DOE coal plant orders refresh state, federal power struggle
| news.bloomberglaw.com
The Trump administration’s moves to reignite the coal industry have states arguing the federal government is messing with energy generation plans that have been in the works for years.
Plant-based material offers sustainable method of recovering rare earth element
| psu.edu
A team led by researchers at Penn State used a plant-based material to separate and recover dysprosium, a heavy rare earth element used in industrial manufacturing, from other rare earth elements. According to the researchers, the approach is environmentally friendly, as well as more sustainable and efficient than other commercial approaches.
New plastic material could solve energy storage challenge, researchers report
| psu.edu
A team led by Penn State researchers reported a novel material made of cheap, commercially available plastics that can handle four times the energy of a typical capacitor at temperatures up to 482 F. They published their work in Nature.
Why gas turbines are in short supply — just as the grid needs them most
| by Stephen Lynch, Jacqueline O'Connor
Rising electricity demand, renewable variability, and AI growth are increasing reliance on gas turbines — even as manufacturing bottlenecks limit new supply.
Feb. 25 seminar: 'Effectiveness of mobile app to improve household food access'
| psu.edu
Ran Li, assistant professor of agricultural economics, will discuss the effectiveness of the mobile app Too Good To Go as a potential complement to public food assistance by reallocating surplus food into low-cost consumption opportunities. Her talk is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in 157 Hosler Building on the Penn State University Park campus.
College of Engineering appoints nine new faculty across research, teaching roles
| psu.edu
The Penn State College of Engineering has welcomed nine new faculty members across multiple departments, including several former postdoctoral scholars who have transitioned into faculty roles. These appointments strengthen the college’s research and teaching mission while reinforcing its commitment to investing in emerging talent.
Penn State biochemist Denise Okafor awarded 2026 Sloan Research Fellowship
| psu.edu
Denise Okafor, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and of chemistry and Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Early Career Chair in Biophysics, has been honored with 2026 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship. Awarded annually since 1955, the fellowship honors extraordinary researchers whose creativity, innovation and research accomplishments make them stand out as the next generation of scientific leaders.
Symposium to explore creative methodologies for studying changing climates
| psu.edu
The College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School at Penn State will host the hybrid research symposium “Creative Methodologies for Studying Changing Climates: Body, Space and Weather” on March 4-5.
Nominations for John Roe Sustainability Impact Awards accepted through April 3
| psu.edu
Nominations are open through April 3 for the 2026 John Roe Sustainability Impact Awards. The awards recognize students and faculty who cultivate opportunities to advance the United Nations' global Sustainable Development Goals while demonstrating personal integrity, unwavering dedication to their values and morals, and a commitment to the mission and values of Penn State.
Penn State town hall addresses factors affecting research
| psu.edu
In a town hall meeting, Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Penn State, discussed federal issues that affect research funding, how Penn State is improving contract processing, international collaborations, unionization, industry-funded research and more.
Additive may strengthen organic solar cells
| psu.edu
Assistant Professor Nutifafa Doumon and doctoral candidate Souk Yoon “John” Kim in Penn State's Department of Materials Science and Engineering found that adding a chemical derived from hydrogen and carbon may help organic solar cells become a more viable alternative.
Penn State names 14 new distinguished professors for 2026
| psu.edu
Penn State's Office of Faculty Affairs has named 14 new distinguished professors for 2026, recognizing outstanding academic contribution to the University.