The enduring mystery of how water freezes
| quantamagazine.org
Making ice requires more than subzero temperatures. The unpredictable process takes microscopic scaffolding, random jiggling, and often a little bit of bacteria. This article quotes Miriam Freedman, professor of chemistry.
Marsquakes may help reveal whether liquid water exists underground on red planet
| psu.edu
If liquid water exists today on Mars, it may be too deep underground to detect with traditional methods used on Earth. But listening to earthquakes that occur on Mars — or marsquakes — could offer a new tool in the search, according to a team led by Penn State scientists.
Former Pa. DEP secretary wants spreading conventional oil, gas wastewater on roads to remain illegal
| wesa.fm
Spreading wastewater from conventional oil and gas drilling on dirt and gravel roads to keep dust down is a longtime practice in Pennsylvania, one that some say has to stop. This article and radio segment quotes William Burgos, professor of civil and environmental engineering.
Penn State 4th in US, 51st globally in 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
| psu.edu
Penn State ranks No. 4 in the United States and No. 51 overall among the top international institutions assessed by the 2024 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings. These rankings aim to assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all U.N. member states that look to improve life for all people and protect the planet.
President Bendapudi helps lead new higher ed council on public-impact research
| psu.edu
In collaboration with The Pew Charitable Trusts, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi is leading a new coalition of university leaders from across the nation to envision the future of public-impact research in the United States that serves the greater good.
Pa. House effort seeks to ban spreading drilling wastewater on roads
| stateimpact.npr.org
State regulators have not permitted the practice since 2017. But it still continues in rural areas, without the required permits.
Penn State New Kensington chancellor announces retirement
| psu.edu
Kevin Snider, who became chancellor of the New Kensington campus in 2008, will leave behind a legacy of innovation, fostering partnerships and community development when he retires from Penn State on Dec. 31.
Ontario Tech University and Penn State sign MOU on engineering studies, research
| psu.edu
Researchers in Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and Penn State's College of Engineering have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that taps into the engineering and applied sciences strengths of both institutions. The MOU was initiated by Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Evan Pugh University Professor and Charles G. Binder Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics at Penn State, and Moustafa El-Gindy, professor at Ontario Tech University.
Penn State places No. 89 in QS 2025 World University Rankings
| onwardstate.com
The university placed in the top 8% of the more than 1,500 institutions graded.
Penn State moving to regional leadership model for Commonwealth Campuses
| psu.edu
With the enrollment period closed for the University’s Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP), Penn State’s administration is moving forward with its transformation of operations for its Commonwealth Campuses, including a new shared regional administrative model that will create efficiencies across campuses and help reduce expenditures, optimized service teams and a one-time infusion of up to $20 million in additional funding.
Academic Portfolio and Program Review team shares updates, revamped timeline
| psu.edu
The Academic Portfolio and Program Review (APPR) project steering committee has shared updates about the project's timeline, teams and goals.
The man behind Philadelphia's green future
| psu.edu
When people see Marcus Ferreira tending to urban street trees or planting pollinator gardens in Philadelphia, they often ask how he gained his expertise. He credits the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer program, which he joined in 2021. Since then, he has recruited about a dozen other volunteers through word-of-mouth recommendations.