‘The Philadelphia Challenge’ is Ready for You

Eric Zillmer, PsyD, the Carl R. Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology and director of The Happiness Lab at Drexel University, asked his students to list a happy place in Philadelphia and to visit an exhibition from Atwater Kent Collection. All photos courtesy Eric Zillmer.

Eric Zillmer, PsyD, is the Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology and the Director of the Happiness Lab at Drexel University, where he teaches a course on happiness.

The Philadelphia Challenge is a Drexel University library exhibit initiative based on the work of students exploring happiness and Philadelphia through Zillmer’s Psychology 101 “General Psychology” class. It is currently on display in the W.W. Hagerty Library at 3300 Market St. until Nov. 30. The Philadelphia Challenge is hosted by Drexel University Libraries, Collections & Archives, with the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel.

Acknowledgment: The Happiness Lab team of students working on The Philadelphia Challenge project includes Amanda Moore (senior research coordinator; BS psychology '25), Shriya Prakash (student research assistant; Conestoga High School Elective Program), and Serena Woo (graphic designer; BS product design ’27).

Are you happy?

It is an important question that has persisted for some time. Within the emerging field of positive psychology, research on happiness has recently evolved into a scientific and evidence-based subspecialty of psychology.

The 2024 World Happiness Report indicates that the college population is the least happy age group in the U.S. Consequently, students are highly motivated to discuss their unique challenges and explore ways to gain more control over their lives by becoming the architects of their own happiness. The Happiness Lab at Drexel University is a think tank that provides commentary on the psychological contexts of happiness, aiming to transform lives, communities and environments.

One important research finding is that there are many different forms of happiness. From the happiest countries (like Iceland and Denmark) and places where humans live the longest (men in Sardinia, Italy, and women in Okinawa, Japan), we have learned that a critical ingredient for happiness is believing that one is part of something bigger than oneself. This introduces the concept of urban citizenship, a vital component of personal happiness and wellness that fosters a sense of connection to a place, such as our campus and city.

A student submission from the exhibition on display in the W. W. Hagerty Library.

The Philadelphia Challenge Happiness Map

Can a place be happy? Absolutely! Otherwise, why would anyone go on vacation?

I asked students to reflect on their time on Drexel’s campus and in Philadelphia and select ONE spot in the city that brings them joy when they visit. The students needed to consider a place that aligns with psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory on the hierarchy of needs. Consequently, a happy place should feel safe, offer a space to be alone or connect with others and provide a sense of belonging. Students may also discover inner fulfillment in their happy place … in other words, happiness. It could become their ideal “third” place, I suggested to them.

From the 243 submissions, the Happiness Lab team of faculty and students selected 28 happy places. While there were several expected happy spots, such as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rittenhouse Square, there were also uniquely student-centric submissions that, quite frankly, I had never heard of, like the Cat Park, Maison Sweet and Mango Mango. The happy places on campus included Drexel Park, The Happiness Lab (located at the Greenhouse at Stratton Hall) and Lancaster Walk. Viewing the pictures and responses from our students about how they perceive our campus, which I have worked at for 37 years, helped me reimagine it.

This link provides you with access to a curated Google Map so you can visit the 28 Drexel student-inspired happiest Philly places! You can also view the exhibit slideshow at the Hagerty Library to learn more about them.

This exhibit display shows how Drexel students responded to objects from the Atwater Kent Collection.

Happiness Field Trip to the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel 

To explore Philadelphia’s past and its impact on the present and future, I asked students to embark on an experiential field trip to the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel, which is housed in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA). They left the classroom and engaged with the real world — and I encouraged them to bring a friend along to share their experience, a vital ingredient for happiness in life.

Philadelphia Revealed: Unpacking the Attic was a large, interactive exhibit featuring hundreds of authentic objects that tell the story of Philadelphia’s 350 years of history. It is an amazing exhibit that showcases artifacts from Philadelphia’s past and is presented in a way that is easily accessible, making it feel as if Philadelphia’s history is coming alive before your eyes. The students’ role was to engage with the artifacts: Choose one item that appeals to you and understand the significance it may hold in Philadelphia’s past. There is no right or wrong answer; close your eyes and imagine …

The students’ responses were so creative, imaginative and engaging. It delights me to view the world through their eyes. 

The students loved their visit, as described below:

• “The most beneficial aspect of this course was the homework assignments that required me to go to PAFA.”
• “I found it very eye-opening and wouldn't have known about that place if it hadn't been for class.”
• “The coolest thing about the field trip was that I could bring my best friend along.”
• “The opportunities to visit art galleries and museums made learning psychology more immersive and interactive.”
• “I really enjoyed the trip we took to the museum; I have a new hobby of going to art museums now because of it.”

The happiest people in the world report that it is essential to feel connected to one’s community and to have a sense of meaningful belonging and wellness. For students, faculty and professional staff, this means our campus at Drexel University and our city of Philadelphia. I tell my students that if they invest in their city during their time at Drexel, they can learn about Philadelphia, and Philadelphia can learn about them!