Recently, Penn Arts and Sciences presented the 2019 Grad Ben Talks: an afternoon of TED Talks-style presentations by graduate students representing the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Professional Master’s programs.
Judges selected winners in each of the four categories. There was also an Audience Choice Winner selected by online votes.
Students presented on topics ranging from quantum materials to automation. You can watch the winning presentations below or click here to see the complete video collection of 2019 Grad Ben Talks.
Lorena Levano, Behavioral and Decision Sciences - "Sexual Harassment in High Schools From a Social Norms Perspective"
Winner: Audience Choice
Gregory Callaghan, Ancient History - "If You Can't Walk the Walk, Then Talk the Talk: Status and International Relations in the Hellenistic World"
Winner: Humanties
Paul Masih Das, Physics and Astronomy - "Quantum Materials: Making Smartphones 'Cool' Again"
Winner: Natural Sciences
Yun Cha, Sociology - "Who do Graduate Degree Holders Marry? How the Separation of Advanced Degrees Affects Our Understanding of Trends in Educational Homogamy"
Winner: Social Sciences
Connor Joyce, Masters of Behavioral and Decision Sciences - "To Fear or Not to Fear Automation: A Review of Research Covering Artificial Intelligence's Effect on Work"
Winner: Professional Masters
Related Stories
How Do You Get the World to Pay Attention to Water Scarcity?
Joey Wu, C’25, thinks the way to do it is by sharing stories of hope, and he launched the nonprofit Waterroots for this purpose.
Politics in Perspective
A first-year seminar taught by Michele Margolis, an associate professor of political science, applies the lessons of political science to a consequential election—and leans into difficult conversations.
Students of the Occult
In a class this semester, Becky Friedman, C’10, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of English, leads students down the dark, historical spiral of witchcraft, examining its persecutorial past and transition to palatable and raucous entertainment.