‘Triple burden’ of invisible labor major stressor for farm women, study finds
| psu.edu
Mental health challenges are a significant and growing concern for the nation’s farmers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As much as farming is often a family affair, programs and resources to support mental health in agriculture have focused on the primary producers, of whom nearly 64% are men. Women have always played a crucial role in agriculture, yet, Penn State Associate Professor Florence Becot said, their mental health and well-being — much like their essential contributions to agriculture — largely have been overlooked.
Ag student travels to Arctic for research training in a climate-changed region
| psu.edu
Ayse Akyildiz, a doctoral student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently returned from a research training trip to the Arctic, during which she and the other participants learned more about the region and the complex challenges it faces in a warming world.
Stuckeman landscape architecture alumna follows passion for environmental issues
| psu.edu
Chelsea Russ, who graduated from Penn State in the spring of 2024 with a master’s degree in landscape architecture, will continue her research on the effects of climate change on the environment as a finalist for the 2025 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Knauss Fellowship.
Center for Socially Responsible AI awards seed funding to seven diverse projects
| psu.edu
The Penn State Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence awarded more than $159,000 to seven interdisciplinary research projects across the University.
Targeted coal plant closures may boost environmental, health outcomes
| psu.edu
Prioritizing closing coal-fired power plants near vulnerable communities could significantly improve air quality and public health outcomes, according to a new multi-institutional study co-led by researchers at Penn State.
Long-distance friendships may provide conservation benefits
| psu.edu
Long-distance social ties can benefit community-based conservation, according to a new study by an international team that includes Penn State Professor Anne Pisor.
Penn State awarded grant for workforce development for Spanish-speaking farmers
| psu.edu
The Extension Foundation’s AgriProspects Workforce Development Network recently awarded Penn State Extension a competitive mini-grant to support its “Success Skills in Spanish 4 Ag” project, which focuses on workforce development for Spanish-speaking tree-fruit growers and poultry farmers.
Penn State, Taipei Tech announce graduate scholarship opportunities
| psu.edu
Starting in summer 2025, the National Taipei University of Technology in Taiwan will provide up to 10 scholarships annually for Penn State graduate students to engage in research and education collaboration at Taipei Tech. Applications for the graduate scholarship opportunities are open until Feb. 10, 2025.
Penn State ranks second in the US in 2025 QS sustainability rankings
| psu.edu
Penn State tied for No. 2 among 237 ranked universities in the United States in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability for 2025, released Dec. 10. Internationally, the University rose 18 places in this year’s rankings to tie for No. 19 out of 1,743 participating institutions worldwide. Penn State also ranked at No. 1 among Big Ten institutions and No. 2 among all U.S. public universities.
Increased area income improves birthweight rates, researchers find
| psu.edu
Higher incomes are often correlated with healthier pregnancies and babies, but is it really the money that matters? Sedimentary rocks that formed 390 million years ago, surprisingly, help provide the answer, at least for those who live above the Marcellus Shale formation, according to a team led by researchers at Penn State.
Growing Impact: Low-carbon cement from farm waste (Preview)
| youtu.be
Full episode release date: January 1, 2025. Cement, a major component of concrete, is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Researchers are exploring agricultural waste as a potential alternative to cement, aiming to reduce carbon footprint while also finding new uses for farm byproducts. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of this solution depend on the collaboration between researchers and farming communities.
Penn State Climate Consortium marks year one of advancing climate action
| psu.edu
In its first year, the Penn State Climate Consortium provided resources, fostered collaborations and created opportunities to advance climate research and solutions.