Penn State Energy and Environment News

Fall 2023 opportunities for new faculty foster professional growth, connection

| psu.edu

New and revamped programs for new full-time Penn State faculty will be offered this fall, including initiatives to foster professional growth, build a sense of belonging, and facilitate connections within the University community.

Four liberal arts students receive sustainability research awards

| psu.edu

Alison Axtman, Dani Buffa, Rachel Palkovitz and Casey Tilley each recently received the 2023 Liberal Arts Student Award for Research on Sustainability, presented annually to students in the College of the Liberal Arts whose research or creative project, including work in a lab, field, or archives, focuses on sustainability.

Pennsylvanians encouraged to help in firefly conservation efforts

| fox43.com

One group is asking for people nationwide to help count fireflies where they live to monitor trends in the insect's population. This article quotes Casey Sclar, the H.O. Smith Endowed Director of The Arboretum at Penn State.

Philly has had a rainy summer. So why is Pa. still under a drought watch?

| whyy.org

Drought declarations are not just based on rain. They also consider soil moisture, stream flow, and groundwater, which tends to lag behind rain. This article quotes Gregory Jenkins, professor of meteorology and atmospheric science.

The Medical Minute: AI enhancements offer possibilities, pitfalls for healthcare

| psu.edu

You’ve seen the headlines — and maybe one of the "Terminator" movies. But how does artificial intelligence affect your health care? A Penn State Health doctor shares his views.

Carleen Maitland named interim associate dean for research in the College of IST

| psu.edu

Carleen Maitland, professor in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology, has been named interim associate dean for research, effective Aug. 1.

Landscape-U program connects grad students with Navajo Nation

| psu.edu

Over spring break 2023, Penn State graduate students traveled to Arizona to participate in a transformational research experience as part of the Landscape-U program. During the week students visited sites connected to food, energy and water topics, the focus of the trip. They also visited traditional working landscapes within Navajo Nation and learned firsthand about its rich culture and history.

Heat risk update: A humid 93°F puts people in the danger zone

| earth911.com

Researchers found that humid days with temperatures of 93.2℉ can stress the heart and put people with cardiovascular disease at risk. Prepare for extreme heat. This article quotes Rachel Cottle, a researcher in exercise physiology at the Pennsylvania State University.

Penn College receives $2 million federal grant to aid workforce

| psu.edu

Pennsylvania College of Technology is the recipient of a $2 million federal grant to enhance infrastructure-related academic and workforce development programs. Awarded by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration, the grant aims to attract and upskill the current and future workforce to meet the increasing demand for clean energy, architecture, construction and concrete science professionals.

Penn State researchers receive $1M NSF award to develop hemp-based supply chain

| psu.edu

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at Penn State is part of a project that recently received a $1 million NSF Engines Development Award. The award will fund the development of the Pennsylvania Industrial Hemp Engine, which will support the manufacture and deployment of bio-based products for application in green building construction, packaging, fabrics, renewable energy and land remediation. 

GENIUS workshop equips underrepresented students for geography graduate programs

| psu.edu

Penn State’s Department of Geography held a May workshop aimed at supporting third- and fourth-year students from underrepresented groups in their journeys toward applying for graduate programs in geography, coined the GENIUS workshop — Geography Education Networking Initiative for Underrepresented Scholars.

Faculty success and equity workshop registration now open

| psu.edu

Registration is now open for the “Initiative for Faculty Success and Equity Workshop” on Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.