Penn Today

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Penn Today • 10th December 2025

Startup recognized for milestones in cancer care

When hematologist Marco Ruella came to Penn from Italy as a postdoc in 2012, one of his dreams was to help drive the development of new treatments and cures for lymphoma patients. Over a decade later, his startup was recognized for progress in lymphoma care.

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Penn Today • 3rd November 2025

New fellowship at Penn amplifies study of antisemitism

Mendel Kranz, the inaugural recipient of the Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, elevates awareness and critical inquiry into antisemitism through research projects, classroom dialogue, and educational events.

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Penn Today • 22nd October 2025

Through Penn First Plus, students unlock potential and purpose

Providing first-generation and limited-income students with a comprehensive array of programming, academic advising, and professional development opportunities, Penn First Plus equips undergraduates for success during and after their time at Penn.

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Penn Today • 13th October 2025

Fueling growth locally, together

The eighth annual Penn Local Business Exchange brought together entrepreneurs, Penn vendors, city officials, and University buyers to swap insights, build relationships, and discuss opportunities to drive economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

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Penn Today • 9th October 2025

Craig Roncace puts his green thumb to work

Long before Craig Roncace became Penn’s urban park manager, he cultivated a green thumb and a knack for outdoor work. Now, he leads a versatile team in charge of outdoor maintenance, waste management, and sustainability across campus.

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Penn Today • 29th September 2025

Students test one way to combat extreme heat in Philadelphia

Third-year students Nafisa Bangura and Angelica Dadda expanded upon a multidisciplinary research endeavor to evaluate a reflective pavement coating as a tool to mitigate extreme heat. Their work may inform policy efforts to improve urban heat resilience.

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Penn Today • 5th September 2025

Mapping smarter tree placement in Philly and beyond

Weitzman School of Design graduate student Frank Chen provides insight into his research project to find the best spots to plant street trees and help optimize shade coverage for pedestrians in Philadelphia.

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Penn Today • 25th August 2025

Students use machine learning to track and protect whales

As whales face harm from ship strikes, fishing net entanglements, and redistribution of prey due to changes in sea temperature, it’s increasingly vital to track their populations across the globe. To accelerate these efforts, Chinmay Govind and Nihar Ballamudi leveraged AI to locate and census whales. Their study may inform policy measures that help to improve protections for whale populations worldwide.

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Penn Today • 19th August 2025

Penn campus in high spirits for Move-In 2025

Hundreds of red and blue moving carts, a vast sea of Penn gear, and dozens of spirited volunteers are enlivening the University of Pennsylvania campus this week as nearly 6,000 undergraduates—along with Penn parents, families, and guests—arrive for Move-In.

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Penn Today • 18th August 2025

Investigating barriers to menopause care for Medicaid patients

During an EMT shift at her local ambulatory clinic, rising third-year Eri Maeda unlocked a new research interest: menopause health care dynamics in the U.S.—including how insurance status can shape access to menopause care.

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Penn Today • 14th August 2025

A survey of summer construction progress across Penn’s campus

Ahead of Move-In and the start of a new academic year, construction teams mark milestones in vital renovations and maintenance across the University. Notable projects include renovations to the Penn Museum; the new Student Performing Arts Center; upgrades to the Quadrangle; and the expansion of Stuart Weitzman Hall.

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Penn Today • 30th June 2025

Red Ribbon Connect links Penn with HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide

Organized by a recent Penn alum with the Penn Center for AIDS Research, the newly launched Red Ribbon Connect program involves a monthly virtual exchange for HIV/AIDS researchers at Penn and worldwide to swap insights and perspectives.

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Penn Today • 24th June 2025

Lauren Hyppolite on leading Wharton AI and research initiatives

As managing director of Research, Centers, and Academic Initiatives at the Wharton School, Lauren Nelson Hyppolite oversees numerous AI- and analytics-related programs that prepare future business leaders for a rapidly evolving workforce.

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Penn Today • 23rd May 2025

Penn’s partnerships with Philly vendors boost local economy, neighborhood impact

Penn helps power Philadelphia’s economy by procuring goods and services from nearby businesses. Local CEOs discuss the meaningful impact that Penn has on their bottom line and in the community.

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Penn Today • 19th May 2025

Penn salutes graduates at University’s 269th Commencement

Prior to the ceremony, a sea of graduates decked out in caps and regalia convened at Penn Park to socialize, reconnect, celebrate, and line up for their procession to Franklin Field.

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Penn Today • 18th May 2025

Class of 2025 Ivy Day Ceremony

Annually for more than 150 years, the Ivy Day Ceremony has celebrated remarkable graduating fourth-years for their leadership and service, with the Senior Honor Awards being among the oldest traditions at Penn.

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Penn Today • 1st May 2025

Class of 2026 prepares for ‘iconic’ year during annual Hey Day

An ecstatic crowd of third-year students electrified Penn’s campus to mark the University’s 109th Hey Day, a yearly tradition—dating back to 1916—that unifies Penn students across space and time.

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Penn Today • 30th April 2025

Empowering high school youth through immersive art mentorship

Penn fourth-years Ejun Hong and Jack Roney will use a President’s Engagement Prize to expand their initiative that connects under-resourced high school students in Philadelphia with art mentorship, creative skill-building, and industry networking opportunities.

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Penn Today • 29th April 2025

Graduating student veteran makes use of a Yellow Ribbon award

Alice Wu, a Navy veteran graduating from the School of Social Policy & Practice in May, used support from the Yellow Ribbon Program to make a principled, impact-driven career change.

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Penn Today • 15th April 2025

Penn lends support to Rebuilding Together Philadelphia effort repairing 11 local homes in two days

Marking a milestone block build, 70 Penn volunteers combined forces with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, a nonprofit with roots at the University, to revitalize owner-occupied houses in the West Philadelphia community.

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Penn Today • 9th April 2025

Outstanding staff honored at Models of Excellence award ceremony

Dozens of staff representing various divisions across the University of Pennsylvania were recognized during the 2025 Models of Excellence event for their exceptional, impactful efforts at Penn.

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Penn Today • 26th March 2025

Evaluating large language models for cyberbullying behavior

In the Brachio Lab, doctoral students at Penn Engineering probe AI models for signs of cyberbullying capabilities. This emerging problem with the rise of AI may pose challenges in areas like business, education, and public health.