Charting a Course
In February, Penn Arts & Sciences released “SAS Horizons: Pathways for a Changing World.” Through 11 objects, we highlight how this strategic vision will help the School navigate today’s challenging waters.
Penn Arts & Sciences Pathways: Grace Wang, C’26 (Video)
Wang, a Health and Societies major, has taken full advantage of the program, a step toward her goal of helping others through work in healthcare policy.
The Math of Fitting In
In new research, Professor of Linguistics Charles Yang and colleagues find that a formula originally developed to explain language acquisition in children can also explain how we absorb social norms.
Food for Thought
This past semester, biologist Scott Poethig and archaeologist Kim Bowes co-taught a themed course on food through the Integrated Studies Program, giving students a broad perspective on the topic.
Office Artifacts: Jared Farmer
In his office on the third floor of College Hall, Farmer, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History and Department Chair, surrounds himself with items that both animate his work and remind him of home.
Humanities, Natural Science, Social Science
Meeting, Mentoring, Mingling
Across the country, Penn Arts & Sciences alums gathered for film screenings, knitting lectures, conversations with students, and more.
The Stories that Plague and Redeem Us
In his new book, Professor Steven Weitzman explores how people across millennia have reimagined the story of the Ten Plagues to make sense of their own lives and trauma.
Humanities, Natural Science, Social Science
What Lies Beneath
From uncovering ancient ways of life to addressing the pressing threat of climate change, scholars at Penn Arts & Sciences are finding an upside to looking down.
Humanities, Natural Science, Social Science
Scholarly Excellence
Penn Arts & Sciences named 20 undergraduate and graduate students as this year’s Dean’s Scholars, a recognition bestowed annually on students who exhibit exceptional academic performance and intellectual promise.
Print Edition
Spring/Summer 2026
This issue dives into the School’s new strategic vision, SAS Horizons, alums in local government, community partnerships, and more. Plus, we highlight a new path for first-years, The Odyssey, haiku, and thoughts from alums.
Popular Stories
Forever Young
In a career-defining paper, biologist Scott Poethig uncovered how one molecule can lock plants in a youthful state.
Horizons Podcast: Inquiry, Innovation, and Global Connection
Dean Mark Trodden and Ramanan Raghavendran, Penn alumnus and Chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s Board of Trustees, discuss how Horizons positions its students and faculty to lead in a changing world.
The Math of Fitting In
In new research, Professor of Linguistics Charles Yang and colleagues find that a formula originally developed to explain language acquisition in children can also explain how we absorb social norms.
Charting a Course
In February, Penn Arts & Sciences released “SAS Horizons: Pathways for a Changing World.” Through 11 objects, we highlight how this strategic vision will help the School navigate today’s challenging waters.
Penn Arts & Sciences in the News
Spotlight PA
New Study Finds That Ballot Curing Helps More Mail Ballots Get Counted
June 3, 2026
Professor of Political Science Marc Meredith is coauthor of a new study indicating that mail voters who have opportunities to fix ballot errors are much more likely to have their votes counted. Per the study, “vote curing policies help balance the tension between promoting both access and integrity in mail balloting.”
WHYY
Lessons Learned From Ida: Philadelphia Must Brace For Next Big Storm, Penn Researchers Say
June 3, 2026
A new Penn study finds that intense storms are occurring much more frequently, with big implications for cities like Philadelphia. “This is rainfall happening in a sort of maze,” says the paper’s lead author, Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Science Hugo Ulloa. “It’s a very complex structure set by the buildings. So, the water also gets trapped through the city.”
KYW
Penn Poll Finds Americans Are Pessimistic About the Impact of AI
May 12, 2026
New polling finds Americans aren’t really happy with artificial intelligence—except for in one space. “The one area people do think [AI] will make things better is in medical research,” says Professor of Political Science Matthew Levendusky.
WHYY
The Mütter Museum Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Deadly Legionnaires’ Summer In Philly With New Exhibit
May 7, 2026
Associate Professor of History and Sociology of Science David Barnes appeared on a recent panel marking 50 years since a deadly outbreak in Philadelphia led to the discovery of Legionnaires’ disease.