The July edition of Regional Roar, a monthly newsletter published by the Princeton University Office of Community and Regional Affairs for regional thought leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders, is now available. Regional Roar offers updates about forward-looking perspectives, innovation, and collaborative partnerships that support the growth and vitality of our region.

This month we highlight exciting announcements from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, news about the NJ AI Hub, and a story about a Hamilton-based artist featured at Princeton University Art Museum.

Check out the July 2025 edition of Regional Roar

If you are not already on our mailing list for Regional Roar and want to receive these monthly updates, please subscribe to Regional Roar.

Summer Reads 2025: Princeton professors share what’s on their lists

Six Princeton professors talk about favorite books and share what’s on their summer reading lists — novels, biographies and memoirs, fantasy, history and more. 

This summer’s mix includes an epic family saga from Georgia (the country), a sci-fi trilogy, a Delaware River journey, a history of military hubris from Troy to Vietnam, two new books focused on the people behind artificial intelligence, and current science about our gut biomes.  

Read the full story on princeton.edu

Major autism study uncovers biologically distinct subtypes, paving the way for precision diagnosis and care

Researchers at Princeton University and the Simons Foundation have identified four clinically and biologically distinct subtypes of autism, marking a transformative step in understanding the condition’s genetic underpinnings and potential for personalized care.

Read the full story on engineering.princeton.edu

Andrew Houck, national leader in quantum technology, appointed Princeton University dean of engineering

Andrew Houck, a Princeton University professor and national leader in the field of quantum science and engineering, has been appointed dean of the University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, effective Aug. 1. 

Houck, who co-directs the Princeton Quantum Initiative and leads a federally funded national quantum research center, is the Anthony H.P. Lee ’79 Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

Read the full story on princeton.edu

Princeton Summer Theater

Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot

Celebrate Christmas in July with Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot! When a famous actor’s holiday party turns into a murder scene, the guests must put their mystery-solving skills to the test. Filled with twists, laughs, and a cast of quirky characters, Ludwig’s mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. This hilarious, holiday-inspired whodunnit is one you will not want to miss!

Purchase tickets to Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot on princetonsummertheater.org.

Evening and Matinee Performances

July 3 through 19

Hamilton Murray Theater

Summer Carillon Concert Series

Princeton University's annual Summer Annual Carillon Concert Series takes place on Sundays at 1 pm. The Carillon is a musical instrument of 23 or more bells that when sounded produce music. Carillon bells are hung stationary with only the clapper moving against the lip of the bell. It is manually played from a console with both fists and feet activating batons and pedals attached to the clappers through mechanical linkage. There is no electronic assistance to ring the bells. Concerts are held rain or shine.

Saturday, July 6

1:00 PM

Graduate College, 88 College Road West

Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts:

Manhattan Chamber Players

Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts returns to Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall for its 58th season. The season continues with a performance by Ivalas Quartet Quartet on July 2. 

Program: 

A trio of clarinet, viola and piano will perform selections by Mozart, R. Schumann, Enescu, Poulenc and Bruch.

Reserve free tickets to Manhattan Chamber Players on tickets.princeton.edu

Monday, July 14

7:30 PM

Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall

Public Observing at Peyton Observatory

The department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University holds monthly informal open houses for the purpose of observing the night sky. Students and post-doctoral fellows help visitors look at planets, nebulae, open clusters, globular clusters, and galaxies through a 12” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.

Open house is subject to weather. Check open house status on astro.princeton.edu.

Tuesday, July 15

9:30 to 11:30 PM

Peyton Hal on Ivy Lane

Princeton Summer Theater

The Odyssey

Princeton Summer Theater presents its annual Children's Show: The Odyssey.

Join Odysseus on his adventure in this kid-friendly version of the Greek epic.

Purchase tickets to The Odyssey on princetonsummertheater.org.

July 6, 9, 13, 16, 27, 30

11:00 AM

Hamilton Murray Theater

Images

Summer Reads - Illustration by Matilda Luk, Office of Communications

Autsim Study - Image by Kouzou Sakai, The Simons Foundation

Andrew Houck - Photo by Denise Applewhite, Office of Communications