Penn State Energy and Environment News

College of Ag Sciences faculty, extension leader engage in leadership program

| psu.edu

Two Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences faculty members and an assistant director with Penn State Extension recently furthered their knowledge of leadership principles by completing the LEAD21 leadership development program, a national yearlong program to develop leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners who link research, academics and extension and can navigate an increasingly complex environment to lead more effectively in their current or future leadership positions. 

$1 million gift to create scholarships and upgrade engineering facilities

| psu.edu

Ronald and Martha Tirpak have stepped forward with a $1 million commitment to expand affordability through scholarships and to ensure the College of Engineering has access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Earth Day 2024: Pollinators help our food supply

| tnonline.com

If there’s food on your table, you can thank a bee. Or a fly. Or even a moth. They’re types of pollinators, and they help to produce about 75% of the world’s major food crops. This article quotes Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology.

Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised.

| cnn.com

How much plastic is in the food you eat? Much more than you realize, experts say. This article quotes Sherri Mason, associate research professor and director of sustainability at Penn State Behrend.

Extension volunteer ‘rain barrel guy’ engages youth to protect watersheds

| psu.edu

For Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer Rich Troscianecki, one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is getting the next generation involved in and excited about watershed management.

Penn State social scientists head to Washington, DC, for advocacy day

| psu.edu

A delegation of Penn State faculty members traveled to Washington, D.C., recently to participate in the 2024 Consortium of Social Science Associations Social Science Advocacy Day. Held April 8-9, the event brought together social and behavioral scientists from across the country to advocate for the continued importance of federal funding for their research fields.

Landscape architecture professor receives Stuckeman Collaborative Research Grant

| psu.edu

Stormwater runoff has become one of the leading causes of water pollution in urban environments, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, due to years of cities implementing “gray” infrastructure. Stuart Echols, associate professor of landscape architecture in the Stuckeman School, is working to rectify this with the support of the recently awarded 2024 Stuckeman Fund for Collaborative Design Research Grant for $50,000 over the course of two years.

Kissing bugs, vector for Chagas disease, successfully gene edited for first time

| psu.edu

New research from an international team, including a Penn State researcher, demonstrates — for the first time — the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in kissing bugs and opens the door to research on applied strategies for Chagas disease control.

Winners announced for 16th annual Materials Visualization Competition

| psu.edu

The winners of the 16th annual Materials Visualization Competition, a scientific visual and artistic competition sponsored by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Materials Research Institute at Penn State, have been announced.

Estimating emissions potential of decommissioned gas wells from shale samples

| psu.edu

The Marcellus shale natural gas boom provided the U.S. with an abundant, lower-carbon footprint fossil fuel, but also brought concerns over increased methane emissions. A team led by Penn State researchers has developed a new tool that can estimate the emissions potential of these wells after they are no longer active.

Phillip Diouf is recognized as a John Roe Sustainability Impact Awardee

| psu.edu

In recognition of student leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship, Phillip Diouf, an undergraduate at Penn State Abington, has been named one of this year's recipients of the John Roe Sustainability Impact Award. This award, named after the late Penn State mathematics professor John Roe, reflects the profound impact of individuals who are driven to make a difference in the sustainability landscape of the University.

Pin-Hsuan Tseng recognized as a John Roe Sustainability Impact Awardee

| psu.edu

Pin-Hsuan Tseng, a graduate student in the School of Visual Arts at Penn State, has been honored with the John Roe Sustainability Impact Award for her innovative fusion of art education and environmental advocacy. In honor of the late Penn State mathematics professor John Roe, the award recognizes individuals who significantly contribute to sustainable practices within the University community.