Penn State Energy and Environment News Feed

Penn State grad aims to advance sustainability education across Pennsylvania

| psu.edu

As an undergraduate student at Penn State, Olivia DiPrinzio discovered a passion for sustainability and pursued it to help transform the University’s approach to sustainability education. Now, as a professional, she gets to continue that work.

‘Pennsylvania AgForum’ focused on farm stress and actionable strategies

| psu.edu

Held in State College, the “Pennsylvania AgForum: Taking Action Together for Our Agricultural Community” brought together stakeholders in agriculture, health care, finance, mental health, child care and government. Hosted by Penn State Extension, the event was aimed at building partnerships across sectors to address the financial and mental health challenges in the farming community.

Foraging on the wing: How can ecologically similar birds live together?

| psu.edu

A new study uses modern techniques to revisit a foundational study in biology describing how ecologically similar species of wood warblers appear to coexist peacefully.

The future of geothermal energy in Pennsylvania

A new report finds that with immediate action, Pennsylvania could tap into its vast underground heat to meet 100% of its electricity, heating, and industrial thermal needs within ten years—using the skills and infrastructure of its existing oil and gas workforce.

Agricultural honor society Gamma Sigma Delta recognizes faculty and students

| psu.edu

The Penn State chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the agricultural honor society, recognized faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and students from the College of Agricultural Sciences during its annual meeting April 3.  

Third annual Sustainability Summit to be held April 23

| psu.edu

This year’s Sustainability Summit features an entire day of programming, from noon until 8:30 p.m. on April 23. All events are free and open to all. Come by throughout the day for tabling and games, as well as in the evening for an evening meal, keynote, and film.

Sustainable Communities Collaborative hosts Campus and Community Sustainability Expo

| psu.edu

The Campus and Community Sustainability Expo, a poster-style exposition of academic student projects conducted in partnership with Pennsylvania communities, will be held on April 30 at the Palmer Museum of Art, and is free and open to the public.

Materials Research Institute announces 2025 seed grant recipients

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The Materials Research Institute at Penn State has announced the recipients of the 2025 Interdisciplinary Seed Grants and Transdisciplinary Teaming Initiative awards, designed to support collaborative, high-risk research with the potential for significant societal and technological impact.

Feeling salty? Increased salt stress reduces tomato pest activity

| psu.edu

Increased soil salinity can reduce damage from prominent tomato pests such as the tomato fruitworm, according to researchers at Penn State. 

Project to ranch sea urchins as a food source named 2025 Ag Springboard winner

| psu.edu

Penn State students had the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial aspirations at the 2025 Ag Springboard student business pitch contest, which took place earlier this month in State College.

Sahrawi visiting artist to share his experiences throughout April

| psu.edu

Mohamed Sleiman Labat, a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker and writer who was born and is based in the Sahrawi refugee camps in southwest Algeria, will participate in a series of public events at Penn State and in the local community throughout the month of April. 

Real estate professor recognized with President’s Award for academic integration

| psu.edu

Brent Ambrose, professor of real estate in the Smeal College of Business, has been awarded the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Academic Integration.