Our blog features brief essays, expert commentary, op-eds, and Q&As that cover a wide variety of energy and environmental topics. Each entry is written by researchers from around Penn State, including faculty members and graduate students.
Manure can be a resource when applied in the right places
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Many agricultural watersheds in the U.S. are experiencing water quality challenges due to intensive livestock agriculture. In addition, improper manure management (manure over-application or application in areas that are highly susceptible to surface runoff or leaching) can lead to water quality and human health issues.
Women empowering women in STEM
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The path to a successful career in science can be challenging. Finding one's passion can also be difficult. Fortunately, there are people who can offer their guidance and help along the way to both a successful career and fulfilling one. Li Li reflects on her journey and the many women who walked it with her.
Have people perceived ecosystem benefits provided by green stormwater infrastructure?
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There is a relatively new way to achieve long-term stormwater control by combining green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) with gray infrastructure to manage stormwater.
When deep learning meets multi-scale data
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Deep learning has set a new standard in model performance metrics in soil moisture, streamflow, groundwater, and model uncertainty estimates.
The Treasure Beneath the Surface: The role of groundwater in the development of the Kachchh region of India
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Kachchh is a manifestation of a post-disaster high agrarian and economic growth fueled by the invisible water resource, groundwater. Simultaneously, it shows how the negligence of sustainable groundwater management poses a threat to the socio-economic stability of a booming economy.
Will buying a new electric Ford F-150 Lightning help save the world from climate change?
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The Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle in the U.S., so interest is high on the electric vehicle "Lightning" model. But are EVs really better for the environment than internal combustion engine vehicles?
How are we adapting? A nexus approach for addressing food-energy-water vulnerabilities in the face of climate change
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In 2021, the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the sixth assessment report, highlighting how climate change shapes our environmental futures with more frequent and intense extreme events such as drought, floods, and sea-level rise. These natural hazards impact the ability of society to access food, energy, and water resources and introduce risks to human survival and wellbeing.
A change in season, a change in water?
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For many households, a change in the season could mean a change in their water supply. What impacts household water supply for one family, however, might not affect another in the same way.
Waiting for my ships to sail
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Laura Guertin discusses the challenges of getting out to sea during the pandemic and considers how these delays are impacting scientists and their ocean research.
Redressing a flood of historic injustices
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Penn State’s recent entry into the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) design competition demonstrates how students may play a significant role in identifying ways to redress historic injustices and as importantly, not perpetuate past racist policies as communities adapt to changing sea levels.