Turning a passion for the environment into a career  

Riya Choudhury (MES ’24) was training to be a chemical engineer when she took her first undergraduate environmental elective. “I found studying the environment really interesting and something I was passionate about for the first time. It had a purpose, and it could be a career for me,” she shares. After taking a few more ecological courses, she had what she describes as an awakening. “I realized how bad the chemical industry has been for the environment,” says the New Delhi, India, native.

Spring 2026 Penn LPS events and information sessions announced

The faculty and staff of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies invite you to join us for our upcoming spring information sessions and program events. Join us to learn about our undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and certificate programs.

Meet program directors and recruitment staff to get your questions answered about curricula, advising, and how our programs can help you reach your personal and professional goals. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you get started on the application process.

Students dive into fundamental sustainability goals, challenges, and practical solutions in this organizational dynamics class

Fundamentals of Sustainability, a course offered through the Penn Organizational Dynamics Programs, provides students with a broad and deep introduction to sustainability concepts and challenges through the lens of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

Brian K. Oglesby, MSOD ’05, MPhil ’09

Brian K. Oglesby (MSOD ’05, MPhil ’09) has long had a flare for economics. “Two years into my pre-med biology major,” he begins, “I started making decisions based on financial forecasting.” After analyzing his future earning potential—and future debt—the forecast looked unfavorable. He pivoted toward other community-focused careers instead. Today, Brian wears several hats in business consulting and global trade, focusing on minority-owned companies.

Global policy meets international trade for this Organizational Dynamics Programs entrepreneur

The competitive Perry World House's Graduate Associates Program invites graduate students from across the University of Pennsylvania to explore research and develop skills related to global policy. Graduate students chosen for the program share a keen interest in global affairs and a commitment to addressing pressing policy issues. This year, they are joined by Daniel B. Rosario-Paredes (MSOD ’26—expected), who goes by Rosario among his peers.

Ripple effects: Positive psychology cultivates meaningful connections through Wharton Circles

During the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program, students work in small groups to partner with organizations from around the world and put their positive psychology expertise to work. Each service learning project studies the organization's structure, mission, and goals and develops an actionable plan to make an immediate impact and advance the mission.

John MacDonald

John MacDonald is a professor of criminology and sociology in the Department of Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on policing strategies to reduce crime, racial, and ethnic disparities in policing, police use of force, community–police relations, and the impact of police reforms on officer behavior. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research articles, 25 book chapters and research reports, and four edited books.

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