The School of Veterinary Medicine announced the launch of the mRNA Research Initiative to fast-track the development of veterinary mRNA-based vaccines and host-directed therapies. “Not only will this Initiative make a substantial contribution to mRNA scholarship, but it will also facilitate the application of the mRNA platform to the development of veterinary vaccines,” said Phillip Scott, vice dean for Research and Academic Resources.
Researchers from the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, in a proof-of-concept study using real human teeth and 3-D printed ones, have demonstrated that shapeshifting microrobots can brush and slip between teeth, then producing antimicrobials that kill harmful bacteria—much like a rinse. “Routine oral care is cumbersome and can pose challenges for many people, especially those who have hard time cleaning their teeth” says Hyun (Michel) Koo of Penn Dental, a co-corresponding author on the study. “You have to brush your teeth, then floss your teeth, then rinse your mouth; it’s a manual, multistep process. The big innovation here is that the robotics system can do all three in a single, hands-free, automated way.”
Lumify Care, supported by the 2021 President’s Innovation Prize and co-founded by May graduate Anthony Scarpone-Lambert and NICU nurse Jennifferre Mancillas, launched an app in January, with plans to launch a version 2.0 of its uNight Light later this year. Lumify Care’s mission is to aid nurses by providing hands-free light bright enough for them to work while not disrupting sleeping patients.
Hundreds of students marched down Locust Walk wearing red T-shirts and mock skimmer hats, which, along with canes, are part of a years-long celebratory tradition for undergraduates at Penn as they ascend to fourth-year status. “You passed! By the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you seniors,” said a joyous Penn President Liz Magill, presiding over the event for the first time.
Students moved into their college houses, family members said their goodbyes, and new Penn President Liz Magill joined in on the festivities, meeting with students and their families as the Penn Band boomed and the Quaker mascot danced around campus. “This marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey that a lot of these students will be embarking on,” said Richard Ou, a graduate student in Penn Engineering and a Lauder resident advisor. “Being able to contribute to that journey and add as much value as possible is really a privilege.”
Penn’s 269th Commencement celebrated the Class of 2025 at Franklin Field. Around 6,000 graduates gathered for the ceremony, which featured remarks from Penn President J. Larry Jameson and Commencement speaker Elizabeth Banks. Jameson reflected on Penn students’ resilience and three of Penn’s values: curiosity, creativity, and self-improvement. “These are Penn values. These are your values,” Jameson said. “Use them often, keep them sharp, and they will serve you well. It is by adapting that you will help to shape the future.”