Penn State Energy and Environment News

Satellite data assimilation improves forecasts of severe weather

| psu.edu

A technique developed by Penn State scientists could improve forecasts — including where the most powerful winds will occur during weather events like the 2020 Midwest Derecho, one of the most costly storms in modern U.S. history. 

How scientists believe the loss of Arctic sea ice will impact US weather patterns

| foxweather.com

A study conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University suggests that as Arctic Sea ice continues to diminish, impacts on daily weather patterns across the world will change.

Penn State to host second annual Sustainability Summit

| psu.edu

Penn State Sustainability and the University Park Undergraduate Association are partnering again to gather students and others together in visioning and planning for a more sustainable Penn State at the second annual Sustainability Summit from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 1, in Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Margaret Klein Salamon, a clinical psychologist and executive director of the Climate Emergency Fund, will provide the summit’s opening keynote.

These researchers are digging into the understudied science of roots

| smithsonianmag.com

After centuries of neglect, botanists are using new techniques to understand roots. This article quotes Jonathan Lynch, distinguished professor of plant science.

5 mistakes people still make with weather forecasts

| forbes.com

Here are five mistakes that people still make with weather forecasts. This article mentions Penn State Research.

Penn State takes next step in Hammond Building demolition, Sackett Building renovations

| radio.wpsu.org

The State College Planning Commission heard the final university plans for the demolition of the Hammond Building and future Sackett Building renovations.

Wilkes-Barre faculty member receives Geospatial Professor of the Year award

| psu.edu

Dimitrios Bolkas, associate professor of surveying engineering at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, received a leadership award during an industry conference for his work with virtual reality. Bolkas, who is the coordinator of the surveying engineering program at the campus, was presented with the Younger Geospatial Professional award during the Geo Week conference in Denver, Colorado.

Donor creates award to recognize innovative research teams in Ag Sciences

| psu.edu

The Dennis and Janet Scanlon Integrated Team Research Award will recognize an integrated research and outreach faculty team within the College of Agricultural Sciences that demonstrates innovation in translating research to be shared and used through activities leading to partnerships and collaboration within the college and beyond.

Penn State chemist Eric Nacsa receives 2024 NSF CAREER Award

| psu.edu

Eric Nacsa, assistant professor of chemistry, has been honored with a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The CAREER award is NSF’s most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty members who can serve as academic role models in research and education and lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.

Novel method to measure root depth may lead to more resilient crops

| psu.edu

As climate change worsens global drought conditions, hindering crop production, the search for ways to capture and store atmospheric carbon causing the phenomenon has intensified. Penn State researchers have developed a new high-tech tool that could spur changes in how crops withstand drought, acquire nitrogen and store carbon deeper in soil.

Architecture professor co-edits book on reducing carbon emissions of buildings

| psu.edu

Rahman Azari, associate professor of architecture in the Stuckeman School and founding director of the Resource and Energy Efficiency Lab in the school’s Hamer Center for Community Design, co-edited “The Routledge Handbook of Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment,” a handbook exploring the materials and greenhouse gas emissions associated with material manufacturing, construction, maintenance and demolition of a building.

9-year-old Arkansas girl catches rare pink grasshopper, names it Millie

| yahoo.com

Madeline Landecker was walking to her family barn in Benton, Arkansas, on Thursday when the 9-year-old aspiring veterinarian spotted a rare find — the elusive pink grasshopper. This article, originally published by NBC News, quotes Michael Skvarla, assistant research professor of arthropod identification.