State College sustainability coordinator got start at Penn State
| psu.edu
Jasmine Fields found Penn State because of its reputation for world-class research. She loved science and biology and thought she might become a doctor. Soon after, she became interested in protecting the environment and her passions shifted toward creating a more sustainable world. In 2018, she earned her degree in geosciences from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and immediately got to work just down the street.
Rapid lithium extraction eliminates use of acid and high heat, scientists report
| psu.edu
Lightweight lithium metal is a heavy-hitting critical mineral, serving as the key ingredient in the rechargeable batteries that power phones, laptops, electric vehicles and more. As ubiquitous as lithium is in modern technology, extracting the metal is complex and expensive. A new method, developed by researchers at Penn State and recently granted patent rights, enables high-efficiency lithium extraction — in minutes, not hours — using low temperatures and simple water-based leaching.
How Penn State is addressing climate change—together
| by Erica Smithwick, Jacqueline O'Connor, Janet Swim
Faculty leaders Erica Smithwick, Jacqueline O’Connor, and Janet Swim share what the Climate Solutions Symposium means to them—and why showing up matters. From wildfires and emissions to policy and public trust, their reflections reveal how Penn State is turning interdisciplinary research into collaborative climate action.
EnvironMentors Research Symposium celebrates student research in sustainability
| psu.edu
Penn State’s chapter of EnvironMentors held its annual research symposium on April 26 at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at Penn State University Park. The EnvironMentors program partners high school students with faculty and undergraduate student mentors in science, technology, engineering and math to plan and conduct environmental research projects.
The buzz is real: Penn State Schuylkill beekeeping club takes flight
| psu.edu
The Penn State Schuylkill Beekeeping Club has experienced a remarkable revival under the leadership of faculty adviser Mary Ann Smith and student co-presidents James Bell and Zachary Fisher. Originally founded in 2021, the club was reinvigorated after nearly dissolving, and has since expanded its hive count, club membership, and community outreach.
Why Kering's industry-first water strategy matters
| voguebusiness.com
The luxury conglomerate has outlined a plan to become “water positive”, laying the groundwork for other brands to follow. It’s a bold move, but experts say it’s just the beginning. This article quotes Christine Kirchhoff, associate professor of engineering design and innovation.
Student team sets school record, places third at Shell Eco-Marathon
| psu.edu
Penn State’s Shell Eco-Marathon team recently placed third at the annual Shell Eco-Marathon, an international competition that challenges teams to design and build a vehicle with the highest possible fuel efficiency. The team — consisting mostly of mechanical engineering majors who participate in the competition as their senior capstone projects — raced against seven other teams in their category on April 2-6 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.
Architecture grad students earn gold mention in international design competition
| psu.edu
A project by two Stuckeman School architecture graduate students earned fifth place overall in the worldwide TerraViva “Easdale Ferry Office” Competition that welcomed entries from students as well as professional design practices.
Tiny particles may help cure disease and clean up pollution
| earth.com
Tiny self-powered Janus particles navigate tight spaces, showing promise for health and environmental problem-solving. This article features Penn State research.
Experts sound alarm on critical threat putting farmers' livelihoods at risk: 'We may lose local ... populations'
| thecooldown.com
Although Cambodia's native bees are not currently in danger of extinction, a recent study found that the populations are diminishing. This article mentions Penn State research.
US scientists' 'cold' manufacturing method boosts EV battery efficiency
| interestingengineering.com
Penn State researchers are creating solid-state batteries with ceramic-polymer composites to enhance stability and safety compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Winners announced for 17th annual Materials Visualization Competition
| psu.edu
The winners of the 17th annual Materials Visualization Competition (MVC), 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. MVC celebrates the quality of research in materials at Penn State and promotes awareness of materials science through visualization.