Réka Albert named Evan Pugh University Professor
| psu.edu
Réka Albert, distinguished professor of physics and biology at Penn State, has been named an Evan Pugh University Professor, the highest honor that Penn State bestows on a faculty member.
Five faculty members honored with Evan Pugh University Professorships
| psu.edu
Five Penn State professors have been named Evan Pugh University Professors, the highest honor bestowed upon faculty at the University, effective July 1: Réka Albert, distinguished professor of physics and biology; Suresh Canagarajah, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Applied Linguistics, English, and Asian Studies; Vijaykrishnan Narayanan, A. Robert Noll Chair Professor of Computer Science and Engineering; Clive Randall, distinguished professor of materials science and engineering; and S. Shyam Sundar, James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Studies.
‘Better than graphene’ material development may improve implantable technology
| psu.edu
There’s a new, improved two-dimensional material in the lab. Borophene, the atomically thin version of boron first synthesized in 2015, is more conductive, thinner, lighter, stronger and more flexible than graphene, the 2D version of carbon. Now, researchers at Penn State have made the material potentially more useful by imparting chirality — or handedness — on it, which could make for advanced sensors and implantable medical devices.
Clive Randall named Evan Pugh University Professor
| psu.edu
Clive Randall, distinguished professor of materials science and engineering and director of the Materials Research Institute at Penn State, has been named an Evan Pugh University Professor. The Evan Pugh University Professorship is the highest distinction bestowed upon faculty by Penn State.
Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance
| psu.edu
How well bees tolerate temperature extremes could determine their ability to persist in a changing climate. But heat tolerance varies between and within populations, so a research team led by Penn State entomologists examined bee physical traits — such as sex differences in body mass — to understand how these traits interact with environmental conditions, pathogens and other factors.
Surviving ash trees may hold key to saving multiple species of the trees
| psu.edu
The invasive insect emerald ash borer is killing ash trees at an unprecedented rate in the United States, and now five North American species of ash are considered critically endangered, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. But a small percentage are surviving, and research by Forest Service scientists suggests that those trees may hold the key for saving the species. In an effort to unlock the answer, researchers in the Louis W.
ICDS associate director aims to enhance collaboration in new role
| psu.edu
Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, whose mission is to foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary scholarly community, is working to continue that vision through the work of their leadership, including new Associate Director Christelle Wauthier, who is also an associate professor of geosciences. Wauthier started the associate director position on April 1.
Firefly population expected to dip, PSU professor says
| wtaj.com
Penn State Professor Christina Grozinger says to expect a dip in firefly populations this year but adds that the average person can help. This article and broadcast TV segment features Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology.
'Growing Impact' podcast explores a thawing Arctic and its impacts
| psu.edu
The latest episode of the Growing Impact podcast discusses how thawing Arctic permafrost, a result of rising global temperatures due to climate change, is affecting rivers, landscapes and communities, according to a Penn State research team.
Applications now open for Community-Engaged Research Fellowship program
| psu.edu
Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute's Community-Engaged Research Core is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Community-Engaged Research Fellowship Program now through Oct. 1. The program offers training and a mentorship network to scientists interested in advancing their community-engaged research expertise across Penn State campuses.
Two Penn State faculty elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
| psu.edu
Penn State professors P. Gabrielle Foreman and Karl S. Zimmerer have been elected members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Cold sintering may rescue plastic, ceramics, battery components from landfills
| psu.edu
In three recent papers, Penn State researchers outline new uses for cold sintering— the process of combining powder-based materials into dense forms at low temperatures through applied pressure using solvents — that allows materials to be recycled again and again.
Once a frozen haven, climate-driven rising temperatures are rapidly thawing the Arctic permafrost, posing a major threat to communities and infrastructure. Researchers are investigating how these changes will transform rivers, with potential consequences for erosion, sediment transport, and the entire Arctic landscape. Additionally, their project incorporates art to communicate these critical findings in an engaging way. Listen to the podcast.
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