Graduate Research in EMS: Inside Dr. Robinson's 2D materials lab
| youtube.com
Alexander Vera, a doctoral student in materials science and engineering at Penn State, creates two-dimensional materials in Dr. Joshua Robinson's lab. The work reveals the unique properties 2D materials possess that are far different from those in bulk form. The research is critical to creating next-generation materials used in electronics, quantum computing, smart devices, and renewable energy, among other areas.
Presidential Leadership Academy accepting applications from first-year students
| psu.edu
Penn State’s Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) has begun its yearly application process. A certificate program, the PLA annually selects 30 first-year students who aim to think, act and lead through experience. Three information sessions, two virtual and one in-person, are scheduled for interested students.
Engineering professor named National Academy of Inventors fellow
| psu.edu
The National Academy of Inventors named Qiming Zhang, distinguished professor of electrical engineering in Penn State’s College of Engineering, a fellow — the highest professional distinction awarded to academic inventors.
World Campus student participates in UN climate change conference held in Dubai
| psu.edu
Olivia McMahon participated in a panel about local climate change action and was part of the Penn State delegation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 28th annual Conference of Parties, or COP28.
Center for Socially Responsible AI awards seed funding to five projects
| psu.edu
The Penn State Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence has announced the results of its most recent seed funding competition. The center awarded over $105,000 to five interdisciplinary research projects that feature teams of researchers representing six colleges and campuses.
EarthTalks: Obonyo to discuss sustainable and resilient buildings, Jan. 22
| psu.edu
Esther Obonyo, associate professor of engineering design and architectural engineering, and director of the Global Building Network, will give the talk, “Building SURE (Sustainable and Resilient) Communities,” at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 22.
Penn State awarded grant for 'smart grid' project
| wtaj.com
Researchers at Penn State University are teaming up with others in a multi-state collaboration to develop a testing ground for sustainable power grids for use in rural areas. This article quotes Peter Idowu, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, Penn State Harrisburg.
Cold weather causes challenges for electric vehicle owners
| fox43.com
Experts say cold weather can cause 30% loss in battery range and a tripled charge time for electric vehicles. This article quotes Chao-Yang Wang, William E. Diefenderfer Professor, Mechanical Engineering.
Connecting researchers and legislators can lead to policies that reflect scientific evidence
| theconversation.com
Researchers want real-world impact. Lawmakers want programs that work. The public wants to benefit from taxpayer-funded research. Building a bridge from academia to legislatures is key to all three. This article was originally written for The Conversation by Taylor Scott, associate research professor of human development and family studies.
Multi-state collaboration to develop testing ground for sustainable power grids
| psu.edu
With the goal of alleviating those uncertainties, the Appalachian Regional Commission has provided a collaboration of universities — including Penn State researchers — across multiple states with $10 million to develop and deploy services that enable electric utility companies and energy tech startups to model and test different scenarios before implementation.
Registration open for Graduate Exhibition, Three Minute Thesis
| psu.edu
Graduate students looking to highlight their scholarly achievements, compete for monetary awards and recognition, and hone their communication skills are now able to register for two upcoming University-wide competitions: Penn State’s 39th annual Graduate Exhibition and the inaugural Three Minute Thesis competition.
Patrick Drew named Huck Institutes associate director
| psu.edu
Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics Patrick Drew has been named associate director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, where he plans to focus on facilitating interdisciplinary partnerships between engineering and medicine.
Once a frozen haven, climate-driven rising temperatures are rapidly thawing the Arctic permafrost, posing a major threat to communities and infrastructure. Researchers are investigating how these changes will transform rivers, with potential consequences for erosion, sediment transport, and the entire Arctic landscape. Additionally, their project incorporates art to communicate these critical findings in an engaging way. Listen to the podcast.
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