iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 17h

Cedric Hollande (ENG'25, GEN'26) and Dhyey Shah (GEN’26) took their work from Penn Engineering’s ESE 6150 RoboRacer course to the 2026 IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation in Vienna. Competing as UPenn Autonomous Racing, they placed 2nd in the RoboRacer time trial. bit.ly/4e0FVW5

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Penn Engineering’s Digital Media Design program will transition to Visual and Interactive Computing in Fall 2026, expanding opportunities in generative AI, immersive media, and health imaging. bit.ly/4hlE9zC

001

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Penn Engineering’s new MSE in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence brings together data science, AI and a systems perspective, preparing students to build, analyze and responsibly apply intelligent systems across disciplines. Applications for Fall 2027 are now open. bit.ly/4yGcO2j

Left: Susan Davidson, Weiss Professor in CISe and co-director of the MSE-DSAI program. Right: Linh Phan, Professor in CIS and co-director of the MSE-DSAI program.

001

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

A Penn Engineering-led team found that changing the physical properties of the material surrounding collagen can control the size and organization of its fibers without changing the collagen itself, offering new insight into fibrosis, cancer and biomaterials design. bit.ly/4dg7j1S

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

A tiny inflatable device developed by Penn Engineers & @medschool.umaryland.edu gives researchers a new view of the earliest moments of stroke. The MRI-compatible micro-balloon controls blood flow while the brain is observed, applying soft robotics to health challenges. bit.ly/4wzjj5p

011

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Welcome to the 2026–27 academic year, Penn Engineers! Dean Vijay Kumar looks ahead to a year of new programs, research through the Penn Engineering Futures Fund, advancing responsible innovation and preparations for Penn Engineering's 175th anniversary in 2027. bit.ly/4hJjlnF

012

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

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 bit.ly/3U2B13C

001

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

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. bit.ly/4fdvG0B

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

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. bit.ly/4bnPzkf

Ling Li holds the calcium carbonate skeletons of two sea stars, revealing the lightweight yet resilient architecture that inspired the research.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the tip of a sea star arm, showing the tiny light-guiding structures embedded within the skeleton. The image is approximately 5 mm wide. Credit: Liuni Chen, Ph.D. student and first author.

032

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

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. bit.ly/4oNg48u

020

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

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. bit.ly/48FtMDB

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

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. bit.ly/3S2Ow2z

001

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

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. youtu.be/XOijfgbLDS0

021

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

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

011

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

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.

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

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. bit.ly/4w8KV2x

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

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. bit.ly/4ukqSwa

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

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.

001

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

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.

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

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. bit.ly/42icpVr

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

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. bit.ly/41uWymi

121

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

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: bit.ly/3L6uADx

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

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. bit.ly/4sSAspY bit.ly/3NSd2Si

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

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. youtu.be/Ajih0E7quuc

012

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

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.

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

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.

031

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

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. bit.ly/3NdvtAC

021

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

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

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

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.

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

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. bit.ly/3MRMkbY

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

“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. bit.ly/3OyMgOJ

001

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

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.

011

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

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. bit.ly/3LVcOcd

020

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Penn Engineering launches the Michael and Jennifer Ternoey Glassman Penn Scholars Program (GPS), a new pre-college STEM initiative for rising high school seniors in the School District of Philadelphia, offering mentorship, hands-on learning and college prep. bit.ly/3ZU11hi

021

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Sarah Rottenberg applied human-centered design to support three Penn Forward working groups shaping ideas for Penn’s next decade. As executive director of the Integrated Product Design program, she helped bring design thinking into strategic university planning. bit.ly/4jKnira

000

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

2025 was a year of transformative progress for Penn Engineering, with breakthroughs spanning cancer research, water-harvesting materials, and AI-powered discovery. www.seas.upenn.edu/2025-year-in-rev…

020

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Penn Engineering marked major achievements at the PCI Celebration of Innovation event, with Liang Feng (pictured, right) named Emerging Inventor of the Year and faculty earning 26 patents across AI, energy, health, and semiconductor tech.

021

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

For CIS Prof. Chris Callison-Burch, today’s AI boom reflects 25 years of work across symbolic AI, statistical ML and generative models. Now, as director of Penn Engineering’s MSE-AI Online, he’s preparing the next generation of AI leaders. bit.ly/43J9A16

011

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Penn Engineering and Ashoka University have signed a new MoU to deepen collaboration in research and graduate study, including a 4+1 pathway for Ashoka undergraduates to pursue an accelerated master’s degree at Penn Engineering. bit.ly/3K0T2L5

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Ralph Teetor lost his sight at six but used his heightened senses and passion for engineering to change how the world drives. From the piston ring to cruise control, his inventions reshaped the auto industry and influence today’s vehicle technology. bit.ly/4oVItYG

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

A new “tumor-on-a-chip” from Penn Engineering recreates the environment of solid tumors, revealing why CAR T-cell therapy often struggles. bit.ly/49l4lIh

020

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Penn Engineers have developed a mathematical “Rosetta Stone” that translates microscopic movements into large-scale behaviors, from protein folding to crystal growth, and used it to solve a 40-year-old problem. blog.seas.upenn.edu/a-rosetta-stone…

021

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Penn Engineers are advancing photonics with energy-efficient displays and light-powered computing. Innovations include voltage-tunable optical resonators for sharper images and a reconfigurable photonic processor for adaptable computation. bit.ly/43nXnOU

010

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Penn Engineering's Derek Ho is using machine learning and fluorescence imaging to detect microplastics in Cobbs Creek. The team hopes this data will encourage city and state agencies to restore the creek. @meam-penn.bsky.social bit.ly/46OeKL7

030

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

In August, White Sands National Park in New Mexico provided a setting for engineers to test robots designed to map hazards and climb dunes on the Moon or Mars. The TRUSSES team is now set to demonstrate their system at NASA's Ames Research Center in California. bit.ly/4nxphQN

020

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

To combat extreme heat in Philadelphia this summer, Penn Engineers Nafisa Bangura, Angelica Dadda and Dylan York evaluated CoolSeal, a reflective pavement coating to mitigate urban heat. bit.ly/4nrnht4

020

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

A new review from the lab of @ravi-radhak.bsky.social connects how a tumor's physical properties and the tiny messengers it releases, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), could shape the future of cancer treatment and therapies. blog.seas.upenn.edu/penn-enginee...

031

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

The C4R25 Conference recently brought together a global community of researchers, students and practitioners for a hands-on experience in scientific rigor. The three-day event on campus focused on the intersection of research and AI, featuring panel discussions and workshops.

031

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Perseverance rover found rock samples with biosignatures, hinting at ancient life on Mars. Douglas Jerolmack (@meam-penn.bsky.social) told @cbsnews.com.web.brid.gy that minerals and hexagonal mud-cracks suggest long-term water presence and ancient microbial life. www.cbsnews.com/video/the-si...

010