Local Climate Action Program drives measurable statewide climate leadership
| psu.edu
Since 2019, Penn State’s Local Climate Action Program has helped communities across Pennsylvania take measurable steps toward addressing climate change through applied research, greenhouse gas accounting and student-driven planning assistance. An interest session for communities looking to learn more about partnering with the program will be held on Feb. 4.
Conservation may not be enough to sustain water supplies, researchers find
| psu.edu
Amid climate change, encouraging conservation will likely be insufficient as a standalone fix to sustain some water reservoirs, according to research led by scientists at Penn State. The study centers on three western cities in the United States connected by the Colorado River.
An effort to get ahead of eastern wildfire risks
| alleghenyfront.org
The Eastern Fire Network will convene experts from six institutions to set a research agenda on the risks and impacts of wildfire in eastern states. This interview features Erica Smithwick, Distinguished Professor of Geography and Ecology.
College of Ag Sciences awards bridge funding for global research collaborations
| psu.edu
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has awarded bridge funding to four faculty members to support research collaborations addressing soil fertility, public health, climate resilience and agricultural trade.
Domestication has changed the chemicals squash flowers use to attract bees
| psu.edu
Domestication has changed the chemicals squash flowers use to attract bees, according to a new study from researchers at Penn State.
Ag Sciences Global celebrates 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer’
| psu.edu
Acknowledging women’s vital contributions to food production and stewardship, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is joining the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in marking 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Ashtekar Frontiers of Science Lectures to begin Jan. 24
| psu.edu
The Ashtekar Frontiers of Science Lectures in the Eberly College of Science, a series of free public lectures now in its 32nd year, will return to Penn State on Jan. 24. This year’s lecture series, titled “Unexpected pairings: Addressing today’s biggest societal questions using different disciplinary approaches,” will explore how researchers in the college approach some of today’s biggest societal questions using different approaches.
Meteorology professor earns Nikolai Dotzek Award for severe weather research
| psu.edu
Yvette Richardson, senior associate dean for undergraduate education and professor of meteorology in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, became the seventh in her field to earn the Nikolai Dotzek Award, the most prestigious prize in the severe weather research community. The award, presented by the European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL), is given every second year in memory of ESSL’s founding father, Nikolai Dotzek, for an outstanding contribution to the science of severe storms.
Penn State students take top honors in video challenge on the value of research
| psu.edu
Several Penn State students used their experience in research and storytelling to advocate for federally funded research and take top prizes in the Science Coalition’s 2025 Alyse Gray Parker Memorial Student Video Challenge.
Discounts offered on urban forestry publications from Penn State Extension
| psu.edu
Penn State Extension is offering a 30 percent discount on its urban forestry guides and publications through April 2026, giving communities, professionals and residents an affordable way to access research-based guidance.
Center for Critical Minerals director receives high honor at alma mater
| psu.edu
The Osmania University College of Technology Alumni Association granted Sarma Pisupati its highest distinction, hosting him as a guest and speaker in Hyderabad, India. Pisupati directs the Center for Critical Minerals at Penn State.
Land-use webinar series from Penn State Extension begins Jan. 21
| psu.edu
An upcoming Penn State Extension webinar series is aimed at helping community leaders navigate land-use and municipal challenges, with topics ranging from equitable land-use planning, improving community food access, growing local leaders’ capacity for community development, and creating affordable housing.