Robert Ghrist Named National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellow

The Department of Defense (DoD) has named Robert Ghrist, Andrea Mitchell University Professor in Mathematics and Electrical and Systems Engineering, a National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellow (NSSEFF). He is one of only seven university faculty scientists and engineers to have been awarded this prestigious five-year fellowship this year.

The NSSEFF program awards grants to top-tier researchers from U.S. universities to conduct long-term, unclassified, basic research of strategic importance to the DoD. These grants engage the next generation of outstanding scientists and engineers in the most challenging technical issues facing the Department. Ghrist's project title is "LOCAL-to-GLOBAL: Algebraic Topology for Data, Networks, and Systems," and will target "dimensionality reduction."

In addition to conducting this research, the NSSEFF Program includes opportunities for fellows to participate in the DoD research enterprise and share their knowledge and insight with leaders and researchers in the academic and security communities.

Ghrist has produced a widely influential body of work that applies mathematical methods to real-world engineering challenges, especially in robotics and wireless sensor networks. He specializes in topology, a branch of mathematics that provides tools to visualize abstract spaces, such as finding gaps in a security network or automating robotic movement across a factory floor.

Ghrist’s other honors include a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation. In 2007 he was named by Scientific American as one of 50 top scientific innovators.

Arts & Sciences News

Julia Hartmann Named Fay R. and Eugene L. Langberg Professor in Mathematics

She specializes in algebra and arithmetic geometry, a newer field that applies techniques from algebraic geometry to solve problems in number theory and co-developed the method of field patching.

View Article >
Holger Sieg Named Baird Term Professor of Economics

Sieg focuses his research on public and urban economics, as well as the political economy of state and local governments.

View Article >
Frank Schorfheide Named Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Economics

His research provides a set of tools that are useful for empirical work with modern macroeconomic models, including forecasting and policy analysis.

View Article >
Corinn Harrell Named Vice Dean for Finance and Administration

The role oversees finance and budget, facilities, staff human resources, and computing. Harrell had held the interim position since September.

View Article >
Taussia Boadi, C’24, and Cheryl Nnadi, C’24, Honored as Projects for Progress Winners

The pair, along with Ariane Thomas of Penn GSE, won for Positioned for Success, which provides academic support and enrichment to Philadelphia middle school students in the child welfare system affected by gun violence or parental incarceration.

View Article >
Hear the Latest Research by Penn Arts & Sciences Graduate Students at Penn Grad Talks February 23

Twenty students will present their work in eight-minute TED-style talks. Cash prizes are on the line.

View Article >