Penn State Energy and Environment News

Butterfly-inspired AI technology takes flight

| psu.edu

When it comes to mating, two things matter for Heliconius butterflies: the look and the smell of their potential partner. The black and orange butterflies have incredibly small brains, yet they must process both sensory inputs at the same time — which is more than current artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can achieve without significant energy consumption. To make AI as smart as the butterflies, a team of Penn State researchers has created a multi-sensory AI platform that is both more advanced and uses less energy than other AI technologies. 

Nobel laureate Ben Feringa to present spring 2024 Allcock Alumni Group Lecture

| psu.edu

Ben L. Feringa, the Jacobus van ‘t Hoff Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University of Groningen and recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, will present the Allcock Alumni Group Lectureship in Polymers and Materials Chemistry at 3:30 p.m. on April 10 in 101 Thomas Building. The lecture, titled “The Art of Building Small from Molecular Switches to Motors,” is free and open to the public. 

Applications now open for CTSI Implementation Science Fellowship Program

| psu.edu

Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Implementation Science Core is accepting applications for the Implementation Science Fellowship Program now through May 24. The program provides training and a mentorship network to scientists interested in advancing their implementation science expertise across Penn State campuses.

April brings Earth Month takeover across University Park campus and others

| psu.edu

Penn State students, staff, faculty and community members have the chance to participate in activities across campus during the month of April, when Earth Month takes over the University Park campus and several Commonwealth Campuses.

Building affordable futures: The State College Community Land Trust's impact on housing equity

| happyvalleyindustry.com

In a community like State College, where the aspirations of its residents shape its identity, SCCLT stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and shared purpose. As SCCLT continues its mission, it not only secures homes but also fosters a sense of belonging and opportunity for all who call Happy Valley home.

Andrew Read named senior vice president for research

| psu.edu

Andrew Read, the former director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and a faculty member in the departments of biology and entomology, has been selected to serve as Penn State’s senior vice president for research, following nine months as the interim senior vice president for research, effective April 1.

Hughes named recipient of Kopp International Faculty Achievement Award

| psu.edu

David Hughes, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Global Food Security and professor of entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences and biology in the Eberly College of Science, is the recipient of the 2024 W. LaMarr Kopp International Faculty Achievement Award. The award recognizes faculty members who have contributed significantly to the advancement of the international mission of the University.

Penn State announces 2024 University-wide faculty and staff awards

| psu.edu

Each spring, Penn State recognizes outstanding faculty and staff with annual awards in teaching and excellence. These awards highlight many of the University's faculty and staff who go above and beyond in their work at Penn State.  This year's honorees will be recognized at an invitation-only awards ceremony at noon on Thursday, March 28, in Presidents Hall at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. 

Buck named recipient of Barash Award for Human Service

| psu.edu

Peter Buck, affiliate faculty and associate director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability, is the 2024 recipient of the Barash Award for Human Service. Created in 1975 by the family of the late Sy Barash, the award honors a full-time member of the faculty or staff or student body on the University Park campus who, apart from their regular duties, has contributed the most to human causes, public service activities and organizations, or the welfare of fellow humans.

Gil, Molloy, O’Connor named 2024 Penn State Teaching Fellows

| psu.edu

Juan Gil, professor of mathematics at Penn State Altoona; Sonia Molloy, associate professor of human development and family studies at Penn State York; and Jacqueline O’Connor, professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering, have received the Alumni/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching and have been named 2024 Penn State Teaching Fellows.

Six faculty members receive 2024 Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching

| psu.edu

Six Penn State faculty members have received the 2024 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. They are Sommar Chilton, associate teaching professor of communication sciences and disorders in the College of Health and Human Development; Linda Istanbulli, Caroline D.

Six Penn State faculty members receive 2024 Faculty Scholar Medals

| psu.edu

Six Penn State faculty members have received 2024 Faculty Scholar Medals for Outstanding Achievement.