Trodden as the new Dean of Penn Arts & Sciences; the story of a long-long Chopin waltz; Titanic archival materials; and so much more.
Features
-
Democracy Past, Present, and Future
Four Penn Arts & Sciences faculty offer ideas about democracy and its relationship to wealth, modern information environments, social identities, and shared norms.
The Life Cycle of an Idea
Virtually every product and breakthrough we take for granted—from life-altering technologies to life-saving medical advancements—started at a university, and with fundamental scientific research.
How Do You Authenticate a Long-Lost Chopin Waltz?
Jeffrey Kallberg, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Music and incoming Interim Dean of Penn Arts & Sciences, recently helped verify the first major manuscript from the famous composer since the 1930s. Kallberg explains the intricate process.
Philly Boy, Jersey Mud
How a team led by Doug Jerolmack, Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Endowed Term Professor of Earth and Environmental Science and Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, used physics to understand how river muck transforms a baseball’s grip.
From Periodic Table to Libretto
Growing up the child of a famous scientist, Karyl Charna Lynn, CW’65, was expected to follow her father’s path. She pursued chemistry throughout her schooling, but when she started writing about opera, she knew she’d found her passion.
When Data Science and Social Good Intersect
Through a grant program and a new minor focused on data analytics, the Data Driven Discovery Initiative is using new tools and technologies to directly address societal challenges.
Omnia 101
Choice and Consequence
Sophia Rosenfeld, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, and Sudeep Bhatia, Associate Professor of Psychology, explore the ramifications of choice in everyday life and society.
Movers & Quakers
From the Front Office to the Mural Wall
Adrian Lorenzo, C’11, was on a fast track in Major League Baseball before walking away to pursue his other passion as an artist. He’s discovered success there, too.
Quaker Quotes: What Was Your Favorite Class at Penn?
We asked, you answered. Alums share their memories, thoughts, and ideas with Omnia.
Out and About
Penn Arts & Sciences alums gathered on campus, in New York City, and Boston to meet Dean Peter Struck, mentor undergrads, mingle, and learn.
Bridging Medicine and Business
Arun Das, C’10, W’10, took a winding path to end up at Cabaletta Bio, a biotechnology company that wants to revolutionize autoimmune disease treatment.
In the Classroom
Let’s Get Digital
An advanced economics course taught by Assistant Professor Juan Camilo Castillo encourages students to apply tools and theories to digital markets in the real world.
Insomnia
Office Artifacts: Megan Kassabaum
Kassabaum, Associate Professor of Anthropology, describes five meaningful objects that surround her as she works.
Dean’s Message
Editor’s Note
School News
Penn ATLAS Shares 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
Mark Trodden named Dean of Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences
At the Intersection of Science and AI
Benjamin Nathans Wins 2025 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction
Recent Gifts Advance Key Educational Priorities
Penn Arts & Sciences 2025 Graduation (Photos)
A Celebratory Dedication for the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology
Students Honored as 2025 Dean’s Scholars
Mark Devlin Elected to National Academy of Sciences
