Today marks the 80th anniversary of ENIAC, the first programmable, electronic, general-purpose computer. This feat of engineering ushered in a new era of technology, faster and more powerful than anything before.
In this video, Penn Engineering's Paul Shaffer shares fast facts about ENIAC and reflects on eight decades of technological change.
Happy 80th anniversary, ENIAC!
Congratulations to Penn Engineering's Class of 2026!
From the classrooms and labs to a global network of innovators, this year’s graduates leave Penn prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow with dedication and creativity.
Keynote speaker Amy Raskin (ENG'93), Chief Investment Officer at Chevy Chase Trust, stressed the importance of not just technical skill but also character, humility, and living life in the physical world, not just on a computer screen.
"How you respond in a situation will often be more important to your long-term success than the situation itself and you’re in control of your reaction. You already know you can do hard things… Keep challenging yourself, keep moving forward and enjoy the ride."
In her speech, student speaker Julia Fremberg (ENG’26) drew a parallel between Penn’s interconnected buildings and the vital bonds between students.
"As you move from place to place, from goal to goal, never forget to cherish those in-between moments. The E-Quad tunnels were never just about getting somewhere faster. They were about who you found—and who you became—along the way."
#PennEngineeringProud #PennGrad
Penn Engineering’s Class of 2026 master’s graduates have turned their tassels and are prepared to step into the next chapter equipped with the knowledge, experience and determination they’ve accumulated at Penn.
At the ceremony, keynote speaker Vanessa Lyon (GEng'24) discussed her career in tech and returning to school at the age of 43. She encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and use their skills to solve humanity’s biggest challenges:
"Tools change fast. Faster than you realize. What doesn't change is your ability to reason about what's underneath."
Congratulations, master's graduates!
#PennEngineeringProud #PennGrad
It's one thing to graduate from Penn Engineering; it's another to graduate alongside the best friend you found at Penn.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
#PennEngineeringProud
🎥: Featuring 2026 undergraduate commencement student speaker, Julia Fremberg (ENG'26) and Kayla Simpson (ENG'26)
Today, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (@davemccormickpa ) visited the @nsfgov Artificial Intelligence-driven RNA BioFoundry. The facility is home to Penn Engineering researchers using AI and automation to accelerate RNA science.
During the tour, McCormick met with faculty and trainees, saw proprietary equipment in action and discussed how federal research support can help move discoveries from the lab toward applications in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology and beyond.
“Every time I come to Penn for a visit,” said McCormick, “I just leave inspired by the incredible discoveries and progress.”
Introducing Penn Engineering's Class of 2026 doctoral graduates. Representing six engineering departments, these new Ph.D. holders are prepared to make an impact across industries and the world.
Congratulations to all the graduates!
#PennEngineeringProud #PennGrad
Last week, researchers, educators and industry leaders gathered for "Beyond the Benchtop," a workshop focused on reimagining graduate education in energy and sustainability.
The workshop brought together attendees from a broad range of interdisciplinary backgrounds and roles to exchange ideas, identify gaps in existing training programs, and develop new collaborative approaches to graduate education.
Lorena Grundy, Practice Assistant Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, organized the event. “It was really inspiring to see this group come together, share their wisdom and expertise, and take real steps towards impact-oriented interdisciplinary education in energy and sustainability," Grundy said.
"I’m confident that the collaborations we’re building here will ripple into incredible opportunities for our future students, and I’m excited that Penn Engineering is a national leader in innovative climate education."
Following opening remarks from Sanya Carley, Penn Vice Provost of Climate Science, Policy, and Action, the day featured panel discussions and active learning sessions on community engagement, real-world impact, and the evolving role of graduate education in addressing energy and climate challenges.
Thank you to the University Research Foundation at @uofpenn and @CBEPenn for the support.
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.
Developed alongside Penn Engineering graduates, Steyn Knollema (IPD'26), Jason Li (IPD'26) and Yiran Xuan (IPD'26), Luca Cao (IPD’26) and Jyotiraditya Ingawale (IPD’25), the system helps workers cut branches and safely descend from trees, addressing safety challenges in one of the nation’s most dangerous industries. The project is mentored by Jeffrey Babin (@PennEngEntrep , @weareventurelab ) and builds on work from the lab of Mark Yim (@MEAM_Penn ).
“If we’re saving people’s lives or saving someone from getting hospitalized, we’re doing our job correctly,” says Zhu.
Over the next year, Zhu will continue advancing Serpent Robotics through the President’s Innovation Prize.
Link in bio for the full story. Photo credit: Eric Sucar
