Penn is part of the new 5-year, $21.5M NSF Institute for Human-AI Cooperation, advancing AI that works alongside clinicians and physical therapists. @haicinstitute.bsky.social @ericeaton.bsky.social @udelaware.bsky.social https://bit.ly/3U2B13C

Microplastics are difficult to detect, making it harder for researchers to understand their impact on human and environmental health. Penn Engineering researchers share how they're improving detection methods and what you can do to reduce exposure. https://bit.ly/4fdvG0B

Sea stars are inspiring smarter materials. Penn Engineering researchers discovered that sea star skeletons can both support and guide light, revealing a natural design that could inspire future materials capable of protecting structures while sensing their surroundings. https://bit.ly/4bnPzkf

Penn Engineering researchers are using lung-on-a-chip technology to study how asthma develops and progresses. By mimicking key features of the human lung, these systems reveal disease mechanisms beyond traditional laboratory models. https://bit.ly/4oNg48u

Penn Engineers traveled to Argentina to explore the science behind winemaking. Through the Biochemical Engineering of Wine course, students examined how engineering principles shape every stage of production, from grape cultivation to fermentation. https://bit.ly/48FtMDB

Penn Engineering's Robert Ghrist coauthored a @sciam.bsky.social article on the "impossible Klein ladder," a newly discovered mathematical paradox. Inspired by the Klein bottle, it's the first known impossible object to exhibit a nonabelian property. https://bit.ly/3S2Ow2z

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna joins Vijay Kumar on Penn Engineering's podcast to discuss his journey from physicist and semiconductor innovator to leading one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands. https://youtu.be/XOijfgbLDS0

Penn Engineering's Class of 2026 led the University of Pennsylvania's 270th Commencement procession this morning. As the graduates walk across the stage in Franklin Field, they lead their generation in responsible innovation. #PennEngineeringProud #PennGrad

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick visited NSF AIRFoundry for a close look at how AI and automation are accelerating RNA science, and emphasized the importance of federal research support to advance ideas from the lab to real-world impact.

Nhlanhla Mavuso (ENG’26, GEng’26), recipient of the 2026 President’s Sustainability Prize, is developing Fluid Silicon, a platform designed to improve the energy efficiency and reliability of computer chips. https://bit.ly/4w8KV2x

Margaret Zhu (W’26), recipient of the 2026 President’s Innovation Prize, co-founded Serpent Robotics, an electric rope-climbing robotic system designed to improve safety for arborists and tree care workers. https://bit.ly/4ukqSwa

Happy Hey Day 2026 from Penn Engineering! #PennEngineeringProud

Innovation and policy leaders from Pennsylvania visited Penn Engineering, touring GRASP Lab and the newly opened AI-Driven RNA BioFoundry (AIRFoundry). Discussions with Penn Engineering leadership focused on how robotics and AI research can drive real-world impact across the Commonwealth.

Quaker Days brought hundreds of admitted students and their families to campus for a closer look at Penn Engineering and the University of Pennsylvania. Attendees engaged with faculty and staff, took campus tours, and learned about available academic and student resources.

Margaret Zhu and Nhlanhla Mavuso have been named winners of the 2026 President’s Engagement Prize. From robotics that improve worker safety to energy-efficient chip design, both will spend the next year advancing projects with real-world impact. https://bit.ly/42icpVr

Congratulations to César de la Fuente on receiving the 2027 Biochemical Society Award for Significant Breakthrough or Achievement. His AI-driven work is accelerating antibiotic discovery from years to hours, opening new paths to treat infections once considered untreatable. https://bit.ly/41uWymi

Penn Engineering’s 2026 Commencement is almost here 🎓 May 14: Doctoral (Irvine Auditorium) May 15: Master’s (Palestra) May 16: Undergraduate (Palestra) See full details on regalia, tickets and more: https://bit.ly/3L6uADx

Penn Engineers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles used in mRNA vaccines. The new aroLNPs steer mRNA toward lymph nodes, potentially enabling more precise, lower-dose vaccines. https://bit.ly/4sSAspY https://bit.ly/3NSd2Si

In the latest episode of "Innovation & Impact," Vanessa Chan talks with NAI Fellows about the mindset behind meaningful innovation, from questioning the status quo to learning through failure. https://youtu.be/Ajih0E7quuc

Congrats to Julia Fremberg (ENG’26), Penn Engineering’s 2026 undergraduate student Commencement speaker. A CIS major in AI, TA for CIS 1200 and ESAC leader, she’ll join Palantir in NYC after graduation.

AI is accelerating mathematical research while overloading peer review systems. Amazon Scholars and @pennengineering.bsky.social professors Michael Kearns and @aaroth.bsky.social on the promise, the problems, and what needs to change.

How AI is changing the nature of mathematical research

What machine learning theorists learned using AI agents to generate proofs — and what comes next.

amazon.science

A sneak peek at the new Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) teaching lab and makerspace. Slated to open for Fall 2026 classes, the space will maximize daylight, upgrade core infrastructure and facilitate new collaborations.

Penn Engineers redesigned the lipid nanoparticles used in mRNA vaccines to boost immune cell metabolism while reducing inflammatory side effects. The new lipid matched leading formulations while improving delivery to immune tissues. https://bit.ly/3NdvtAC

Congratulations to Xue “Sherry” Gao on her lab’s renewal of the NIH Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA). The $2M+ grant provides five more years to advance genome engineering and explore fungal natural products as a source of new small-molecule therapeutics. #GenomeEngineering

Penn Aerial Robotics revealed three fully integrated aircraft for SAE Aero Design West and flight-tested them in NJ. From a 10-ft cargo UAV to a blown-lift micro design and a fully autonomous VTOL tailsitter, the team is pushing the limits of electric aviation and precision payload delivery.

Shujie Yang is using ultrasound to develop programmable acoustic tweezers that manipulate cells without contact. His work at Penn Engineering explores sound-based microrobots with potential for diagnostics, immunology and future cancer therapies. https://bit.ly/3MRMkbY

“You need to be able to understand other people's ideas and perspectives to bring out the best, most ingenious solutions,” says Tsu-Jae King Liu, President of the National Academy of Engineering. Episode 9 of "Innovation & Impact" is live. https://bit.ly/3OyMgOJ

Congratulations to CarboWells, winners of the 2026 Y-Prize Competition! The team proposed using 3D-printed concrete developed by the Yang Lab to plug millions of leaking oil wells across the U.S., helping capture carbon in the process. They’ll receive $15,000 to advance their research.

As part of its spotlight on Pennsylvania “firsts,” 6abc highlights ENIAC, the world’s first electronic computer, born at Penn. Shown by Penn Engineering’s Paul Shaffer. This Sunday marks ENIAC’s 80th anniversary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb2afLoljf8

World's first electronic computer born at University of Pennsylvania

YouTube video by 6abc Philadelphia

youtube.com

Penn researchers found that raindrops on dry sand form rolling “sandballs” that can increase erosion up to 10x. These self-organize into “peanut” and “donut” shapes. The findings refine models of landscape change and soil loss. https://bit.ly/3LVcOcd