Penn Researchers Find Fixing Up Abandoned Buildings Reduces Crime

In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, Penn researchers reported that remediating abandoned buildings can significantly reduce crime and violence. The reduction, including a 39 percent decrease in gun assaults, occurred in the year after Philadelphia began enforcing an ordinance requiring owners of abandoned buildings to install working doors and windows. The research team included Professor of Criminology John MacDonald, as well as Charles Branas of the Perelman School of Medicine and Michelle Kondo, a former research fellow at Perelman.

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Arts & Sciences News

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Mark Trodden named Dean of Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences

A distinguished physicist and accomplished academic leader, Trodden will assume the role on June 1.

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2025 School of Arts & Sciences Teaching Awards Announced

Penn Arts & Sciences annually recognizes faculty, lecturers, and graduate students for their exemplary teaching. This year’s honorees come from 10 departments and two programs.

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2025 College of Arts & Sciences Graduation Speakers

Michael Platt, James S. Riepe University Professor, will speak at this year’s College of Arts & Sciences graduation ceremony, along with student speaker Anthony Wong, C’25, Sunday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. on Franklin Field.

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Three from Penn Arts & Sciences Elected 2024 AAAS Fellows

They include Marlyse Baptista, President’s Distinguished Professor of Linguistics; M. Susan Lindee is the Janice and Julian Bers Professor of History and Sociology of Science; and Christopher Murray, Richard Perry University Professor.

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Penn Arts & Sciences Receives $8 Million Commitment from The Robert K. Johnson Foundation

The gift will name and endow the Integrated Studies Program, which offers an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience for Benjamin Franklin Scholars students pursuing degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Kimberly Bowes Named BFC Presidential Professor of Classical Studies

Bowes' research interests include Roman archaeology and economic history, with a particular focus on the lived experiences of the ancient poor.

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