Penn State Energy and Environment News Feed

Penn State professor Kirk French debuts documentary ‘A Century After Nanook’

| statecollege.com

An audience of nearly 500 filled the State Theatre earlier this month to learn about the Inuit of Inukjuak in the premiere of the documentary “A Century After Nanook.” This article features a presentation given by Kirk French, assistant professor of anthropology and film production/media studies

Ecological disruptions are a risk to national security

| theconversation.com

Overfishing, disease and environmental crimes cause social and political instability, economic strife and strained international relations. This article was co-written by Bradley Cardinale, professor of ecosystem science and management.

IEE then and now

As we celebrate the start of our 63rd year this month, we’re taking a look back, literally, at the Institute of Energy and the Environment—its history, its evolution, and how its work has changed over time. From early research efforts to today’s interdisciplinary approach to energy and environmental challenges, the institute continues to adapt and grow.

Housing crisis spurs alternatives to building homes, from 3D printing to walls made from hemp

| abcnews.go.com

As Americans struggle under backbreaking rental prices, builders are turning to innovative ways to churn out more housing, from 3D printing to assembling homes in an indoor factory to using hemp — yes, the marijuana cousin — to make building blocks for walls. This article quotes Ali Memari, professor and Bernard and Henrietta Hankin Chair in Residential Building Construction.

Penn State Emeritus Academy welcomes distinguished Spring 2025 inductees

| psu.edu

The Penn State Emeritus Academy has announced the induction of seven esteemed emeritus faculty members as Academy Professors for Spring 2025. These distinguished scholars have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the University in teaching, research, and service.

Opportunity: Call for Experts for Upcoming IPCC Work

Established in March 2025, the US Academic Alliance for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (USAA-IPCC) is a network of U.S. universities that are registered observers with the IPCC. AGU is hosting the USAA-IPCC network.The founding members are Colby College, College of the Atlantic, Dickinson College, Indiana University, Princeton University, Rutgers University, the University of California-San Diego, Washington University in St. Louis, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and Yale University.

Maple-sugaring class at Shaver’s Creek connects students to nature, community

| psu.edu

A Penn State course prepared students to be "maple sugaring interpreters" at the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Maple Harvest Festival, which was held March 22 and 23. The course emphasizes hands-on learning and storytelling, allowing students to connect with the community and the natural world while teaching visitors about the maple-sugaring process.

Penn State Sustainability hosts online films depicting stories of resilience

| psu.edu

On April 2, as part of its "Intersections" film program, Penn State Sustainability, is hosting a spring online screening of two short films that feature people working to create more resilient biological communities while cultivating their own personal resilience.

Eric Klinenberg to be featured as Colloquium on the Environment speaker April 9

| psu.edu

Renowned sociologist and bestselling author Eric Klinenberg will be the keynote speaker for the 2024-25 Colloquium on the Environment. Rescheduled from Feb. 5, the event will now take place at 4 p.m. on April 9 both in person and online, and is free and open to all.

Harrisburg students promote, encourage undergraduate research

| psu.edu

Two Penn State Harrisburg undergraduate students are passionate about research — and about making sure their peers know that research can be an option for them, too. 

Graduate Exhibition to showcase research and scholarship for community

| psu.edu

Nearly 300 graduate students will be presenting research and scholarship and honing their communication skills at the 40th annual Graduate Exhibition, hosted by the Fox Graduate School. Community members can view research videos, chat with students about their scholarship, and see musical performances on Friday, March 28, on the University Park campus.

Donors create endowment for access and equity in Agricultural Sciences

| psu.edu

Thanks to a five-figure gift from anonymous donors, the College of Agricultural Sciences has established the Endowment for the Office of Access and Equity. The endowment will support activities and programming geared toward ensuring accessible, equitable opportunities and fostering an inclusive, supportive community where all are inspired to reach their full potential.