Penn State chemist named 2026 Optica Fellow
| psu.edu
Ken Knappenberger, department head and professor of chemistry in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, was selected as a 2026 Optica Fellow. Fellows are selected based on factors including outstanding contributions to research, business, education, engineering and service to Optica and the community.
Even with Trump’s support, coal power remains expensive – and dangerous
| by Hannah Wiseman, Seth Blumsack
As projections of U.S. electricity demand rise sharply, President Donald Trump is looking to coal – historically a dominant force in the U.S. energy economy – as a key part of the solution.
Penn State College of Ag Sciences to offer food science short courses
| psu.edu
In 2026, food inspectors and sanitarians, quality assurance managers, food plant managers and food engineers can learn the latest developments in food science with short courses offered by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
Penn State students bridge food security, education inspired by World Food Prize
| psu.edu
Five students in Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, for a week-long immersion in global food security at the World Food Prize event.
Warblers borrow color-related genes from evolutionary neighbors, study finds
| psu.edu
A new study has uncovered several instances of wood warblers — some of the most colorful birds in North America — passing color-related genes to other wood warbler species, including those that are not closely related. This glimpse into the hidden evolutionary dynamics of these songbirds may help explain why some species display certain colors as well as how the group diversified into so many different species in such a relatively short evolutionary time, the researchers said.
Penn State student documentary 'Rethinking 322' explores ways to minimize construction impacts
| alleghenyfront.org
The State College Area Connector will replace a section of Route 322 near State College and impact farmland, waterways and homes.
Fusion energy research fellowship supports nuclear engineering grad student
| psu.edu
Camila Lopez Perez, a doctoral student in nuclear engineering, received the Dr. Robert A. Ellis Fellowship to support her research on improving materials for fusion energy reactors. Her work focuses on advancing lithium coating techniques and testing new plasma-facing materials to help make fusion energy more efficient and sustainable.
Penn State and Leibniz University of Hannover celebrate a year of collaboration
| psu.edu
Penn State and Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany, recently wrapped up an active year of partnership collaborations — one “defined by vibrant student exchanges, faculty initiatives, and staff engagement across multiple disciplines,” said Alexandra Persiko, director for global partnerships in Penn State Global.
Abington professor receives DOE grant to engineer advanced quantum materials
| psu.edu
The project brings together experimental work, computation and a strong educational mission that teaches students skills that are foundational for career success, a pillar of the Penn State Abington Experience, the roadmap guiding students to their futures.
Penn State to bring hands-on learning to 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show
| psu.edu
At the Pennsylvania Farm Show, to be held Jan. 10-17, 2026, in Harrisburg, faculty and extension educators from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will offer interactive activities and expert guidance on topics ranging from mental wellness and food preservation to invasive species and water quality.
Postponed EarthTalk: Lithium patterns evident in long-mined Pa. formation
| psu.edu
Speakers Tim White and Nick Sullivan will discuss lithium in the Mercer Formation, a geologic formation long mined in central Pennsylvania, as part of the EarthTalks speaker series. Their seminar is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Dec. 15 in 112 Walker Building at University Park.
New report outlines science priorities for human Mars exploration
| psu.edu
As humanity prepares to take its first steps on Mars, a comprehensive report released today (Dec. 9) from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and steered by scientists at Penn State lays out a detailed science strategy to guide the initial human missions to the red planet.