News

Desmond Upton Patton Named 2026 Fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare

Patton is one of nine new fellows recognized for their distinguished accomplishments as scholars and leaders in the field of social work and social welfare.

Centering Joy in AI Development and Implementation

Much of the research on artificial intelligence and human emotion focuses on potential negative implications and emotional states such as...

• Technology & Society

A Road Map To Reduce Firearm Harms by 2040

Three Penn faculty members, including PIK Professor Desmond Patton, are among more than 40 experts to author a report addressing the persistent challenge of gun violence and proposing solutions stemming from a JAMA Summit convened last spring.

• Technology & Society

Desmond Patton Named Penn Commonwealth-Engaged Scholar

The Penn Commonwealth-Engaged Scholars (PCES) Program is a new initiative aimed at deepening the university’s connection with communities across Pennsylvania.

School Cellphone Bans: Annenberg Expert Reframes the Issue

SAFELab Director Desmond Patton provides insight into school cellphone bans and digital wellness for youth.

• Technology & Society

Thomonique Moore Named 2024 Presidential Ph.D. Fellow

Annenberg School doctoral student Thomonique Moore is a recipient of the Penn Presidential Ph.D. Fellowship, which includes three years of funding.

• Technology & Society

Professors Sarah Jackson and Desmond Patton Awarded NSF Grant To Create Cross-Institutional Program Supporting STEM Researchers From Underrepresented Backgrounds

A partnership between Penn, Northwestern University, and New York University aims to provide more opportunities for historically underrepresented researchers conducting critical technology research.

• Technology & Society

Annenberg Furthers Research Through Educational Collaborations

Annenberg’s growing number of collaborations within Penn and with other institutions around the world is pushing the boundaries for research and education.

First-of-Its-Kind Study Analyzes Digital Mourning Practices of Gang-Affiliated Youth

A study led by Prof. Desmond Patton explores how gang-affiliated Black youth use Twitter content, photos, and emojis to memorialize the deceased and navigate feelings of grief and loss.

• Culture & Media
• Technology & Society

When Young People Seem to Make Threats on Social Media, Do They Mean It?

A new app from SAFELab helps teachers, police, and journalists interpret social media posts by BIPOC youth and understand which threats may be real.

• Technology & Society