Penn State Energy and Environment News

WATCH: Craig J. Newschaffer shares perspective on music and community health

| psu.edu

In a video series titled “Perspective: Leaders at Penn State,” Craig J. Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean of the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State, shares his love for playing music with others as an opportunity to experience the magic of a group being a force multiplier of individual efforts.  

Brandywine student researcher recognized with national award

| psu.edu

Penn State Brandywine student Niles Williams received national recognition from the Council on Undergraduate Research Geoscience Division for Excellence in Student Research. 

Two-thirds of California completely drought-free as "big melt" begins

| newsweek.com

As temperatures rise, the state is expected to further climb out of drought conditions with the melting of the snowpack. This article quotes Lara Fowler, interim director of the Sustainability Institute and chief sustainability officer.

Three selected as Administrative Fellows for 2023-24

| psu.edu

The Administrative Fellows for the 2023-24 academic year are Melissa Doberstein, program director, Presidential Leadership Academy, Schreyer Honors College; Scarlett Miller, professor of engineering design and industrial engineering, College of Engineering; and Juliet Pinto, associate professor, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. The Administrative Fellows Program offers Penn State faculty and staff the opportunity to work with senior University officers to gain knowledge and experiences pertaining to leadership in the academic community.

EMS honors faculty and student excellence at annual awards celebration

| psu.edu

Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences recognized exceptional students and faculty for their academic excellence, service and leadership during its annual Wilson Awards Celebration, held on Sunday, April 23. The Wilson Awards are named in honor of Matthew and Anne Wilson, major benefactors of the college.

Impact of sea ice loss on weather, cold air outbreaks focus of NSF CAREER Award

| psu.edu

Melissa Gervais, assistant professor of meteorology and atmospheric science, received a five-year $874,000 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation to investigate the impact of sea ice loss on large-scale patterns of atmospheric variability and cold air outbreaks.

Microplastics in Lake Erie highlight growing concern over potential health effects

| abcnews.go.com

Microplastics are getting renewed attention amid broader concerns about potential health effects and a hydro-fracking boom in the Midwest. This article mentions research from Sherri Mason, director of sustainability at Penn State Behrend.

ChatGPT takes on Penn State AI – here’s what Penn State has to say about it

| happyvalleyindustry.com

We asked ChatGPT to write an article about Penn State’s capabilities in AI, from materials science to ethics and sustainability. And then, we asked David Hunter, who was recently appointed as director for a cross-functional Penn State AI Hub, for his reaction to what artificial intelligence said about the University.

Justin Schwartz named Penn State’s executive vice president and provost

| psu.edu

Justin Schwartz has been named Penn State’s permanent executive vice president and provost, effective May 1. Schwartz has held the role in an interim capacity since August 2022, having previously served as Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Penn State’s College of Engineering since 2017. As provost, Schwartz will serve as Penn State’s chief academic officer and oversee all academic units within the University’s colleges, schools and campuses, as well as major academic support units.

What is ChatGPT and what can it be used for?

| psu.edu

Penn State artificial intelligence experts offer perspectives to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Biomanufacturing: present and future

| forbes.com

Biomanufacturing is the use of engineered microorganisms to create products with desired properties. This article was written by Melik Demirel, Pearce Development Professor and professor of engineering science and mechanics.

Graduate Council elects new leadership

| psu.edu

Penn State’s Graduate Council, the faculty-led governing body that establishes graduate education policies for the University, has completed elections for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year. Jan Reimann, associate professor of mathematics, will assume the role of chair for the 2023-24 academic year. Mary Shenk, associate professor of anthropology, demography, and Asian studies, was elected chair for 2024-25; she will serve as chair-elect for 2023-24.