UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY OF OF PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVANIA
Tuesday September 29, 2015 Volume 62 Number 7 www.upenn.edu/almanac
Two Endowed Professors Named in Penn Arts and Sciences $5 Million NSF Grant to Establish Dean Steven Fluharty is pleased to name Jeffrey Kallberg, associate dean for arts and Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Hub two faculty members to endowed chairs in the letters and professor of music, has been named at Penn’s Singh Center School of Arts & Sciences. the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Music. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Joseph Farrell, Dr. Kallberg is a scholar of music of the 19th awarded the University of Pennsylvania’s Krish- professor of classi- and 20th centuries, specializing in edito- na P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology a five- cal studies, has been year, $5 million grant to establish the Mid- named the M. Mark rial and critical the- ory and gender stud- Atlantic Nanotechnology Hub for Research, and Esther K. Wat- Education & Innovation. kins Professor in the ies. He is a renowned expert on Polish com- As part of its National Nanotechnology Co- Humanities. Dr. Far- poser Fryderyk Cho- ordinated Infrastructure program, the NSF will rell is an internation- pin (1810-1849) and provide a total of $81 million to 16 “user facil- ally recognized Lati- has published widely ities.” Such facilities allow access to nanotech nist whose research on both his music and fabrication and characterization equipment— as spans genres and its cultural contexts. well as the relevant expertise—to partner insti- historical epochs. A His seminal mono- tutions in government, academia, industry and scholar of Latin lit- graph, Chopin at the the public at large. erature and poetry as Joseph Farrell Boundaries: Sex, His- Jeffrey Kallberg “This grant will in- well as the culture of tory, and Musical crease access to the the Republican and Augustan periods, Dr. Far- Genre, has been cited by virtually all subsequent Singh Center by exter- rell has published a number of ground-breaking studies of Chopin and translated into Polish. His nal users,” said Mark studies that encompass both traditional and in- current projects include books on Chopin’s noc- Allen, director of the novative topics and approaches. He has master- turnes and on Chopin’s things, and an investi- Singh Center and Al- fully translated important and highly challeng- gation into the links between ideas of landscape and modernism, especially in Scandinavian fred Fitler Moore Pro- ing texts and has edited and co-edited influential fessor of Electrical & compilations, namely on Augustan poetry and music from the first half of the 20th century. Dr. Kallberg’s critical edition of Luisa Miller Systems Engineering the works of Vergil. He is currently working on in Penn’s School of En- a monograph, entitled Juno’s Aeneid, on meta- for The Works of Giuseppe Verdi has been per- formed on stages across North America, Europe gineering & Applied poetics, narrativity and dissent in Vergil’s epic and Asia, and he is the recipient of fellowships Science. “Our goal is Mark Allen masterpiece. from the National Endowment for the Humani- to catalyze a nanotech Mark and Esther Watkins established this ties and the Guggenheim Foundation. hub, centered here in Philadelphia, by bring- chair through a bequest in 1969. Their gift sup- This chair was established through a 1970 ing together industry and academic external us- ports an accomplished teacher who shows po- gift from the William R. Kenan Charitable Trust ers and having them interact with Penn facilities tential as a leader in his or her field. The hold- to support a scholar and teacher of distinction and Penn researchers.” er must demonstrate a breadth of knowledge whose enthusiasm for learning, commitment to In addition to hosting outside researchers and accomplishment spanning more than one teaching and interest in students will make a no- who need the Singh Center’s equipment to im- discipline and, most importantly, have a lively table contribution to the undergraduate commu- age or manipulate atomic and molecular-scale awareness of the role and ramifications of the nity. Established in 1966, the William R. Kenan samples, the Center will also host education humanities as they touch upon cultural values, Charitable Trust focuses on education at private programs to introduce high school students, col- aesthetics and history. institutions in the United States. (continued on page 2) $3 Million NSF Grant for Research Partnership: University of Puerto Rico and Penn The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and PREM award is the third garnered by UPR and “I think the success of our long partnership can University of Pennsylvania have been award- Penn’s LRSM. This award supports the work be attributed primarily to the interest and commit- ed a $3 million National Science Foundation of students and faculty at three UPR campuses: ment of partners from both institutions, who are al- (NSF) grant to support their Partnership for Re- Humacao, Cayey and Bayamon, of which Hu- ways excited about working together on solving search and Education in Materials (PREM). The macao is the lead institution. research problems as well as mentoring and moti- PREM award extends the decade-spanning rela- “We see this as a critical pathway for increas- vating students,” she said. “After 15 years, we have tionship between UPR and Penn’s Laboratory for ing diversity in STEM fields, both at Penn and well-established collaborations, but at the same Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM), in beyond,” said Arjun Yodh, director of Penn’s (continued on page 2) which faculty, staff and students share resources LRSM and co-director of the PREM. “More- IN THIS ISSUE and collaborate on interdisciplinary research re- over, all participating institutions are doing ex- 2 Trustees Meetings; Council Meeting; lated to materials science. cellent science, and a long paper trail of collab- Conversation on Pope Francis’ Visit; Privacy Officer The PREM program is funded by the NSF’s orative interdisciplinary materials publications 3 From the President and Provost: On the Findings Division of Materials Research with the aim of has resulted from our partnership.” of the AAU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual building long-term partnerships between mi- UPR, Humacao, is an undergraduate insti- Assault and Sexual Misconduct nority-serving educational institutions and NSF tution, and many of the joint papers published 4 Campus Resources 5 Research Roundup research centers such as the LRSM, which hosts have undergraduate co-authors. 6 Benchmarks: Twenty-Five Year Club: New Members a Materials Research Science and Engineering “The impact of PREM goes well beyond 8 Research Roundup Center. the program participants and has transformed 9 Morris Arboretum: Fall Festival, Connections Series Penn and UPR were two of the original insti- the research culture at our university and influ- 10 Penn’s Way; African Roots, American Voices; tutions involved in this type of NSF partnership, enced the Puerto Rican community-at-large,” Community Involvement Recognition Awards which began more than 15 years ago when the said PREM co-director Idalia Ramos, a profes- 11 Annenberg Lecture; PHOS; Burrison Gallery; Microbiome Symposium; CrimeStats program was known as a Collaborative to Inte- sor in the department of physics and electronics 12 Woven Words: Illuminating Wampum Histories grate Research and Education. The most recent at UPR, Humacao. Pullout: October AT PENN ALMANAC September 29, 2015 www.upenn.edu/almanac 1 $5 Million NSF Grant to Establish University Privacy Officer: Trustees: October 1 Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Hub Scott Schafer Meetings of the Trustees of the University of at Penn’s Singh Center The Office of Audit, Compliance and Privacy Pennsylvania will be held on Thursday, Octo- (continued from page 1) announced the arrival of Scott Schafer as Uni- ber 1. lege undergraduates and the Philadelphia area versity Privacy Officer. 9:35-11:05 a.m. Budget & Finance community to nanotechnology. The next gen- Mr. Schafer joins the Committee; Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Conference Center. eration of nanotechnologists will have the op- Office of Audit, Compli- portunity to participate in Nano Day and Sum- ance and Privacy hav- 1:15-1:30 p.m. Meeting of the Executive mer Research Experiences for Undergraduates ing spent the last four Committee; Perelman Center for Advanced programs, view nanotechnology contributions years as Senior Coun- Medicine, Conference Center. to community outreach programs such as Philly sel with the Vanguard Please contact the Office of the University Materials Day and the Philadelphia Science Fes- Group where he led the Secretary at (215) 898-7005 with your plans to Legal & Compliance attend. tival and participate in workforce training activ- Division’s Global Pri- ities for nanotechnology technicians carried out vacy & Data Protection in partnership with the Community College of team. In this capacity he COUNCIL Philadelphia. had global responsibility Penn’s nanotechnology hub will be part of a From the Office of the University Secretary for ensuring enterprise- Scott Schafer nationwide effort to increase access to such re- wide compliance with search facilities for the public good. U.S. and international privacy and data security Agenda for “NSF’s long-standing investments in nan- laws. Mr. Schafer brings to Penn significant ex- University Council Meeting otechnology infrastructure have helped the re- perience in working with key business partners search community to make great progress and senior leadership to develop and implement Wednesday, October 7, 4 p.m. by making research facilities available,” said business solutions that ensure privacy compli- Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall Pramod Khargonekar, NSF’s assistant director ance while driving business results and encour- for engineering. “NNCI will serve as a nation- aging innovation. Prior to Vanguard, he served in I. Announcement of Appointment of a wide backbone for nanoscale research, which multiple roles of escalating responsibility in the Moderator (1 minute). will lead to continuing innovations and econom- Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, in- II. Announcement of Appointment of a ic and societal benefits.” cluding chief of the Consumer Protection Divi- Parliamentarian (1 minute). sion. During that time, Mr. Schafer was respon- III. Approval of the Minutes of April 22, Subscribe to Express Almanac sible for enforcing compliance with federal and 2015 (1 minute). Sign up to receive email state privacy and data security laws and regula- IV. Follow up comments on Status Reports (5 notification when a new issue tions, led investigations into data security breach- minutes). is published each week and es, and oversaw the development of policies and V. Presentation and Scheduling of Focus when we post breaking news best practices on privacy and data security. between issues. Send an email to listserv@lists. Issues for University Council for the Mr. Schafer holds a JD from Harvard Law Academic Year (5 minutes). upenn.edu with “subscribe e-almanac
The Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, a project of the Association of American Universities, was designed to provide comparable data on the frequency and characteristics of sexual assault, sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct. The survey was administered by Westat, an independent national social science research firm, to Penn’s undergraduate, graduate and professional students. There were 27 participating institutions including Penn and six other Ivy League universities.
On the Findings of the AAU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct Dear Members of the Penn Community, On behalf of our leadership team, including all our deans, faculty and staff, we are writing to say that it is our highest priority and we will do everything in our power, individually and collectively, to make every student safe and secure from all forms of sexual harassment and assault on Penn’s campus. We decided to undertake a campus climate survey, in coordination with our peers in the Association of Ameri- can Universities, to learn more about the incidence of these serious problems and our students’ sense of their ex- perience on our campus. The survey results confirm our deepest concerns, and we write to you now to say that we are therefore redou- bling our efforts. We must not, and we will not, rest until we effectively tackle this problem as a campus community. The results of the survey we commissioned are deeply troubling. A core principle of all great educational in- stitutions, indeed of every decent society, is respect for all individuals. Every instance of sexual harassment and assault directly undermines this, and is simply unacceptable. We will do everything in our power to address this issue on our campus. This includes all-out efforts aimed at prevention and extends to ensuring fair means of re- sponding to all instances of sexual assault and harassment. The survey was extensive. We encourage everyone on campus—students, faculty and staff—to view the re- sults in full at http://www.upenn.edu/ir/aau-campus-climate-survey.html This site contains the Penn data as well as the aggregate data from all 27 universities. Let us single out here just one among many striking and useful find- ings: despite our determined efforts, a majority of students in the Penn survey report that they do not know where to find help here on campus if they or a friend are victims of sexual assault or sexual misconduct. All individuals in the Penn community—women and men, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual, undergraduates, graduate and professional students alike—must know where to turn for help if and when prevention fails. We clear- ly must do more, beginning immediately, to make all students aware that they have immediate recourse for help. We want everyone on campus to know that students who have experienced or know someone who has expe- rienced assault or abuse can turn to the Division of Public Safety Special Services Unit, Counseling and Psycho- logical Services, Student Health Service or the Penn’s Women’s Center. Links to these and other resources can be found at https://secure.www.upenn.edu/vpul/pvp/resources.php Anyone in doubt of where to turn should call the Penn Help Line, anytime, at (215) 898-HELP. We will continue to promote awareness of the Penn Help Line on PennCards and through other means. We will mobilize all necessary resources to better understand and address the problems, to serve all students in need and to ensure regular monitoring of our effectiveness going forward. To this end, we have charged the Vice Provosts for Education and for University Life to make this their highest pri- ority, and to enlist everyone who can effectively aid and advise in this cause. We also must make all students comfortable reporting incidents, and we must provide collective assurance that there will be zero tolerance for retaliation. Students, parents and everyone in our community need to know that all complaints will be effectively acted upon in full fairness to the complainant and the respondent. Every member of our community must know that we will always do whatever is needed to resolve every issue that aris- es in the most just and caring way possible, with the aid of our newly established Office of the Sexual Violence Investigator and other important support systems. As the President and Provost of this institution, and on behalf of our senior administrative staff, the deans and the faculty, we pledge to honor this commitment to our collec- tive University community. We have long held that any harassment or assault on our campuses is absolutely unacceptable. The climate sur- vey we undertook confirms just how great a problem we confront. We will do everything in our power to coun- teract this climate, and we call upon all members of our community to do their parts as well. We will be arrang- ing meetings across campus to discuss additional steps that we, and everyone who can address these important is- sues, are prepared to take. These meetings will entail outreach to Penn’s many student groups and leaders includ- ing those associated with College Houses, fraternities and sororities, cultural groups, athletic teams and student government, both undergraduates and graduate and professional students. We ask you to join us in an all-out and all-in effort to make everyone on Penn’s campus equally safe, secure and respected at all times.
Sincerely,
—Amy Gutmann, President
—Vincent Price, Provost
Ed. Note: For the list of campus resources at Penn that are mentioned above, see the next page.
ALMANAC September 29, 2015 www.upenn.edu/almanac 3 Where to Find Help: University of Pennsylvania Campus Resources Here is a reference list from Penn’s Violence Prevention Office,https://secure.www.upenn.edu/vpul/pvp/resources.php of the key offices that may be useful for a student affected by sexual violence, dating violence or stalking. If in doubt about where to turn for help, call the Penn Help Line at (215) 898-HELP.
Special Services Unit in the The Office of the Sexual Violence Investiga- tunity Programs. OAA/EOP can assist with informal Division of Public Safety (DPS) tive Officer is responsible for managing -and in resolution or may pursue formal action. Formal ac- 4040 Chestnut Street vestigating complaints against enrolled Penn stu- tion is initiated by filing a written complaint with 24-Hour Helpline: (215) 898-6600 dents alleging violations of the University’s Sex- OAA/EOP. They will investigate the complaint and Special Services offers comprehensive victim ual Violence, Relationship Violence and Stalking will take appropriate action. OAA/EOP also pro- support for any member of the University commu- policy. The Sexual Violence Investigative Officer vides training for Penn faculty and staff on sexual nity who has been a victim of interpersonal vio- works with the Penn community to implement the harassment and other issues related to affirmative lence. Special Services has advocates on call 24 Amendment to the Student Disciplinary Charter, action, equal opportunity and diversity. hours a day that can provide options counseling, which applies to all twelve schools. Any member Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender hospital and court accompaniment, and take for- of the Penn community or the general public who (LGBT) Center mal police reports. Special Services is a confiden- believes a Penn student has violated the University Carriage House, 3907 Spruce Street tial unit and can provide support for students who Sexual Violence, Relationship Violence and Stalk- Tel: (215) 898-5044 wish to remain anonymous. ing policy may bring a complaint to this office. The LGBT Center provides advocacy, edu- Penn Women’s Center (PWC) Office of Student Conduct cation, outreach and support for and concerning 3643 Locust Walk 207 Duhring Wing, 236 South 34th Street Penn’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender com- Tel: (215) 898-6500, (215) 898-8611 Tel: (215) 898-5651 munity. Staff Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Philadelphia Resources The Penn Women’s Center provides education, The Office of Student Conduct (OSC) isre- There are a number of community-based agen- advocacy and co-facilitates support groups for sur- sponsible for acting on behalf of the University in cies that are not affiliated with the University that vivors of sexual violence. Staff at the Penn Wom- matters of student discipline. OSC deals with al- can provide support, counseling and advocacy. en’s Center can assist victims in navigating the dif- leged instances of academic dishonesty and oth- Below is information about a few of these orga- ferent resources both at Penn and in the broader er student misconduct, in order to determine how nizations that are often recommended to students. community. They are also available to provide sup- best to resolve these allegations consistent with the For other off-campus resources and online re- port and guidance to friends and family of sexual goals and mission of the University as an educa- sources, see https://secure.www.upenn.edu/vpul/ assault victims. PWC supports all students regard- tional and intellectual community. OSC does not pvp/resources.php less of gender identity or sexual orientation. investigate complaints regarding violation of the Counseling and Psychological Services Sexual Violence, Relationship Violence and Stalk- Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR) (CAPS) ing policy (see above resource). Any member of One Penn Center, 1617 John F Kennedy Blvd., 3624 Market St, 1st Floor, West the University community or the general pub- Suite 1100 Tel: (215) 898-7021 lic who believes that a Penn student has violated 24 Hour Hotline: (215) 985-3333 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday Penn’s rules may bring a complaint to OSC. WOAR is a non-profit organization in Philadel- phia that provides a 24-hour hotline, free individu- Emergency walk-in all day. Student Intervention Services Night and Weekend Emergencies: (215) 349-5490 al and group counseling to children and adults who 3611 Locust Walk have experienced sexual abuse/assault, counseling (ask for CAPS Clinician on Call) Tel: (215) 898-6081 CAPS offers a wide range of free and con- in Spanish and hospital and court accompaniment. Office Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. WOAR provides services to all survivors regard- fidential services in a safe space to help students Student Intervention Services (SIS), which is who have experienced violence of any kind and to less of gender or sexual orientation and offers a centrally located in the Office of the Vice Provost Queer Survivors Group. help students who have been accused of commit- for University Life, coordinates the University’s re- ting violence. Initial consultation, individual and sponse to reports of interpersonal violence against Women Against Abuse (WAA) group counseling, crisis intervention, structured students. SIS provides support to student victims/ 100 South Broad Street, Suite 1341 workshops and medication reviews are available. survivors; coordinates with schools, housing ad- Philadelphia, PA 19110 CAPS also has the Sexual Trauma Treatment Out- ministrators and other relevant offices at students’ 24-hour hotline: 1 (866) 723-3014 reach and Prevention (STTOP) Team, a multidis- request; and connects students to appropriate sup- Office: (215) 386-1280 ciplinary team of Counseling and Psychological port services. SIS respects the sensitivity of vio- WAA is a non-profit organization in Philadel- Services (CAPS) clinicians dedicated to providing lence cases and can discreetly advocate for students phia that provides comprehensive services to vic- confidential care, support and advocacy to students with schools and other offices in the University. tims of domestic violence in the Philadelphia com- munity including emergency shelter, transitional who have experienced sexual trauma during their Office of the Chaplain academic career. housing, legal services, behavioral healthcare, ad- 240 Houston Hall vocacy and education. WAA provides services to Student Health Service Tel: (215) 898-8456 3535 Market St, Suite 100 all survivors regardless of gender or sexual orien- The Office of the Chaplain offers pastoral sup- tation. Tel: (215) 746-3535 (on call provider available 24/7) port, guidance or informal advising and counseling Office Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., to all members of the Penn community. The staff Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., is trained to support survivors of interpersonal and Center (PSARC) Saturday 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; modified hours are in sexual violence or anyone struggling with related 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue effect during Fall, Winter and Spring Break, major issues in a safe and confidential manner. They are Philadelphia, PA 19124 holidays and Summer Sessions. also able to connect students to either campus re- Tel: (215) 800-1589 The Student Health Service can provide evalu- sources or community religious support as needed. Emergencies: Call (215) 425-1625 to reach the on-call sexual assault nurse examiner. ation and treatment to victims of sexual and dating Office of the Ombudsman violence regardless of whether they make a report 113 Duhring Wing, 236 South 34th Street The Philadelphia Sexual Assault Treatment Cen- or seek additional resources. Both male and female Tel: (215) 898-8261 ter is designated to provide forensic rape examina- providers can perform examinations, discuss test- The Ombudsman is available to listen and in- tions to victims of sexual assault and to assist them ing and treatment of sexually transmissible infec- quire into issues or complaints; to explore options in the process of making a report to the Philadelphia tions, provide emergency contraception if necessary for informal resolution of conflicts; to mediate spe- Police Department. It is recommended that victims and arrange for referrals and follow-up. The Student cific disputes; to clarify and examine universi- who wish to pursue legal action, or who may wish Health Service does not perform forensic rape ex- ty policies and procedures; and to connect people to take legal action in the future, receive a rape exam aminations. All services are confidential. Office vis- with appropriate resources within the University. which includes a collection of evidence. During this its are covered in full by the Clinical Fee and the examination victims can receive treatment for inju- Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP). Charges for lab Office of Affirmative Action and ries and sexually transmitted infections as well as tests related to a sexual assault are waived. Equal Opportunity Programs emergency contraception. Individuals may contact 3600 Chestnut Street, Sansom Place East, Suite 228 Office of the Sexual Violence PSARC directly by calling the 24-hour hotline, or Tel: (215) 898-6993 they can reach out to the Penn DPS Special Servic- Investigative Officer Faculty, staff and students who believe that they, 3901 Walnut St, Suite 320 es Department who will provide 24/7 transportation or someone they know, has been sexually harassed and accompaniment to the center. Tel: (215) 898-2887 or discriminated against may file a complaint with Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Oppor- 4 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC September 29, 2015 RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Penn/Baylor Med Study Describes Penn Nursing Study May Lead to More Effective Underlying Cause of Diabetes in Dogs Treatment of Chemotherapy Side Effects Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Baylor Col- Annually, hundreds of thousands of patients battling cancer undergo lege of Medicine have used advanced imaging technology to fill in de- chemotherapy, which often results in poorly-tolerated side effects such as tails about the underlying cause of canine diabetes, which until now has nausea, vomiting and loss of the desire to eat. been little understood. For the first time, they’ve precisely quantified the Bart C. De Jonghe, assistant professor of nursing and senior author of dramatic loss of insulin-producing beta cells in dogs with the disease and a new study published on August 5 in the Journal of Neuroscience, has compared it to the loss observed in people with type 1 diabetes. advanced our understanding of how chemotherapy causes side effects re- “The architecture of the canine pancreas has never been studied in the de- lated to nausea, vomiting and anorexia using pre-clinical rodent models of tail that we have done in this paper,” said Rebecka Hess, professor of internal chemotherapy-induced illness. medicine at Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine and an author on the study. “This publication shows that blocking specific receptors for the- neu Despite important differences between the disease in dogs and hu- rotransmitter glutamate within the amygdala, an area of the brain associated mans, the study also identified key similarities that suggest investigating with feeding, sickness and emotion, results in a robust alleviation of sick- diabetes in dogs may yield valuable insights into treating humans. ness and anorexia produced by cisplatin chemotherapy treatment in the an- The research was led by Emily Shields, currently a graduate student in imals. This work has also helped us construct a clearer picture of how the Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, who completed much of the work as anatomy of the brain is organized and connected to facilitate these obser- a high school and then college student in labs at Penn and Baylor. Jake A. vations. It is our hope that this knowledge can be used to inform future re- Kushner, formerly of Penn and now a McNair Medical Institute Scholar search with the goal of further limiting, or even altogether preventing, com- and chief of pediatric diabetes & endocrinology at Baylor College of Med- mon chemotherapy side effects in cancer patients,” Dr. De Jonghe explains. icine, was the senior author. Together with Dr. Hess, they collaborated with In his role as senior author and director of the project, Dr. De Jong- Thomas J. Van Winkle of Penn Vet, Matthew M. Rankin of Penn Medicine he coordinated with lead author Amber Alhadeff as part of an ongoing and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Carol J. Lam and Aaron R. research collaboration between the De Jonghe laboratory and the labo- Cox of Baylor. Their study was published on June 9 in PLOS ONE. ratory of Harvey Grill in the department of psychology. This work also Canine diabetes can be managed with insulin, similar to type 1 diabe- highlights Penn undergraduates as partners in Dr. De Jonghe’s transdis- tes in humans. But unlike the human version of the disease, dogs typically ciplinary research, with laboratory members Ruby A. Holland (SAS ’16) develop diabetes in middle or old age, while people with type 1 diabetes and recent BSN graduate Alexandra Nelson (SON ’14) earning co-author- are typically diagnosed during childhood. In addition, while type 1 diabe- ship on the paper as a result of their significant contributions. tes is known to be an autoimmune condition, researchers haven’t found Dr. De Jonghe is currently funded by the National Institute of Diabetes conclusive evidence that the same is true in dogs. and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and by the American Cancer Society. To learn more about the factors that contribute to canine diabetes, the Which PSAs Make Parents More Likely researchers made use of a repository of donated tissue samples from dogs to Cut Kids’ Soda Intake? —23 with diabetes and 17 without—who had been treated at Penn Vet’s Getting children to cut back on sugar-sweetened beverages like soda Ryan Hospital. The team used robotic microscopes that rapidly moved and energy drinks has been the goal of anti-obesity public service adver- around a slide taking images of pancreas tissue samples, which were then tisements (PSAs) in cities across the United States. But to achieve that, the analyzed by a computer to determine their contents. PSAs use very different strategies – some aim for humor, some use scare “In a larger view we could look at the entire cross-section of the pan- tactics and some appeal to parents’ nurturing instincts. creas to determine how many islets there were and how big they were,” A new study takes an experimental approach to identify the effective- Ms. Shields said. “Then we could zoom in to differentiate beta cells, ness of specific persuasive techniques used in PSAs. Researchers found which produce insulin, from alpha cells, which produce glucagon.” that the PSAs that were perceived as making a stronger argument for re- They found that beta cells dropped off in dramatic fashion in diabet- ducing sugary beverages and produced greater feelings of hope and em- ic dogs, reduced 13-fold compared to non-diabetic animals. They also powerment made parents more likely to say they intended to cut back on found that non-diabetic canine islets contained a large percentage of beta their children’s intake of sugary drinks. cells, comprising about 80 percent of endocrine cells. In contrast, beta The study, “Sugar-Sweetened Beverage-Related Public Service Adver- cells comprise slightly more than 50 percent of endocrine cells in non-di- tisements and Their Influence on Parents,” was conducted by researchers at abetic human islets. The researchers noted that this may mean that dogs the University of Pennsylvania and published online on July 21 in Ameri- need to lose more beta cells than humans do before experiencing symp- can Behavioral Scientist. The public service ads targeted sugary beverages toms of diabetes. The observation could explain why dogs develop a form including non-diet soda, sweetened tea and sports, energy and fruit drinks. of diabetes that is similar to type 1 diabetes, but do so later in life, com- The study, involving a national sample of 807 parents with children pared to humans. ages 3 to 17, found that persuasive techniques that used fear or nurturance They also identified features of the islets and pancreatic structures that were more significantly related to an ad’s perceived argument strength. were different in dogs than in humans. Those emotional appeals may be more promising strategies for health-re- “In sharp contrast to human diabetes, in which there are a lot of islets lated messages directed at parents, the researchers said. still present but none contains insulin, we found in dogs that only a few beta “Study after study shows that sugar-sweetened beverage consumption cells were present and the islets were incredibly small,” Dr. Kushner said. is associated with weight gain in children,” said Amy Jordan, lead author of While the researchers had hoped to be able to visualize immune cells the research and adjunct full professor at the Annenberg School for Com- infiltrating the pancreas and attacking beta cells, they failed to doso. munication. She is also a distinguished research fellow of the Annenberg While other signs point to canine diabetes being an autoimmune condi- Public Policy Center (APPC) and president of the International Commu- tion, this study did not find a “smoking gun.” nication Association. “There are now a plethora of campaigns encourag- Though the work highlights differences between canine and human di- ing healthier beverage consumption, and research like this helps to identify abetes, it also points to a number of similarities that distinguish the two which strategies have the greatest likelihood of resonating with parents.” from diabetes in rodents, which are often used as models to study the dis- Amy Bleakley, a senior research scientist at APPC and a co-author of ease. For example, the scientists observed that dogs’ beta cells were dis- the study, said, “It’s important to have research-based, evidence-driven tributed throughout the islets, as beta cells in humans are. In rodents, beta ads. You want to know before you create the ads which strategies are ef- cells are concentrated in the center of the islet. fective for your audience.” “Now that we know more about the disease in dogs and in particular This study followed one published earlier this year in which teens were how they are similar to humans in ways that rodents are not, it makes them shown the same PSAs. It found that PSAs based on fear—which warned more appealing as a model,” Dr. Kushner said. about the health consequences of too much sugar, including obesity, diabetes At Penn, Dr. Hess is currently working to look for genetic markers in and amputations —had the greatest effect on the teens’ intention to cut back dogs that heighten a dog’s risk of developing diabetes. “My hope is that on sugary drinks. It was published in the Journal of Health Communication. with genetic screening we can eventually identify pre-clinical diabetic In addition to Dr. Jordan and Dr. Bleakley, the study’s authors were dogs, potentially making breeding recommendations that could decrease Michael Hennessy (formerly of APPC); Karen Glanz (Penn’s School of the incidence and prevalence of the disease in dogs,” she said. Nursing) and Andrew A. Strasser (Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine), The research was supported by the NIH, Robert and Janice McNair both also APPC distinguished research fellows; and Sarah Vaala (Vander- Foundation, Pathology and Histology Core at Baylor College of Medicine bilt University School of Nursing). and Diabetes Research Center of the Baylor College of Medicine. (continued on page 8, after center spread) ALMANAC September 29, 2015 www.upenn.edu/almanac 5 BENCHMARKS Since 1956, Penn has celebrated a rite of passage each year for faculty and staff of all ranks who meet only one common requisite: they have been members of the University community for 25 years. Another 231 new members crossed the 25-year mark in 2015 and will be welcomed at the University of Pennsylvania annual 25-Year Club celebration on October 1. New Bolton Center will have a separate celebration on October 29. At the 25-Year Club Annual Lecture—preceding the October 1 celebration—Jeffrey Rosen, professor at George Washington University School of Law and president & CEO of the National Constitution Center, will give a talk on The Future of the Constitution. Dr. Rosen’s talk will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the second floor of Houston Hall in the Class of ’49 Auditorium and is open to the Penn community. His lecture is sponsored by the Penn Association of Senior and Emeritus Faculty (PASEF). Twenty-Five Year Club: New Members for 2015 Ms. Patricia Anderson, Exter- Nursing Administration, SAS nancial Services, Division of Fi- nal Dining, Residential & Hospi- Dr. Charles Cantor, Neurology, Ms. Erin Fallon, Computing, nance tality Services Perelman School of Medicine SAS Dr. Philip Hanno, Surgery Ad- Mr. David Anstine, Tech Ser- Dr. Joseph Cappella, Annen- Dr. John Farley, Marketing, ministration, Perelman School of vices-Network Operations, ISC berg School for Communication Wharton Medicine Mr. Gilbert Aponte, House- Ms. Kay Carr, Widener Hospi- Dr. Norman Feinsmith, Car- Mr. Thomas Harley, Trades, keeping, FRES tal, Veterinary Medicine diovascular Medicine, Perelman FRES Dr. Luis Araujo, Radiology, Mr. Robert Chalfin, Manage- School of Medicine Ms. Patrice Harper, Gene Ther- Perelman School of Medicine ment, Wharton Mr. Marc Felice, Radiation apy Program, Perelman School of Dr. Steven Arnold, Psychiatry, Dr. Linda Chance, East Asian Safety Medicine Perelman School of Medicine Languages & Civilizations, SAS Mr. Michael Felker, Computer Mr. Joseph Hines, Trades, Dr. Marc Auriacombe, Addic- Ms. Alice Chen, Chemistry, & Information Science, SEAS FRES tions, Perelman School of Medi- SAS Dr. Maria Feltri, Neurology, Ms. Genevieve Hollis, Biobe- cine Mr. John Chybinski, House- Perelman School of Medicine havioral & Health Sciences, School Mr. John Baji, Annenberg Cen- keeping, FRES Dr. James Ferguson, Clini- of Nursing ter for Performing Arts Dr. Michael Colucciello, Oph- cal Studies-New Bolton Center, Ms. Rashida Holmes, Penn Dr. Ronald Barg, Medicine Af- thalmology, Perelman School of School of Veterinary Medicine Fund, Development & Alumni Re- filiates Administration, Perelman Medicine Mr. Michael Fisher, Facilities, lations School of Medicine Dr. Russell Composto, Materi- Perelman School of Medicine Dr. David Horowitz, Gener- Dr. Rita Barnard, English, SAS als Science & Engineering, SEAS Ms. Felicia Floyd, External Af- al Internal Medicine, Perelman Mr. Robert Barron, Client Ser- Ms. Linda Cook, Student fairs, Wharton School of Medicine vices-Technology Support Servic- Health Services Dr. Godlove Fonjweng, Earth Dr. Dianne Hotmer, Obstetrics es, ISC Mr. John Cooper, Neurosci- & Environmental Science, SAS & Gynecology, Perelman School Ms. Patricia Baxter, Cardiovas- ence, Perelman School of Medi- Ms. Jeanmarie Fox, Admissions of Medicine cular Institute, Perelman School of cine & Financial Aid, Perelman School Ms. Suzanne Hyndman, Histor- Medicine Ms. Maureen Cotterill, Gradu- of Medicine ic Preservation, School of Design Ms. Elizabeth Beck, Universi- ate School of Education Ms. Barbara Fox, Cancer Cen- Ms. Darlene Jackson, History ty Libraries Ms. Joanne Crossin, Insti- ter, Perelman School of Medicine of Art, SAS Mr. George Belka, Cancer Biol- tute for Neuroscience, Perelman Mr. David Fox, College Houses Dr. Christopher Jepson, Center ogy, Perelman School of Medicine School of Medicine & Academic Services for Clinical Biostatistics, Perelman Ms. Bernice Benoit, Dermatol- Dr. Dennis Culhane, School of Dr. Richard Freifelder, Radiol- School of Medicine ogy, Perelman School of Medicine Social Policy & Practice ogy, Perelman School of Medicine Ms. Paula Johnson, Housekeep- Dr. Robert Berkowitz, CHOP- Mr. Richard Darden, House- Mr. Steven Gagne, Office of the ing, FRES Psychiatry, Perelman School of keeping, FRES President, President’s Center Dr. Gary Kao, Radiation Oncol- Medicine Dr. Paul De Weer, Physiology, Mr. Patrick Gallagher, House- ogy, Perelman School of Medicine Dr. Joseph Bernstein, Ortho- Perelman School of Medicine keeping, FRES Ms. Maureen Keating, House- paedic Surgery, Perelman School Ms. Suzanne DePuyt, Under- Ms. Marie Gallagher, Annen- keeping, FRES of Medicine graduate Admissions berg Center for Performing Arts Sister Rose Kershbaumer, Dr. Jaclyn Biegel, Pediatrics, Ms. Catherine DiBonaventura, Ms. Kim Garrison, Research School of Nursing Perelman School of Medicine Design Computing Center, School Services, Division of Finance Mr. Lamont Keyes, Wharton Ms. Ann Bies, Linguistic Data of Design Ms. Evalyn Gelhaus, Universi- Operations, Wharton Consortium, SAS Mr. Kenneth Dickens, House- ty Libraries Ms. Marian Kirk, Neurosur- Mr. John Blaine, Ryan Hospi- keeping, FRES Dr. Thomas Gerrity, Manage- gery, Perelman School of Medicine tal, Veterinary Medicine Ms. Diane DiGiacomo, Re- ment, Wharton Dr. Lisa Klein, Community Ra- Dr. Alan Borislow, Orthodon- search & Analysis, Development Ms. Roxanne Gilmer, Manage- diology, Perelman School of Med- tics, Dental Medicine & Alumni Relations ment, Wharton icine Dr. Maria Bourlatskaya, Slavic Ms. Denise Dixon, Pathology Dr. Michael Golden, Surgery Dr. J. Kneeland, Radiology, Languages & Literature, SAS & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman Administration, Perelman School Perelman School of Medicine Ms. Donna Bristow, Trades, School of Medicine of Medicine Ms. Linda Kronfeld, Principal FRES Dr. Christopher Donovan, Col- Dr. Elizabeth Goldmuntz, Pe- Gifts, Development & Alumni Re- Ms. Nancy Broadwell, Univer- lege Houses & Academic Services diatrics, Perelman School of Med- lations sity Libraries Mr. Jeffrey Douthett, Client icine Dr. Kevin Kuehlwein, Family Mr. Albert Brown, Facilities Services-Technology Support Ser- Dr. Robert Gorman, Surgery & Community Health, School of Planning & Operations, SAS vices, ISC Administration, Perelman School Nursing Dr. Kathleen Brown, Family Dr. Brian Drachman, Cardiol- of Medicine Ms. Nancy Kusik, Widen- & Community Health, School of ogy, Perelman School of Medicine Mr. Stephen Gross, Clinical er Hospital, School of Veterinary Nursing Dr. Dennis Durbin, Pediatrics, Studies-Philadelphia, School of Medicine Dr. Maja Bucan, Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine Veterinary Medicine Dr. John Lambris, Pathology Perelman School of Medicine Dr. Christine Edelstein, Ro- Ms. Bronwyn Gurley, Human & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman Ms. Donna Burdumy, Annen- mance Languages, SAS Resources School of Medicine berg School for Communication Dr. Irma Elo, Sociology, SAS Dr. Chang-Gyu Hahn, Psychia- Ms. Rodothea Lambris, Pathol- Ms. Kimberley Byrd, Office of Dr. William Ewald, Law School try, Perelman School of Medicine ogy & Laboratory Medicine, Perel- Information Services, School of Mr. Thomas Ewing, Finance & Ms. Silvia Hanks, Student Fi- (continued on page 7) 6 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC September 29, 2015 (continued from page 6) icine Mr. Raymond Rodman, Penn Ms. Marilyn Spicer, College man School of Medicine Ms. Kim Montgomery, Comp- Police, DPS Houses & Academic Services Dr. Laurie Landeau, Pathobiol- troller’s Office, Division of Fi- Mr. Mario Rojas, Housekeep- Dr. Christal Springer, Universi- ogy, Veterinary Medicine nance ing, FRES ty Libraries Ms. Mary LeCates, Chaplain’s Dr. John Mooney, Oral Surgery Dr. Daniel Romer, Annenberg Dr. J. Michael Steele, Statistics, Office & Pharmacology, Dental Medicine Public Policy Center, Annenberg Wharton Ms. Teresa Leo, Communica- Mr. John J. Mulhern III, ISC- School for Communication Dr. David Steinman, Psychia- tions Group, ISC Emerging Solutions, ISC Ms. Susan Rostami, Surgery try, Perelman School of Medicine Dr. Teresa Lewis, Widener Hos- Dr. John J. Mulhern, Fels Insti- Administration, Perelman School Dr. Daniel Sterman, Pulmonary, pital, Veterinary Medicine tute of Government, SAS of Medicine Allergy & Critical Care, Perelman Dr. Mitchell Lewis, Biochemis- Dr. Sheila Murnaghan, Classi- Mr. William Russell, Pulmo- School of Medicine try & Biophysics, Perelman School cal Studies, SAS nary Airways Biology Initiative, Dr. Howard Stevenson, Gradu- of Medicine Ms. Allysia Murphy, Wharton Perelman School of Medicine ate School of Education Dr. Karen Lewis, Finance, Computing & Instructional Tech- Dr. Jacqueline Sadashige, Cen- Mr. Michael Sylvester, Penn Wharton nology, Wharton ter for Programs in Contemporary Police, DPS Dr. Mark Liberman, Linguis- Ms. Kathryn Murphy, Family Writing, SAS Mr. Bruce Szewczyk, Tech Ser- tics, SAS & Community Health, School of Dr. Najeed Saleh, Preventive & vices-Computer Operations, ISC Ms. Ellen Liebman, The Col- Nursing Restorative Sciences, Dental Med- Dr. Nipul Tanna, Periodontics, lege, SAS Ms. Amy Myers, Wharton Ex- icine Dental Medicine Dr. Mary Lindee, History & So- ecutive MBA, Wharton Dr. Jorge Salessi, History, SAS Ms. Darlene Thompson, Project ciology of Science, SAS Ms. Donna Ney, Cardiovascu- Mr. Stephen Sammut, Health Management, FRES Dr. Jon Lindstrom, Neurosci- lar Institute, Perelman School of Care, Wharton Mr. Edward Thompson, Pathol- ence, Perelman School of Medi- Medicine Dr. Diane Sandefur, Equity & ogy & Laboratory Medicine, Perel- cine Ms. Regina O’Boyle, Physics Access Programs, Student Services man School of Medicine Dr. Ignacio Lopez, Romance & Astronomy, SAS Dr. Roberta Sands, School of Ms. Kelly Timbers, Obstetrics Languages, SAS Mr. Eduvigis Olmeda, House- Social Policy & Practice & Gynecology, Perelman School Dr. David Lynch, CHOP-Neu- keeping, FRES Ms. Olga Santos-Arbelo, of Medicine rology, Perelman School of Medi- Ms. Donna Ouellette, Student Housekeeping, FRES Ms. Sheryl Tisdale, University cine Financial Services, Division of Fi- Ms. Jodi Sarkisian, Office of Libraries Dr. John MacDuffie, Manage- nance the President, President’s Center Ms. Ruth Tumolo, Housekeep- ment, Wharton Mr. Rudolph Palmer, Penn Po- Mr. Raymond Scarbo, Trades, ing, FRES Mr. Francis Maleno, University lice, DPS FRES Dr. Tracey Turner, Graduate Di- Life Administration, Student Ser- Dr. Eric Parente, Clinical Stud- Dr. Dieter Schifferli, Pathobiol- vision Administration, SAS vices ies-New Bolton Center, School of ogy, Veterinary Medicine Dr. Michael Useem, Manage- Dr. Eric Maller, Pediatrics, Veterinary Medicine Dr. Linda Schleifer, School/ ment, Wharton Perelman School of Medicine Mr. Michael Patruno, Trades, Center Development, Develop- Dr. Sigrid Veasey, Sleep Medi- Mr. Joseph Malloy, Penn Po- FRES ment & Alumni Relations cine, Perelman School of Medicine lice, DPS Ms. Alison Peirce, Executive Dr. Mindy Schuster, Infec- Mr. Hector Velasquez, House- Dr. Francis Mante, Preventive Education, Wharton tious Diseases, Perelman School of keeping, FRES & Restorative Sciences, School of Dr. Concetta Pennetti, Biosta- Medicine Ms. Danielle Venit, The Col- Dental Medicine tistics & Epidemiology, Perelman Mr. Alan Schwartz, CHOP-An- lege, SAS Ms. Eileen Markmann, Surgery School of Medicine esthesia, Perelman School of Med- Ms. Michele Venuti-Wood, Administration, Perelman School Dr. Robert Perelman, English, icine Psychiatry, Perelman School of of Medicine SAS Ms. Susan Schwartz, Student Medicine Mr. Keith Martin, Penn Medi- Dr. Priya Pidikiti, Biochemistry Affairs, Dental Medicine Ms. Jo-Ann Verrier, Law cine Development, Development & Biophysics, Perelman School of Dr. Harish Sehdev, Obstetrics School & Alumni Relations Medicine & Gynecology, Perelman School Dr. Gary Vigilante, Cardiovas- Mr. Norberto Martinez, Trades, Dr. Jody Piltz-Seymour, Oph- of Medicine cular Medicine, Perelman School FRES thalmology, Perelman School of Dr. Chandra Sehgal, Radiology, of Medicine Dr. Frank Matero, Historic Medicine Perelman School of Medicine Dr. Debra Voulalas, Pediatrics, Preservation, School of Design Dr. Pedro Ponte-Castaneda, Mr. Reinaldo Serrano, Trades, Perelman School of Medicine Dr. Kathleen McCauley, Biobe- Mechanical Engineering & Ap- FRES Mr. Bruce Warren, WXPN, havioral & Health Sciences, School plied Mechanics, SEAS Mr. Paul Shaffer, Computing & President’s Center of Nursing Dr. Sabrina Poole, Addictions, Educational Technology Services, Mr. E. Paul Weidner, Finance Ms. Cecilia McDermott, Fiscal Perelman School of Medicine SEAS Administration, Division of Fi- Operations, School of Dental Med- Ms. Indira Prabakaran, Surgery Ms. Gaye Sheffler, Admissions nance icine Administration, Perelman School & Financial Aid, Perelman School Ms. Nancy Wilson, Housekeep- Ms. Elizabeth McGuire, Busi- of Medicine of Medicine ing, FRES ness Services Ms. Janice Pringle, Department Mr. Donald Shepherd, Division Dr. Jeffrey Winkler, Chemis- Dr. James McKay, Addictions, of Medicine, Perelman School of of Recreation & Intercollegiate try, SAS Perelman School of Medicine Medicine Athletics Ms. Tammie Winter-Istvan, Ms. Joanna McKnight, Exter- Dr. Parvati Ramchandani, Ra- Mr. Reed Shuldiner, Law Housekeeping, FRES nal Dining, Residential & Hospi- diology, Perelman School of Med- School Ms. Justine Wise, Housekeep- tality Services icine Mr. James Sillhart, Environ- ing, FRES Ms. Cecilia Mensah-Atoo, Dr. Philip Rea, Biology, SAS mental Health & Safety, Provost’s Mr. George Wisor, Universi- Management, Wharton Ms. Delores Richmond, Infor- Center ty Laboratory Animal Resources, Dr. James Meyer, CHOP-Radi- mation Management, Human Re- Ms. Debra Smiley-Koita, Ca- Provost’s Center ology, Perelman School of Medi- sources reer Services, Student Services Dr. Bryan Wolf, CHOP-Pathol- cine Ms. Maria Roberts-Reyes, Tech Mr. Jason Smith, Housekeep- ogy, Perelman School of Medicine Ms. Bonnie Miller, Ryan Hos- Services-Computer Operations, ISC ing, FRES Dr. Zhaohui Yang, Physiology, pital, Veterinary Medicine Mr. Clifton Robinson, Tech Dr. Michael Speirs, Anatomy Perelman School of Medicine Mr. Kevin Miyashiro, Pharma- Services-Network Operations, ISC & Cell Biology, School of Dental Ms. Clara Zulli, Ryan Hospital, cology, Perelman School of Med- Medicine Veterinary Medicine
ALMANAC September 29, 2015 www.upenn.edu/almanac 7 RESEARCH ROUNDUP
(continued from page 5, before center spread) Further modification of the ligand could enable other rare earths in technology products, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, to be recy- Simplified Recycling of Rare-earth Magnets cled this way. Despite their ubiquity in consumer electronics, rare-earth metals are, The research was supported by the Early Career Research Program of as their name suggests, hard to come by. Mining and purifying them is an the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science and the Research Cor- expensive, labor-intensive and ecologically devastating process. poration for Science Advancement. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have now pioneered a process that could enable the efficient recycling of two of these metals, Effects of Incarceration Spill Over into neodymium and dysprosium. These elements comprise the small, power- Health Care System, Penn Study Finds ful magnets that are found in many high-tech electronic devices. The consequences of incarceration on former inmates and their fam- In contrast to the massive and energy-intensive industrial process cur- ilies are well known. But how does imprisonment affect the health care rently used to separate rare earths, the Penn team’s method works nearly in- system as a whole? A new study, led by Jason Schnittker of the Universi- stantaneously at room temperature and uses standard laboratory equipment. ty of Pennsylvania and published in the September issue of The Milbank Sourcing neodymium and dysprosium from used electronics, rather Quarterly, finds that states with the highest incarceration rates experience than the ground, would increase their supply at a fraction of the financial, significant declines in overall access to and quality of care. human and environmental cost. Through this research, Dr. Schnittker, a professor in the department of The research was lead by Eric J. Schelter, assistant professor in the de- sociology in Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences, and colleagues from the Uni- partment of chemistry in Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences, and graduate versity of Minnesota and the University of Georgia address the ties between student Justin Bogart. Connor A. Lippincott, an undergraduate student in the prison system and other social systems—and bring to light the broader the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research, and Patrick J. Car- social costs of incarceration. It is what’s often called a spillover effect. roll, director of the University of Pennsylvania X-Ray Crystallography Spillover occurs when the behavior of one group in the communi- Facility, also contributed to the study. ty changes the situation of others. In the case of incarceration, the issue The study was published in Angewandte Chemie, International Edition. stems from relatively poor health among former inmates, higher levels of “Neodymium magnets can’t be beat in terms of their properties,” Dr. uninsurance and a greater risk of uncompensated care. Schelter said. “They give you the strongest amount of magnetism for the “There’s an emerging consensus that we incarcerate too many people smallest amount of stuff and can perform at a range of temperatures.” These and that incarceration has a huge negative impact on the lives of former thermal qualities are achieved by mixing neodymium with other elements, inmates,” Dr. Schnittker said. “There were reasons to expect that incarcer- including the rare-earth metal dysprosium, in different ratios. Because those ation could, through a series of steps, affect health care systems. Our job ratios differ based on the application the magnet is being used for, the two was to show how that could happen.” metals need to be separated and remixed before they can be reused. To reach these conclusions, Dr. Schnittker and colleagues evaluated “It’s, in principle, easier to get the neodymium and dysprosium out health care behavior at the individual level as a function of state-level in- of technology than it is to go back and mine more of the minerals they carceration rates, as well as a variety of control variables. They learned are originally found in,” Dr. Schelter said. “Those minerals have five ele- that in US states that incarcerate a greater number of people, populations ments to separate, whereas the neodymium magnet in a wind turbine gen- experience less overall access to care and reduced access to specialists. erator only has two.” They also feel less trust toward physicians and less satisfaction with their Currently, whether purifying the neodymium and dysprosium out of care. minerals or out of an old power tool motor, the same costly and energy-in- Though former inmates and their families suffer the most, their situation tensive process is used. The technique, known as liquid-liquid extraction, also “affects the care of those removed from them,” the researchers noted, involves dissolving the composite material and chemically filtering the ele- including the uninsured, those older than 50, non-Hispanic whites, women ments apart. The process is repeated thousands of times to get useful purities and those with incomes that far exceed the federal poverty level. Despite of the rare-earth metals, and so it must be conducted on an industrial scale. the widespread potential impact, these consequences often remain “hidden Rather than this liquid-liquid method, Dr. Schelter’s team has devised from mainstream society…but they are nonetheless quite powerful.” a way to separate the two metals. The solution? “Addressing the health care needs of former inmates,” “When we started,” Mr. Bogart said, “our goal was to make rare earth Dr. Schnittker said, adding that this could be an “important step toward separations simpler and more efficient and we have made strides towards preventing further damage to the health care system.” just that. We have designed a way to separate the two metals by selective- Study authors include the University of Minnesota’s Christopher Uggen ly dissolving the neodymium in a solution and leaving behind the dyspro- and Suzy Maves McElrath, as well as Sarah K.S. Shannon from the Univer- sium as a solid. This quick and easy method has allowed us to separate sity of Georgia. This research was funded in part by a Robert Wood John- equal mixtures of the metals into samples that are 95 percent pure.” son Foundation Health Investigator Award to Dr. Schnittker and Dr. Uggen. Starting with the two elements as a mixed powder, a metal-binding Penn Scientists Identify Key Genetic Factor That molecule known as a ligand is applied. The type of ligand the research Keeps Moles From Turning Into Melanoma team designed has three branches, which converge on the metal atoms Moles are benign tumors found on the skin of almost every adult. Sci- and hold them in the aperture between their tips. Because of neodymium’s entists have known for years that a mutation in the BRAF gene makes them slightly larger size, the tips don’t get as close together as they do around start growing, but until now haven’t understood why they stop. Now, re- dysprosium atoms. searchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Penn- “The difference in size between the two ions is not that significant, sylvania have identified a major genetic factor that keeps moles in their usu- which is why this separation problem is difficult,” Dr. Schelter said, “But al non-cancerous, no-growth state. The study was published online first this it’s enough to cause that aperture to open up more for neodymium. And, summer in the journal Cancer Discovery. because it is more open, one ligand-neodymium complex can combine “The BRAF mutation that stimulates the initial growth of moles also with another, and that really changes its solubility.” stimulates the production of a tumor suppressor protein, p15, which ulti- The combination of the two neodymium complexes, known as a dimer, mately acts as a powerful brake on further cell division,” said senior au- encapsulates the neodymium ions, enabling them to dissolve in solvents thor Todd W. Ridky, an assistant professor of dermatology at Penn. “It’s like benzene or toluene. The dysprosium complexes do not dissolve, en- this cell division that ultimately allows the transition from a normal mole abling the two metals to be easily separated. Once apart, an acid bath can into melanoma. When mole cells lose the p15 brake, cells can start dividing strip the ligand off both metals, enabling it to be recycled as well. again and can progress into cancer.” “If you have the right ligand, you can do this separation in five min- For their study, Dr. Ridky and his colleagues developed a new model of utes, whereas the liquid-liquid extraction method takes weeks,” Dr. Schel- human melanoma, using tissue engineering to make skin grafts containing ter said. “A potential magnet recycler probably doesn’t have the capital human mole cells in which p15 was removed. When combined with oth- to invest in an entire liquid-liquid separations plant, so having a chemi- er mutations known to be important for the development of melanoma and cal technology that can instantaneously separate these elements enables transplanted into mice, the p15 depleted cells progressed into melanoma. smaller scale recyclers to get value out of their materials.” “The model tissues are medically relevant because they used the natu- Future work will involve improving the stability of the ligand so it is rally occurring human mole cells in the three-dimensional environment of less likely to fall off before the metals are separated. living skin, which allows detailed functional studies – the field hasn’t had “These results are encouraging,” Mr. Bogart said. “We feel that an experimental system like this before,” said lead author Andrew McNeal, through slight adjustments to the system, the purity level could be in- a research specialist in Dr. Ridky’s lab. creased even further.” 8 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC September 29, 2015 Celebrating Autumn with Morris Arboretum’s Fall Festival and Designer Scarecrows Each fall, scores of families across the Del- made possible in part by In- aware Valley look forward to the Morris Arbo- spire Energy, who will be on retum’s Fall Festival, a weekend of autumn fun site with information about and activity held the first weekend in October. wind driven energy and fun Celebrating its sixteenth year, the Morris Arbo- giveaways. retum will host this year’s annual Fall Festival Weavers Way Co-op on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 will join the Fall Festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Arboretum’s glorious fun once again, with a se- landscape provides the perfect backdrop for this lection of organic, locally lively event. Colorful trees burst forth with hues grown produce and other of orange and red as families gather to make Co-op products. Visitors de- scarecrows, paint a pumpkin or taste local ap- light in sampling the various ple varieties from Weavers Way Co-op. Fall Fes- apple varieties and choosing tival is a highlight of the Arboretum’s fall calen- an assortment to take home. dar with something for everyone. What makes A kid favorite, the Co- the event so unique is that almost all the activi- lonialLUG® (Legos User ties are geared toward both children and adults, Group) will return this year
allowing families and friends to spend a wonder- on both Saturday and Sun- Meyer Photograph by Paul W. ful afternoon together. Some Fall Festival activi- day, noon-3 p.m., to facil- ties have an additional fee. Check the website for itate the building of a large Lego® version of (Above) Solidago, commonly called golden- details: www.morrisarboretum.org Robert Indiana’s big LOVE statue. Togeth- rods, in the aster family, at the Arboretum. Among the favorite activities is the scare- er with the direction of ColonialLUG ® mem- crow making. The Arboretum supplies all the bers, children will assemble bricks to contribute To experience fall color in the Philadelphia materials, including the scarecrow frames, hay a piece of the statue. Watch LOVE grow to “em- area, there is truly no better place to see beauti- and a vast selection of clothing to craft a su- brace” all the builders! At the end of the day ful autumn trees than at the Morris Arboretum. per scarecrow. This is serious business for Saturday, the statue will be disassembled for a The Arboretum is home to some of the area’s many folks who are intent on having the “best- fresh start on Sunday. ColonialLUG ® also has oldest and largest trees, as well as many trees dressed” ’crow around. Visitors are encouraged a new program they will debut called “2x4 Chal- known for their particularly superb color—in- to come early for scarecrow-making, as many lenge: what can you build with just 2x4 bricks?” cluding red and sugar maples, scarlet oaks and visitors head right to that area to ensure their For the eighth year and more popular than black gums. For a bird’s eye view of the trees pick of the best outfit. ever—October also features the Morris Arbo- and the changing colors of the leaves, stroll out Children also enjoy choosing and creating a retum Scarecrow Walk. From Saturday, Octo- on the Out on a Limb canopy walk, the 450 foot pumpkin “masterpiece.” Pumpkins can be pur- ber 3 through Sunday, October 25, entries from long walkway that is 50 feet off the ground, and chased and painted in a variety of colors and dec- the Scarecrow Design Contest will be on display the star attraction of the Arboretum-wide Tree orated with yarn and buttons. To add to the fes- along the Oak Alleé. Visitors may submit their Adventure exhibit. For more information about tivities, Elmwood Park Zoo will be on-site both vote for their favorite “Famous Art & Artists” this or any other Morris Arboretum event, please days from noon-3 p.m. presenting Seeking Shel- scarecrow, this year’s theme, to determine the call (215) 247-5777 or visit the Morris Arbore- ter—Architecture by Animals. This program is prize winners. tum online at www.morrisarboretum.org
Morris Arboretum’s Weekday Lecture Series, Connections Beyond Our Garden Talks on People, Plants and Place Returning this October Now in its sixth year, Morris Arboretum’s For the next Connection, join Christopher kets, building relationships with the people who Connections Beyond Our Garden—Talks on Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton, Canal House, grow, craft, raise and sell the foods we eat. People, Plants and Place was designed to pres- on Wednesday, November 11 at 2 p.m. for their The Connections Beyond Our Garden lec- ent wide ranging topics intended to create a talk, Getting and Giving—Tales of Cooking Sea- ture series will conclude on Wednesday, Decem- deeper and broader understanding of our natural sonally and Eating Well for the Holidays. Ms. ber 2 at 2 p.m. with Laurie Olin, partner, OLIN, world beyond gardens. This fall, selected speak- Hirsheimer was a founder and executive editor as he presents Beauty, Craft and Creating Public ers will take guests on a journey to the forests of Saveur magazine, where Ms. Hamilton was Spaces in a City. of Costa Rica; a culinary adventure with award- the test kitchen director and food editor. They Bryant Park in New York City, the Washing- winning, local cookbook authors; and into the now publish the award-winning series of season- ton Monument Grounds in Washington DC, the public realm, where one of the most renowned ally inspired cookbooks, Canal House Cooking. American Academy in Rome, US Embassy in landscape architects is creating inspiring spaces Together in Frenchtown, New Jersey, they do all London and, in Philadelphia, the Barnes Foun- that help engage people with the natural world. the writing, recipe development, photography, dation, Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden Connections kicks off on Wednesday, Oc- illustrations, design and production. and Dilworth Park are just a few of the proj- tober 7 at 2 p.m. with Daniel Janzen, DiMau- Ms. Hirsheimer and Ms. Hamilton will share ects from the portfolio of the internationally ra Professor of Conservation Biology, Univer- stories from their travels all over the world and known firm OLIN. Dedicated to affecting pos- sity of Pennsylvania, as he presents Tropical from their own beautiful corner of the Northeast itive change through landscape architecture, ur- Conservation via Biodiversity Development: where they use ingredients found in most mar- ban design and planning, the firm is known for a Real World Case from Costa Rica. Dr. Jan- creating iconic and vibrant landscapes. zen divides his time between his professorship Mr. Olin, winner of the prestigious Nation- in conservation biology at Penn and field work al Medal of Arts, a distinguished practice pro- in Costa Rica at Area de Conservacion, Guana- fessor of architecture at Penn, author and one of caste (www.acguanacaste.ac.cr), one of the old- the most renowned landscape architects prac- est, largest and most successful habitat resto- ticing today, will speak about the sculpture gar- ration projects in the world. Dr. Janzen and his dens, parks and civic spaces the firm designed wife, tropical ecologist Winnie Hallwachs, have between 1975-2015, the challenges in design- spent decades constructing this World Heritage ing these types of projects, and what makes for a site. Their research has focused on this question: successful public space. how can society utilize the biodiversity of tropi- The Connections Beyond Our Garden lec- cal wildlands without destroying them? As quot- tures are held at the Arboretum’s Widener Visitor ed in New Yorker magazine’s April 2015 issue, Center at 2 p.m. A reception will follow each talk. Dr. Janzen stated, “It’s like terrorism. We have to The cost for each lecture is $15 for members and succeed every day, the terrorists have to succeed $20 for non-members, which includes admission only once.” This lecture will present answers, to the garden. Advanced registration and pay- applications and insight—many of which were ment are required. Call (215) 247-5777, ext. 125 found through the research process itself. (Above) Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs or email [email protected]
ALMANAC September 29, 2015 www.upenn.edu/almanac 9 Dear Colleagues: Penn’s Way 2016 Raffle Prizes Penn’s Way, the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine’s workplace charitable giving campaign, continues to be recognized as one of the most successful and generous Week 1 (October 6 drawing) campaigns in the region. Unprecedented participation levels last year enabled us to exceed sweetgreen: $50 in gift cards our $1.5 million goal for local charitable organizations. Through the combined strength of Penn Visa Card Program: Football both the University and Penn Medicine faculty and staff, we are confident that this year’s Party—Six tickets to Penn v. Yale campaign will reach our goal of $1.55 million to support the communities in which we live. Eastern State Penitentiary: Six tick- The 2016 Penn’s Way Campaign runs from October 5th through November 20th. Please ets to Historic Prison join us in supporting our region by making your tax-deductible gift now. By using the Cheesecake Factory: $50 gift certif- environmentally friendly Penn’s Way website at http://www.upenn.edu/pennsway to enter icate your pledge online, you will be supporting your chosen organizations in a secure, quick Philadelphia Flyers, Sixers, Eagles: and convenient way. The website also offers valuable information on our three partner Autographed merchandise organizations, the Center for Responsible Funding, Penn Medicine and United Way. All SSM, Inc.: Logo merchandise three organizations, under the Penn’s Way umbrella, utilize their expertise to confront the * Prizes valued at over $100 are subject ever-increasing challenges facing our community. to state and federal tax. Winners are offered Through our Penn’s Way Campaign we can help build stronger neighborhoods, improve the option of refusing the prize. the quality of life and provide options for healthier living for all people in our region. Q: How can I qualify to win raffle prizes? We hope to have your continued support for the Penn’s Way campaign this year. A: To qualify for the weekly raffle, you Maureen S. Rush Susan E. Phillips must participate by completing an online Vice President for Public Safety pledge form by Friday at noon or by returning Senior Vice President for Public Affairs your completed paper pledge form to your co- University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Health System ordinator or captain by his/her weekly dead- Penn’s Way 2016 Co-Chair Penn’s Way 2016 Co-Chair line. Inaccurate, incomplete or illegible paper Laura Perna Peter D. Quinn pledge forms will not be entered into the raf- James S. Riepe Professor, GSE Vice Dean for Professional Services fle. All participants, including weekly raffle Chair-elect, Faculty Senate Senior Vice President winners, will be included in the grand prize University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Health System drawing at the end of the campaign. Penn’s Way 2016 Faculty Advisor Penn’s Way 2016 Faculty Advisor See www.upenn.edu/pennsway for more information about the Penn’s Way campaign.
African Roots, American Voices at the Annenberg Center Nominations for Community Involvement Annenberg Center Live embarks on a multi-year journey that celebrates the Af- Recognition Awards: November 13 rican diaspora’s unique contributions to American culture. Each year focuses on To Members of the University and Surrounding Community: a different musical genre, exploring its roots and cultural impact. The 2015-2016 In honor of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s recog- season is a musical expedition through American culture that will focus on jazz, a nition that local engagement is essential to the struggle for equality, wholly original American art form. Jazz is unpredictable, it’s bold, it’s a conversa- the 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium tion. As Louis Armstrong said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” on Social Change Executive Planning Committee of the University Discover African Roots, American Voices through a diverse selection of per- of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the 21st Annual Communi- formances. Dive deeper into the themes presented on stage through the IN- ty Involvement Recognition Awards. The awards honor members of SIGHTS program. Showcasing the Annenberg Center’s unique relationship the Philadelphia community whose active service to others best ex- with the University of Pennsylvania, IN- emplifies the ideals Dr. King espoused. SIGHTS events feature Penn faculty, Penn The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Involvement Recogni- student performing arts groups, area experts tion Awards will be presented to five individuals in the following areas: and, of course, the artists themselves. Occur- 1. Staff and students of the Penn community involved in community ring pre- and post-show, INSIGHTS events service and/or working for social justice efforts. explore and illuminate the work onstage and 2. Residents (youth and adult) of the broader community involved in are always free for ticket holders; visit http:// community service and/or working for social justice efforts. www.annenbergcenter.org/events/insights.php 3. Staff, students or residents who demonstrate significant contributions Dr. Guy’s Musiqology’s original jazz com- in community service and/or working for social justice efforts through the positions and arrangements speak about resis- advancement of education and educational opportunities in Philadelphia. tance, power and love in the current era of so- The awards will be presented on January 21, 2016, as part of cial protest and change. Penn music professor Penn’s commemoration of the King holiday. Guthrie Ramsey (at left) and his ensemble per- We seek your help in nominating individuals whose work most form works that incorporate spoken word, vocals and instruments, creating their merits recognition. Please share this information with others in your own mix of genres and sounds. families, communities, schools, departments and organizations so October 1-3 Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower: that we may identify those most deserving of this award. Nomina- The Concert Version: Toshi Reagon tion forms may be submitted through November 13. Electronic sub- October 16 Everybody’s Protest Music: Dr. Guy’s Musiqology missions are preferred but not required at: www.upenn.edu/aarc/mlk/ October 17 Jon Batiste and Stay Human award.htm If you prefer sending by mail, please send to the African- October 22-24 Urban Bush Women American Resource Center, Attn: Robert Carter, 3537 Locust Walk, November 7 Motown Meets Jazz: Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6225. November 15 Dianne Reeves Should you have any questions, contact the African-American December 12 Sweet Honey in the Rock Resource Center at (215) 898-0104 or [email protected] January 31 Mack Avenue Super Band Thank you in advance for helping to pay special homage to those February 20 Daddy Mack Blues Band March 3-5 Dance Theatre of Harlem individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and com- March 12 Celebrate the Great Women of Blues & Jazz mitment to enhance the University of Pennsylvania and the Phila- April 1-2 Meredith Rainey Dance delphia community. April 3 The Johnny Clegg Band “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you do- April 9 Dr. Lonnie Smith ing for others?’ ” —Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. April 23 Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton —2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Involvement May 7 Juan de Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars Recognition Awards Committee 10 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC September 29, 2015 Annenberg Lecture: Covering the Wild Ride...the Presidential Campaign Three PHOS Workshops in October The Annenberg School Ms. Cordes is CBS News’ congressional cor- Penn Home Ownership invites the Penn for Communication and respondent based in Washington, DC and con- community to attend upcoming workshops. the Annenberg Public tributes to all CBS News broadcasts and plat- Understanding Your Credit Report Work- Policy Center present the forms. She has reported on stories such as the shop: October 6—Plan to attend the latest in a 2015 Annenberg Lec- rise of the Tea Party and the battle over President series of educational workshops from PHOS. ture, Chasing the Scooby Obama’s health care law. Ms. Cordes extensive- PHOS representatives will host an informative Van and Tracking Trump ly covered the debt ceiling and fiscal cliff nego- session about the importance of one’s credit to the Border: Covering tiations. She was part of CBS News’ coverage of score and its implication for obtaining a mort- the Wild Ride that is the the 2008 and 2010 congressional elections and gage from a lender. Understanding Your Credit 2016 Presidential Cam- traveled with the Obama campaign during the Report will be held from noon-1 p.m. in Stein- paign, a talk by Penn network’s coverage of Campaign 2012. berg Hall–Dietrich Hall in Room 209. Nancy Cordes alumna, Nancy Cordes, Ms. Cordes joined CBS in 2007 as transpor- First Time Homebuyers 101: October 13— CBS News congressional correspondent and tation and consumer safety correspondent, where Attendees from the University and the Health regular contributor to all CBS News programs she covered stories about the nation’s transpor- System will learn about financing and other and platforms. tation infrastructure and important safety issues. important factors as individuals consider pur- Ms. Cordes was born in Los Angeles and The Annenberg Lecture honors the contribu- chasing their first home. Representatives from grew up in Hawaii. She graduated Phi Beta Kap- tions of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore An- PHOS, as well as lending partner Guaran- pa and magna cum laude from the University of nenberg to the nation and to the world. The lec- teed Rate, will be present to address audience Pennsylvania in 1995. She began her career as a ture will be held on October 6 at 6:15 p.m. in questions. First Time Homebuyers will be held reporter for KHNL-TV Honolulu (1995-1997). Room 109 at the Annenberg School for Com- from noon-1 p.m. at Houston Hall in the Golkin She received a master’s degree in public pol- munication. Advance registration required; to Room. Advance registration required. icy from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School attend, contact Debra Williams at dwilliams@ Understanding New Settlement Procedures: of Public and International Affairs. asc.upenn.edu October 15—New national guidelines are now in effect to simplify many aspects of the settle- From Farm to Canvas at Burrison Gallery ment process undertaken by prospective home From Farm to Canvas, paintings by Gayle Viale Joseph, will be on display at the Burrison Gal- buyers. Representatives from PHOS and lend- lery from October 3 to November 4 with a reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 4-6 p.m. ing partner Trident Mortgage Company will pro- Ms. Joseph loves to draw and paint still life vide a detailed break-down of what these chang- and portraiture in watercolor, oil and acrylics. es mean for navigating the complex process of Born in Sacramento, California, she majored in settlement. Understanding New Settlement Pro- fine arts at the State University of California at cedures will be held from noon-1 p.m. in Room Sacramento. After moving to Philadelphia, she 209 in Steinberg Hall–Dietrich Hall. had the good fortune to study under artist Neil Lunch will be provided at each workshop. Welliver (1929-2005), who was a nationally re- Employees from Penn and UPHS are asked to nowned painter and chair of the Graduate School register in advance for these informative ses- of Fine Arts (now known as the School of De- sions at www.upenn.edu/homeownership sign) at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been a staff member at Penn since 1976. Cur- AT PENN Deadlines rently she works in the Office of the Vice Dean The October AT PENN calendar is online at for Research and Academic Resources at the http://www.upenn.edu/almanac The deadline for School of Veterinary Medicine and is the editor the November AT PENN calendar is October 13. of the Penn Vet Research Newsletter. (Above) Parsnips for Marguerite, an acrylic. Info. is on the sponsoring department’s web- site; sponsors are in parentheses. For locations, call (215) 898-5000 or see www.facilities.upenn.edu Second Annual Microbiome Symposium The second Annual Microbiome Symposium will be held on October 29. It is co-sponsored by the Penn-CHOP Microbiome Program & Penn Vet Center for Host-Microbial Interactions. It will be preceded on October 28, from 6-7 p.m., with a special guest lecture, Opportu- 3910 Chestnut Street, 2nd floor nities for the Microbiome in Human Health, given by Jo Handelsman, associate director for Philadelphia, PA 19104-3111 science at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. It will be held in E.R. Phone: (215) 898-5274 or 5275 FAX: (215) 898-9137 Marookian Auditorium, Lecture Room 130, Hill Pavilion. Email: [email protected] On October 29, the Second Annual Microbiome Symposium will be held from 8 a.m.-7 URL: www.upenn.edu/almanac p.m. in BRB II/III Auditorium. The University of Pennsylvania’s journal of record, opinion The deadline for registration is October 14. To register visit: https://www.med.upenn.edu/ and news is published Tuesdays during the academic year, and penn-chop-microbiome/ as needed during summer and holiday breaks. Its electronic edi- Please direct all inquiries to April Weakley at [email protected] tions on the Internet (accessible through the Penn website) include HTML, Acrobat and mobile versions of the print edition, and interim information may be posted in electronic-only form. Guidelines for readers and contributors are available on request and online. The University of Pennsylvania Police Department EDITOR Marguerite F. Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rachel Ward Sepielli Community Crime Report ASSISTANT EDITOR Victoria Fiengo About the Crime Report: No Crimes Against Persons or Crimes Against Society were reported for Sep- STUDENT ASSISTANTS Elizabeth C. Alexander, tember 14-20, 2015, although 23 Crimes Against Property (13 thefts, 3 fraud violations, 3 other offenses, 2 Danielle S. Citera, Patrick M. Law burglaries, 1 drunkenness violation and 1 liquor law violation) were reported. Full reports are available at: ALMANAC ADVISORY BOARD: For the Faculty Senate: Mar- www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v62/n07/creport.html Prior weeks’ reports are also online. —Eds. tin Pring (chair), Sunday Akintoye, Christine Bradway, Al Filreis, Carolyn Marvin, Cary Mazer. For the Administration: Stephen Mac- This summary is prepared by the Division of Public Safety and includes all criminal incidents reported Carthy. For the Staff Assemblies: Nancy McCue, PPSA; Ijanaya and made known to the University Police Department between the dates of September 14-20, 2015. The Blackwell, WPPSA; Jon Shaw, Librarians Assembly. University Police actively patrol from Market Street to Baltimore Avenue and from the Schuylkill River to 43rd Street in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police. In this effort to provide you with a thorough and ac- The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks curate report on public safety concerns, we hope that your increased awareness will lessen the opportuni- talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. ty for crime. For any concerns or suggestions regarding this report, please call the Division of Public Safe- The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the ba- sis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ty at (215) 898-4482. creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disabil- ity, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or 18th District Report athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding Below are the Crimes Against Persons from the 18th District: 3 incidents with 1 arrests (2 assaults and this policy should be directed to Sam Starks, Executive Direc- 1 robbery) were reported between September 14-20, 2015 by the 18th District covering the Schuylkill River tor of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Pro- to 49th Street & Market Street to Woodland Avenue. grams, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Phila- 09/15/15 12:11 AM 1231 S 49th St Assault/Arrest delphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 09/17/15 12:32 AM 3400 Spruce St Assault 898-6993 (Voice). 09/17/15 2:12 PM 4300 Walnut St Robbery
ALMANAC September 29, 2015 www.upenn.edu/almanac 11 Woven Words: Native Scholars Illuminating Wampum Histories and Traditions at Penn Symposium on October 1 and 2 “Wampum belts,” in the American imagi- Keynote Address and Program collections. Other activities include: wampum- nation, are often regarded as objects of history Richard W. Hill, Sr. (Tuscarora), coordinator weaving workshop, storytelling performance, and mystery. Many people think of wampum as of Deyohahá:ge: Indigenous Knowledge Centre and Haudenosaunee social dance with members “money,” a stereotype that harkens back to the at Six Nations in Ohsweken, Ontario, will open of the Native North American Traveling College early 1600s, when Dutch and English colonists with the keynote address, The Inherent Intelli- from Akwesasne. The full schedule is available used wampum beads as a convenient substitute gence of Wampum. at https://nais.sas.upenn.edu/ for European currency. During the late 1800s, Noting how “wampum captures the words, On the Wampum Trail antiquarian collectors handled wampum belts as messages and meaning that the Haudenosaunee Margaret Bruchac (Abenaki), symposium though they were artistic relics. (People of the Longhouse) considered essen- organizer, is assistant professor of anthropolo- Yet wampum is so much more. tial for future understandings, relationships and gy, coordinator of Native American and Indig- On Thursday, October 1, from 4 to 9 p.m., ways of being,” Mr. Hill explores the iconog- enous studies and chair of the Faculty Working and Friday October 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., raphy of wampum belts and their metaphorical Group on NAIS, as well as leader of the Penn Penn Museum visitors can learn more about significance to his people. In his talk, he con- Wampum Trail research project, organized with wampum when prominent Indigenous schol- siders how wampum “works in passing on the funding from the Penn Museum and the Univer- ars from the United States and Canada join voice of the ancestors, and also provides inspi- sity of Pennsylvania Department of Anthropol- with wampum scholars and musicians for a free ration for the current (and future) generations of ogy. She explains more about wampum: two-day symposium, Woven Words: New In- Haudenosaunee.” “The term ‘wampum’ derives from the Al- sights into Wampum and Native Studies. Haude- Other speakers include wampum artisan gonkian ‘wampumpeage,’ meaning ‘white nosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois) and Algonki- Darren Bonaparte (Akwesasne Mohawk); Alan shells.’ These luminous beads, carved out of an scholars will share insights on historical and Corbiere (Anishinaabe), coordinator of the An- white whelk and purple quahog shells, form the contemporary aspects of wampum construction, ishinaabemowin Revitalization Program at foundation of a complex system of indigenous artistic expression and cultural exchange for sa- M’Chigeeng First Nation; Jolene Rickard (Tus- ritual and diplomacy. For generations, the Al- cred, diplomatic and decorative purposes. carora), director of Native American Studies at gonkian and Iroquoian nations of North Amer- Woven Words is hosted by the Native Amer- Cornell University; Christine Abrams (Seneca), ica have employed indigenous technology to ican and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) initiative chair of the Haudenosaunee Standing Commit- craft wampum beads and weave them with sin- at Penn, with support from the Penn Museum. tee on Repatriation; and Lisa Brooks (Abenaki), ew, hemp and leather into belts and collars. Sponsors include the Penn Museum’s Penn Cul- chair of the Five College Native American Stud- “From an indigenous context, each wam- tural Heritage Center, the McNeil Center for ies Committee, Amherst College. pum belt represents a nuanced mix of materi- Early American Studies, the Provost’s Office, Members of the Penn Wampum Trail research al, artistic, symbolic and diplomatic meanings the School of Arts & Sciences, the Department team will also discuss original scholarship best known to the communities who created of Anthropology and Natives at Penn. and share insights on wampum in museum and exchanged these objects. During the 1700s, wampum belts were also embraced by Europe- an leaders as effective instruments for recording and reinforcing intercultural agreements and al- Bruchac liances. Wampum diplomacy is very much alive today in rituals of condolence, narratives of sov- ereignty, artistic expressions and other practices Margaret
of survivance.” by
An evocative Haudenosaunee “path” wam- pum belt—designed to mark a clear path among and between Native nations for the conduct of diplomacy—is currently on display in the Mu- seum’s special exhibition, Native American Photographs Voices: The People—Here and Now. Richard W. Hill Sr., coordinator of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre at Ohsweken, Ontario, with Penn graduate student Stephanie Mach, discussing Haudenosaunee wampum belts in July 2015, at the Recital of the Great Law at Akwesasne, in Hogansburg, New York. Wampum belts shown in the background were crafted by Ken Maracle.
Two historic Wampum Belts housed at the Penn Museum. (Top) a Haudenosaunee path belt crafted circa 1790 to enable the Stockbridge Mohican to travel in Haudenosaunee territory. (Bottom) a 14 diamond alliance belt crafted circa 1760 to be circulated among Native nations. Speck
Frank by
Stephanie Mach and Lise Puyo, Penn gradu- ate students in anthropology, examining the Photograph Kanehsatake “Two Dog Wampum” belt in May Gladys Tantaquidgeon, Mohegan ethnologist and the first Native American student in the Penn an- 2014, at the McCord Museum in Montreal, thropology department, interviewing Wampanoag elders at Aquinnah, Massachusetts, circa 1928. Quebec. 12 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC September 29, 2015