Scorched shrubs sprout anew, researchers find in controlled fire study
| psu.edu
Invasive woody plants present a major ecological challenge in eastern U.S. forests by outcompeting native species and spreading quickly, forming dense thickets that crowd out native plants and disrupt ecosystems. Land managers have tried, with some success, to use prescribed fire to kill them, but is it effective? Researchers at Penn State reported mixed results when it comes to two of the most aggressive colonizers across North American landscapes, burning bush and border privet.
Sustainable Labs Program concludes fourth year, expands impact across campuses
| psu.edu
The Penn State Sustainable Labs Program continues to expand its reach across campuses while advancing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of research spaces. The 2025–26 cohort included 20 labs spanning multiple colleges, with seven labs recertifying after participating in the program’s inaugural 2022–23 cohort. The program supports research teams in adopting sustainable practices without compromising scientific discovery, with participation remaining free to all labs.
Penn State, Climavison partner to support the next generation of meteorologists
| psu.edu
A new partnership between Penn State and weather technology company Climavision aims to open research and training opportunities for students and faculty, and potentially help advance weather detection and warning across the commonwealth.
Sustainability Now! Sunday, May 10th: Is that Teflon in your food and water?
| ksqd.org
Is that Teflon in your food and water? Good for eggs, maybe, but probably not for you! with Dr. Faith Kibuye, Penn State University On Sustainability Now! Sunday, May 10th, 5-6 PM on KSQD Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFASs and "forever chemicals"—have become
A digital twin for Arctic permafrost beneath roads
| eos.org
A physics-informed digital twin uses high-resolution temperature data to track, update, and predict permafrost conditions beneath an Alaskan embankment road.
Undergraduate Exhibition featured work of more than 300 students
| psu.edu
Penn State undergraduate researchers made the 2026 Undergraduate Exhibition one of the biggest events in recent years, with more than 330 total presenters.
Penn State Sustainability celebrates 2026 sustainability award winners
| psu.edu
Penn State Sustainability has announced the 2026 recipients of its annual awards. These accolades, including the John Roe Sustainability Impact Award and the Student Sustainability Advisory Council Tree Award, commend the extraordinary contributions of students in spearheading sustainability initiatives.
Penn State names five new Evan Pugh University Professors
| psu.edu
Five Penn State professors have been named Evan Pugh University Professors, the University’s highest faculty honor, effective July 1. They are W. Niel Brandt, Eberly Family Chair Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics; Long-Qing Chen, Hamer Professor of Materials Science and Engineering; Runze Li, Eberly Family Chair Professor of Statistics; Karen Thole, professor of mechanical engineering; and Adri van Duin, distinguished professor of mechanical engineering.
Reminisce and reconnect at Shaver’s Creek’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
| psu.edu
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is celebrating its storied past and bright future with a 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 23. The free, public event is an opportunity for the local and Penn State communities to reminisce, relive and reconnect to all things Shaver’s Creek as it celebrates 50 years of inspiring discovery. To be held from noon to 9 p.m., the celebration includes nature walks, ice cream, a campfire and more.
Architecture grad student honored for challenging conventional design methods
| psu.edu
Mahtab Khabir who will graduate this weekend from the professional master of architecture program in the College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School, was named the winner of the Department of Architecture’s 2026 Jawaid Haider Award for Design Excellence in Graduate Studies for her thesis project that reimagines architecture through sound, movement and human perception rather than solely through form and function.
AI and the Economy Initiative to host second workshop
| psu.edu
Experts from across the nation will gather for a May 18-19 workshop on artificial intelligence's transformative impact on the economy and society. The workshop is the second in a series hosted by the "AI and the Economy Initiative" at Penn State.
Faculty expertise: Eastern blazes
| pennstatermag.com
Wildfire preparedness is of utmost importance for many East Coast communities, says geography professor Erica Smithwick, who’s leading a new research effort to that end.