Penn State Energy and Environment News

Pterofin's sustainable alternative to turbines is revolutionizing the future of renewable energy

| ibtimes.com

Pterofin's technology operates through an oscillating fin controlled by a counterbalance that changes the pitch of the wind. This article mentions Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL).

Penn State to host second annual Sustainability Summit

| psu.edu

Penn State Sustainability and the University Park Undergraduate Association are partnering again to gather students and others together in visioning and planning for a more sustainable Penn State at the second annual Sustainability Summit from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 1, in Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Margaret Klein Salamon, a clinical psychologist and executive director of the Climate Emergency Fund, will provide the summit’s opening keynote.

Jennifer Lalli to present 2024 Richard E. Tressler Lecture on March 28

| psu.edu

The second 2024 Richard E. Tressler Lectures in Materials will be held at 3:05 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in 111 Wartik Laboratory on the Penn State University Park campus. Jennifer Lalli, president at NanoSonic Inc., will deliver the lecture “A Penn State polymer chemist’s role in the commercialization of green nanotechnology.”

Engineering science and mechanics researcher Christian Peco awarded NSF CAREER

| psu.edu

Christian Peco, assistant professor of engineering science and mechanics in the Penn State College of Engineering, earned a five-year, $549,445 U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER Award for a project that will examine biological organisms like slime molds and fungi for inspiration in designing decentralized intelligent collaboration algorithms.

Engaging locally in water quality planning

| by Erin Trouba

To address pollution concerns in the Chesapeake Bay, communities throughout the watershed have been engaging stakeholders in an effort to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads, which are responsible for harmful algal blooms and turbid waters.

These researchers are digging into the understudied science of roots

| smithsonianmag.com

After centuries of neglect, botanists are using new techniques to understand roots. This article quotes Jonathan Lynch, distinguished professor of plant science.

5 mistakes people still make with weather forecasts

| forbes.com

Here are five mistakes that people still make with weather forecasts. This article mentions Penn State Research.

Penn State takes next step in Hammond Building demolition, Sackett Building renovations

| radio.wpsu.org

The State College Planning Commission heard the final university plans for the demolition of the Hammond Building and future Sackett Building renovations.

Wilkes-Barre faculty member receives Geospatial Professor of the Year award

| psu.edu

Dimitrios Bolkas, associate professor of surveying engineering at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, received a leadership award during an industry conference for his work with virtual reality. Bolkas, who is the coordinator of the surveying engineering program at the campus, was presented with the Younger Geospatial Professional award during the Geo Week conference in Denver, Colorado.

2023 Pennsylvania farm fatality report calls attention to agricultural hazards

| psu.edu

In 2023, 33 people died of injuries suffered in farm-related incidents in Pennsylvania, according to farm-safety specialists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, who emphasized the need for education and policies to reduce risk for workers and farm-family members. To help identify hazards and risks associated with production, Penn State Extension’s Agricultural Safety and Health team produces annual summaries of Pennsylvania’s farm fatalities. The team recently released the “2023 Pennsylvania Farm Fatal Injury Summary.”

What happens if you eat mold? Food safety experts share which types to avoid most

| today.com

We've all encountered moldy food before, whether it's a rogue berry covered in gray fuzz or a green-speckled slice of bread. Maybe you didn't notice the mold growing until you plated your meal — or after you took a bite. This article quotes Josephine Wee, assistant professor of food science.

Donor creates award to recognize innovative research teams in Ag Sciences

| psu.edu

The Dennis and Janet Scanlon Integrated Team Research Award will recognize an integrated research and outreach faculty team within the College of Agricultural Sciences that demonstrates innovation in translating research to be shared and used through activities leading to partnerships and collaboration within the college and beyond.