Risa Lavizzo-Mourey: Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor
Penn President Amy Gutmann and Provost Vincent Price are pleased to announce the appointment of Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, GR’86, HON’10, as the University of Pennsylvania’s 19th Penn Integrates Knowledge (PIK) University Professor, effective January 1, 2018.
A world-renowned expert in geriatric medicine, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey has served since 2003 as president and chief executive officer of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJ) and, for 15 years before that, as a distinguished professor and administrator at Penn. She will be the Robert Wood Johnson University Professor of Population Health and Health Equity, with joint faculty appointments in the department of medical ethics and health policy in the Perelman School of Medicine, the department of health care management in the Wharton School, and the department of family and community health in the School of Nursing.
“Whether leading one of the nation’s largest health care philanthropies, advising the White House on health care policy or publishing prolifically in some of the world’s most influential medical journals, Risa Lavizzo-Mourey is an eminent interdisciplinary change-maker,” said President Gutmann. “Her exemplary contributions to geriatrics and other medical fields are matched by her devotion to promoting lasting social change and improving the health of all people. We are delighted to welcome home this truly exceptional scholar, clinician, leader and Penn alumna.”
Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey has been named eight times to the Forbes list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women and nine times by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. At the RWJ Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropic organization devoted to health, she spearheaded a billion-dollar initiative to reverse the nation’s childhood obesity epidemic and built programs to help people obtain better healthcare and provide research and other assistance to states implementing the Affordable Care Act. She led the Foundation’s Commission to Build a Healthier America and its landmark 2009 report “Beyond Health Care,” which focused on recommendations to improve health at the local, state and federal levels.
At Penn, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey was Sylvan Eisman Professor of Medicine and director of the Institute on Aging. She began her career at Penn in 1986, after earning an MBA at Wharton in health care administration, and during her tenure served as associate executive vice president for health policy, associate dean for health services research and chief of the division of geriatric medicine. At the federal level, she was deputy administrator of what is now the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; worked on the White House Health Care Reform Task Force, co-chairing the working group on quality of care; served on numerous federal advisory committees, including the Task Force on Aging Research, the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, and the President’s Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry; and is master and former regent of the American College of Physicians, where she chaired the committees on ethics and human rights.
She has published almost 100 original articles, editorials and book chapters, including widely influential and highly cited articles in the Journal of the American Medical Association, New England Journal of Medicine and Annals of Internal Medicine. In addition to an MBA from the Wharton School, she earned an MD from Harvard Medical School and a BA from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. In recognition of her far-ranging and trailblazing accomplishments, Penn awarded her an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2010 (Almanac February 23, 2010).
“Risa Lavizzo-Mourey’s work embodies Penn’s deepest mission: using innovative, interdisciplinary research to make a tangible impact on people’s lives around the world. I am certain that she will continue to be an inspiring catalyst, colleague, mentor and collaborator across every part of our campus in the years ahead,” said Provost Price.
The PIK program was launched by President Gutmann in 2005 as a University-wide initiative to recruit exceptional faculty members whose research and teaching exemplify the integration of knowledge across disciplines and who are appointed in at least two Schools at Penn.
Aaron Roth: Class of 1940 Professor
Provost Vincent Price and Vice Provost for Faculty Anita Allen are pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Roth, associate professor of computer and information science in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, to the Class of 1940 Bicentennial Term Chair. It became effective March 1.
Dr. Roth is an expert in algorithm design, especially the algorithmic foundations of data privacy, game theory and machine learning.
In 2016, he received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)(Almanac April 26, 2016), and he has also received an NSF CAREER Award (Almanac March 19, 2013), an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (Almanac March 17, 2015) and a Google Faculty Research Award, among other honors.
He has taught at Penn since 2011 and was the Raj and Neera Singh Assistant Professor of Computer Science from 2011 until 2016.
He earned a PhD in 2010 in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA in 2006 in computer science and mathematics from Columbia University.
The Class of 1940 Bicentennial Endowed Term Chair was established by the Class of 1940 at its 50th reunion to honor outstanding young professors at Penn.
Penn Vet: First Student Accepted into Special VMD-MBA Program
Melanie Kirshenbaum of Westchester County, New York, is the first student accepted into the new VMD-MBA degree program at Penn Vet’s Center for Animal Health and Productivity (CAHP) and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
The VMD-MBA combined-degree program is supported by the Robert Marshak-Vernon Hill Scholarship Fund, named in honor of Dr. Robert Marshak, Penn Vet Dean from 1973 to 1987. Established with a generous $1 million gift from Vernon and Shirley Hill, the fund supports the training of leaders and entrepreneurs with the vision to advance both the science and business of food animal production in order to help ensure global food security.
The Marshak-Hill scholars are required to develop projects that explore the applications of economic and business principles to the health and productivity of livestock industries. The integrated training emphasizes innovative solutions to the complex business, health, environmental, and societal challenges associated with intensive and small-scale livestock and poultry production in a global environment with a rapidly increasing demand for animal-sourced protein.
“The combined-degree program provides students with a unique interchange of knowledge that helps to ensure veterinarians have an important voice in addressing issues of food security both in Pennsylvania and globally,” said Joan C. Hendricks, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “We are delighted that Melanie is the first student accepted into this program.”
Ms. Kirshenbaum is a fourth-year student at Penn Vet with an interest in global health and agricultural development. After finishing her undergraduate studies in economics at Cornell University, she worked with international development organizations before pursuing her veterinary education. She is pursuing the combined VMD-MBA degree in recognition of the integrated nature of health, food and economic security, as well as the power of industry and multilateral organizations to contribute resources and sustainable interventions in these fields.
“An economic and industry-focused approach to global food security, health, and sustainable development—rooted in science—will be especially important in the coming years,” said Ms. Kirshenbaum. “I’m excited about this opportunity to expand my knowledge of these areas and I’m pleased to be part of the ongoing collaborations between Penn Vet and Wharton.”
“We are all excited about Melanie’s acceptance into the program,” said David Galligan, professor of animal health economics and director of the Center for Animal Health and Productivity. “The integration of Penn’s VMD and MBA programs creates a new focus on emerging global food security issues and enables us to train the next generation of veterinarians to deal with these concerns.”
The combined VMD-MBA degree program at Penn Vet and the Wharton School was established in 1981. Dr. Galligan oversees the updated program and mentors the Marshak-Hill scholars. Those completing the multi-year program will obtain their veterinary and MBA degrees and a certificate in Food Animal Production Medicine. Marshak-Hill graduates will have unique qualifications for leadership roles in food animal agribusiness, government, non-governmental organizations, public health, research and academia.
Trustees’ Council of Penn Women Research Grants: April 14
The Trustees’ Council of Penn Women (TCPW) wishes to assist Associate Professors working for promotion to Full Professor, as well as Assistant Professors seeking promotion to the permanent rank of Associate Professor. In support of this goal, TCPW offers three research grants, up to $5,000 each, to female faculty, or faculty members whose research is centrally concerned with the role of women in society, science, or arts and letters. The grant may be used at any time during the 2017-2018 academic year to support research-related expenses, including (but not limited to) conference travel, research assistants, books and other materials.
Applicants should send an application packet saved in a single PDF document to gsws-apc@sas.upenn.edu with “TCPW Grant Application” in the subject line. The application packet includes:
• a TCPW Faculty Grant Cover Sheet (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/gsws/content/trustees-council-penn-women-research-grants)
• a two-page summary of the research you wish to undertake, including an explanation of how the grant will be used to facilitate the research
• a budget information on how TCPW funds will be spent and the requested time period for using the funds
• a curriculum vitae
• the name of a University reference.
In your application be sure to describe why the grant would be particularly useful to you at this time. Also, we require that you indicate whether you have other sources of research funding. Those who have previously applied and did not receive an award are encouraged to apply again.
Deadline: Friday, April 14, 2017
Research proposals will be reviewed, and the grants awarded, through a peer review process. Grant recipients are expected to submit a written report accounting how the money was spent to the review panel and to the Trustees’ Council at the conclusion of the grant period, and encouraged to present their research at an Alice Paul Center forum. Any subsequent publication of the research results should acknowledge the support of the Council.
Message about New Executive Order on Immigration
To Penn Students, Faculty and Staff
Message about New Executive Order on Immigration
In light of the March 6 Executive Order from the White House, we want to reaffirm our strong support for and solidarity with all international and Muslim members of our community.
Together with university leaders around the nation, we recognize and duly respect the need to protect America’s security. At the same time, the procedures used to vet immigrants should address actual risks, be grounded in evidence, and be free of unwarranted discrimination in keeping with our constitutional principles. As President Gutmann wrote when the first Executive Order was issued: “Immigration strengthens the fabric of this nation and our University. Immigrants spark innovation, launch new businesses, and enrich our culture and arts. They are a precious national resource and invaluable to Penn. We must stand together, united in our support of beloved colleagues, students, friends, and families who, no matter where they come from or how they worship, have contributed so much to our University community and to this country.”
As events move forward, our office of International Student and Scholar Services (215-898-4661) continues to be your best source of information and support. In particular, all foreign passport holders, including dual nationals and permanent residents, should be in touch with ISSS to understand how changes in immigration policy might affect them. Students concerned about international travel over summer break should contact their ISSS advisor, and ISSS can also provide any member of the Penn community with important information about best practices and necessary steps for travel in the current landscape.
Penn Law continues to provide clinics for any member of the Penn community impacted by the Executive Orders. The next Clinic will be held on Friday, March 24, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Greenfield Intercultural Center. You can register for a consultation at http://global.upenn.edu/isss A third Clinic will be held on Saturday, April 8.
Penn Global will continuously update resources and information at: http://global.upenn.edu/immigration-policy-notice We encourage all students, staff, and faculty who have questions beyond travel and visa status to consult the Dean’s Office in your School about your individual situation.
We thank all the members of our community for their hard work in these challenging times. It has never been more vital for us to come together, as one community, to find strength in our diversity.
—President Amy Gutmann
—Provost Vincent Price
—Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli
Call for Course Development Proposals: April 3 Structured, Active, In-class Learning (SAIL) Classes
The Vice Provost for Education and the Center for Teaching and Learning invite faculty to submit proposals for course development grants to support the creation of Structured, Active, In-class Learning (SAIL) classes.
SAIL classes emphasize the active engagement of students in class through structured work, guided by the instructor. They build upon the premise that students benefit from learning by doing and that class time should be used to help students learn to work with material. To that end, class time is built around highly structured activities, in which students work to solve problems, interpret data or evidence, or otherwise engage in real practices in the discipline. This work is frequently done in groups, with instructors circulating and guiding the process. Although a SAIL class may include some mini-lectures or full-class discussion, the exercises that students engage with are at the heart of the class. In preparation for that in-class work, instructors usually provide out-of-class materials or assignments for students to process prior to class.
These grants provide support for faculty interested in transforming an existing course into a SAIL class or developing a new one. SAIL grants will provide faculty with a $5,000 research fund for their preparation time or for assistance in the process of developing in-class exercises, any out-of-class materials, or assignments and assessments. Since the purpose of the SAIL grants is to aid faculty who are interested in successfully replacing lectures with active learning and practice in the discipline, proposals to reimagine courses that are often taught as lecture classes are particularly welcome, as are proposals for introductory level classes.
Proposals must include: the proposed course’s name, number and expected enrollment; faculty’s CV; either a current syllabus annotated with proposed changes or (for new courses) a preliminary syllabus; and department chair’s signature indicating approval. Successful proposals will explain how the course will make use of SAIL techniques, and include the following:
• Thoughts on why you want to teach this class as a SAIL class;
• Explanation of the in-class exercises to be developed and used;
• Discussion of how any other teaching methods, out-of-class materials or assignments, for instance, will contribute to the course aims;
• Estimate of the amount of class time that will be spent on structured activities and how much time will be devoted to other techniques, such as mini-lectures;
• Reflection on goals for what students should learn from this course;
• TA support for the course, both currently and in proposed version;
• Where the course fits into the curriculum of the department.
Proposals should not exceed three pages (not including CV and syllabus), and will be reviewed by a faculty committee.
Faculty are encouraged to consult with the Center for Teaching and Learning in developing their courses. See http://www.upenn.edu/ctl/resources/teaching_a_sail_class for more information. Additionally, CTL can provide training for TAs supporting SAIL classes.
Submit proposals to CTL’s Sara Demucci at sdemucci@upenn.edu by Monday, April 3, 2017.
Michael Mison: Director and Chief Medical Officer, Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital
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The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) announces the appointment of Michael Mison to Ryan Hospital director and chief medical officer. Dr. Mison also will continue in his role as clinical associate professor of surgery.
“I feel fortunate to work at Penn Vet and am honored to be promoted into this role,” said Dr. Mison. “I’m excited to build upon Penn Vet’s tradition of excellence. Along with the leadership team, faculty, and staff, I hope to contribute to Ryan Hospital’s promise of delivering advanced medicine and compassionate care, peace of mind for clients and referring veterinarians, and an excellent educational experience for our students.”
Prior to joining Penn Vet in 2015, Dr. Mison founded Seattle Veterinary Specialists as a managing partner in 2007. Earlier in his career, he served on the faculty of Washington State University, where he received the Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award as a second-year assistant professor in 2004.
“Blending his experience running a large referral hospital with his experience at several veterinary schools, Dr. Mison is a truly stellar candidate for this important role,” said Oliver Garden, department chair of clinical studies in Philadelphia. “I look forward to working with Dr. Mison to deliver the best and most advanced clinical care for our patients, an outstanding teaching environment for veterinary clinicians of the future, and a client experience second to none.”
Dr. Mison received his veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 1998 and completed a rotating internship and surgical residency at Michigan State University. He is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Entrepreneurs: Call for Nominations for Innovators Walk of Fame: May 19
America was built on the twin bedrocks of immigration and entrepreneurship. In 2017, the University City Science Center will shine a light on immigrant entrepreneurs whose discoveries, inventions and contributions have transformed our world as it solicits nominations for its Innovators Walk of Fame. The Call for Nominations is now open and runs through Friday, May 19.
The Innovators Walk of Fame (IWOF) celebrates Philadelphia’s innovation story by honoring individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to the scientific and entrepreneurial communities. Launched in 2013 to commemorate the Science Center’s 50th anniversary, the Innovators Walk of Fame highlights the diverse tradition of discovery and innovation in the Greater Philadelphia region. Past honorees have made groundbreaking contributions to the scientific and entrepreneurial communities that have revolutionized the local, regional and global landscape (Almanac October 27, 2015).
As the Science Center examines greater Philadelphia’s innovation story through different prisms, the third class of the Innovators Walk of Fame celebrates the immigrant entrepreneurs who have transformed the world with their ideas, inventions and creativity.
“This talented and motivated group is creating technologies and products that are transforming our world—and our economy,” said Science Center president and CEO Stephen S. Tang. “When immigration and entrepreneurship intersect, magic can—and often does happen. The Innovators Walk of Fame will recognize these brilliant people, their bright ideas, the companies they form and the jobs they create.”
Nominees are not limited by industry or type of innovation. Instead, successful nominations will complete this sentence: “If not for this immigrant entrepreneur, the world would be a lesser place because….”
Nominees, living or deceased must have a connection to the Greater Philadelphia region (including southern New Jersey and northern Delaware). To submit a nomination, visit www.sciencecenter.org/discover/iwof by May 19.
Inductees to the Innovators Walk of Fame will be announced at the Science Center’s Nucleus 2017 on September 14, 2017.
Innovators Walk of Fame promotional partners for 2017 include: African American Chamber of Commerce; American Heart Association; Arts + Business Council of Greater Philadelphia; Association for Women in Science, Philadelphia Chapter; Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs; British American Business Council; Campus Philly; The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; The Chemical Heritage Foundation; Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce; Citizen Diplomacy International Philadelphia; City of Philadelphia; Delaware BioScience Association; Delaware State Chamber of Commerce; Drexel University Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship; Economy League of Greater Philadelphia; Flying Kite + Keystone Edge; French-American Chamber of Commerce; Global Philadelphia Association (GlobalPhilly); Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs; HIAS; Inspiring Women in STEM; International House Philadelphia; Knowledge@Wharton; LATISM (Latinos in Tech, Innovation and Social Media); Life Sciences PA; MedCity News; Mt. Airy USA-Philadelphia Immigrant Innovation Hub; Network of Women in Computer Technology; New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; New Jersey Technology Council; Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship; Pennsylvania Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs; Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC); Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau/ PHL Life Sciences/PHL Diversity; Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT); Free Library of Philadelphia; Philadelphia-Israel Chamber of Commerce; Philadelphia Science Festival; Philly Startup Leaders; Technical.ly Philly; Technology Forum of Delaware; Temple University Fox School of Business and Management’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (IEI); Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians; WHYY (NewsWorks); The Wistar Institute; UD Horn Program in Entrepreneurship; Villanova University Center for Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship; Women’s Opportunities Resource Center; World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia; Young Involved Philadelphia.
For more information about the Science Center, go to www.sciencecenter.org