Atmospheric, climate researcher named IEE 'Person of the Year'
| psu.edu
Kenneth Davis, a professor of atmospheric and climate science in the Penn College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, has been named the Institute of Energy and the Environment's Person of the Year for 2024. He was selected from nominations submitted by the Penn State community.
New MatSE Safety Fund to support safety training for students, labs
| psu.edu
In the vast and varied research that comes out of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at Penn State, there’s one thing that’s even more important than discovery: lab safety. Making the department a leader in laboratory safety has been a focus since the mid-2000s with the creation of the MatSE Safety Awareness Organization. Since then, the group has been working with faculty, staff, students and industry partners to keep labs safe while ensuring students enter the workforce with stellar safety practices.
Penn State joins national initiative to support public impact research
| psu.edu
Seeking to increase the societal impact of university research, Penn State has joined a multi-year collaborative effort led by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) to identify and promote new approaches to support faculty and researchers undertaking public impact research.
How hurricane storm surges work—and worsen with climate change
| fastcompany.com
Of all the hazards that hurricanes bring, storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property along the coast. This article was by Anthony Didlake, associate professor of meteorology.
Penn State launches search for next executive vice president and provost
| psu.edu
As the University’s chief academic officer, reporting directly to President Neeli Bendapudi, the provost works with deans, chancellors, faculty, and staff across the University and helps set and lead academic priorities, uphold research and teaching excellence, support access and affordability, and advance the land-grant mission.
Engineering professor recognized by Earth and space association with dual awards
| psu.edu
Li Li, the Barry and Shirley Isett Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Penn State College of Engineering, was selected for two honors from the American Geophysical Union, the world’s largest Earth and space science association, for her scientific contributions to the field of hydrology.
Scanning nature for solutions with the Center for Quantitative Imaging
Fariborz Tavangarian, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State Harrisburg, is investigating the intricate structure of a marine sponge (Eulectella aspergillum) to develop innovative materials for human bone tissue engineering. Despite being composed of fragile silica, the sponge exhibits remarkable strength due to its unique layered architecture.
Revealing microplastics with the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory
After the mass production of plastics began in the 1950s, plastic waste started to enter the environment. In time, this waste broke down into microplastics. For decades, these often-microscopic fragments of plastic have flowed into and through the water and soil.
Radiocarbon Lab assists floodplain reconstruction
Floodplains have been significantly altered since European settlers introduced mill dams and timbering, which increased erosion and led to rapid sediment accumulation. This transformation dramatically changed the natural landscape. Floodplain restoration regains the ecological benefits of the pre-industrialization landscape and is an effective method to improve water quality, prevent erosion, and boost biodiversity.
SustainPSU and Pa. GreenGov Council host annual Commonwealth Sustainability Week
| psu.edu
Building on their ongoing partnership, from Oct. 7 through 11, Penn State Sustainability and the Pennsylvania GreenGov Council will present the annual free online Commonwealth Sustainability Week aimed at empowering governments, organizations and individuals to advance Pennsylvania’s climate goals and to build more resilient communities.
Injecting manure into growing cover crops can cut pollution, support corn crops
| psu.edu
To better guide farmers managing nitrogen in the soil, a team of Penn State agricultural scientists conducted a new study on dairy manure management strategies for ecosystem services in no-till crop systems. In findings recently published in Agronomy Journal, they report a new strategy that achieves multiple conservation goals while maintaining corn yield: injecting manure into a growing cover crop in early spring.
Planning for an uncertain future in the Colorado River basin
| earth.com
Penn State researchers develop FRNSIC, a tool to help decision-makers navigate the Colorado River's future amid climate change and drought. This article quotes Antonia Hadjimichael, assistant professor of geosciences.