DOE coal plant orders refresh state, federal power struggle
| news.bloomberglaw.com
The Trump administration’s moves to reignite the coal industry have states arguing the federal government is messing with energy generation plans that have been in the works for years.
Plant-based material offers sustainable method of recovering rare earth element
| psu.edu
A team led by researchers at Penn State used a plant-based material to separate and recover dysprosium, a heavy rare earth element used in industrial manufacturing, from other rare earth elements. According to the researchers, the approach is environmentally friendly, as well as more sustainable and efficient than other commercial approaches.
New plastic material could solve energy storage challenge, researchers report
| psu.edu
A team led by Penn State researchers reported a novel material made of cheap, commercially available plastics that can handle four times the energy of a typical capacitor at temperatures up to 482 F. They published their work in Nature.
Why gas turbines are in short supply — just as the grid needs them most
| by Stephen Lynch, Jacqueline O'Connor
Rising electricity demand, renewable variability, and AI growth are increasing reliance on gas turbines — even as manufacturing bottlenecks limit new supply.
College of Engineering appoints nine new faculty across research, teaching roles
| psu.edu
The Penn State College of Engineering has welcomed nine new faculty members across multiple departments, including several former postdoctoral scholars who have transitioned into faculty roles. These appointments strengthen the college’s research and teaching mission while reinforcing its commitment to investing in emerging talent.
Penn State town hall addresses factors affecting research
| psu.edu
In a town hall meeting, Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Penn State, discussed federal issues that affect research funding, how Penn State is improving contract processing, international collaborations, unionization, industry-funded research and more.
Additive may strengthen organic solar cells
| psu.edu
Assistant Professor Nutifafa Doumon and doctoral candidate Souk Yoon “John” Kim in Penn State's Department of Materials Science and Engineering found that adding a chemical derived from hydrogen and carbon may help organic solar cells become a more viable alternative.
Penn State names 14 new distinguished professors for 2026
| psu.edu
Penn State's Office of Faculty Affairs has named 14 new distinguished professors for 2026, recognizing outstanding academic contribution to the University.
Interactive map showcases Penn State’s service, statewide community impact
| psu.edu
Penn State Outreach is sharing the Penn State Community Impact Map with the University community to visualize where and how Penn Staters engage across Pennsylvania.
Libraries online workshops highlight research data and statistical methods
| psu.edu
Penn State University Libraries’ Spring 2026 online workshops on research data management, statistical analysis and scholarly data practices will introduce participants to tools, policies and best practices that support research across disciplines.
Faculty in 90-seconds: Charles Anderson
| youtube.com
Professor of biology and associate department head of research and faculty success, Charles Anderson, talks about his research, goals and students in this 90-second interview.
Prepare PA announces four regional network meetings across Pennsylvania
Prepare PA will host four regional network meetings across Pennsylvania in March and April, bringing together current and prospective members of the PA Climate Network to help shape the direction and goals of the statewide initiative.