Welcome! The beginning of each academic year brings renewed energy, fresh ideas and opportunities to learn from one another. Whether you are joining our community for the first time or returning to campus for a new year in your academic career, I am delighted to welcome you.
The outlook for 2026–2027 is especially exciting. Guided by Penn Engineering 2030, our strategic plan, the School continues to build on its remarkable momentum. We are creating new opportunities for our students, expanding the frontiers of research and strengthening our impact on society through education, innovation and discovery.
In just the last year, we’ve launched new degree programs and courses in Energy and Sustainability, Software Systems and Cybersecurity, and Technology and Innovation. These programs reflect our commitment to preparing engineers and leaders who can thrive in a rapidly changing world, equipped with the technical expertise and interdisciplinary perspective needed to solve complex global challenges.
Our research enterprise continues to grow as well. Through the Penn Engineering Futures Fund, we are investing in bold, high-risk, high-reward ideas that have the potential to redefine entire fields, from advancing human health and sustainable infrastructure to developing the next generation of computing and intelligent systems.
As these technologies become increasingly powerful, we remain committed to ensuring they are developed responsibly. At Penn Engineering, technical excellence goes hand in hand with thoughtful leadership, ethical decision-making and a deep understanding of how engineering can improve lives and serve society. This is directly in line with our shared values, which emphasize excellence, integrity and service to society.
Looking ahead, we are also preparing to celebrate Penn Engineering’s 175th anniversary throughout 2027. This will be an opportunity for our community to reflect on our extraordinary history while looking forward to the innovations and breakthroughs that will define our next chapter.
The future of engineering has never been more exciting, and I am grateful to be part of this exceptional community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who are helping to shape it every day.
I wish you all a successful, inspiring and rewarding year.
Vijay Kumar
Professor and Nemirovsky Family Dean
Penn Engineering