Q&A: Does nature have a role in national security?
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The security of every nation faces an increasingly severe and frequent threat: disruptions to nature. In this Q&A, Bradley J. Cardinale, Penn State professor of ecosystem science and management, discussed his recent study examining how disrupted ecosystems can lead to increased risk for food security, water availability, health and well-being, as well as crime.
Sustain Penn State releases guidebook to help faculty integrate sustainability
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Penn State Sustainability recently published a guidebook to support Penn State faculty in implementing sustainability into their curricula. The guidebook provides frameworks for sustainability in the context of interdisciplinary liberal education, sustainability learning outcomes and examples from nursing, energy engineering, African studies, geography, music theory and more.
Mapping microplastic movement in rivers and streams across Pennsylvania
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Researchers at Penn State are studying how microplastics traverse and influence watersheds, such as rivers and streams, across Pennsylvania and the world at large. The team collected sediment samples from several freshwater ecosystems across Pennsylvania, comparing those readings to data previously taken from New York and New Jersey, as well as countries around the world, revealing insights into how pollutants move through freshwater environments and the potential roles humans play in rising levels of plastic content.
New clues for using common fungus to promote crop growth and health
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Trichoderma species — a common fungus found in soils — have varying abilities to promote tomato plant growth and differentially affect the abundance of certain soil bacteria, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State.
Research Support Transformation Project to enter second phase
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As part of an ongoing effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Penn State’s research enterprise, the Research Support Transformation Project (RSTP) will soon enter its second phase. The project will aim to implement process improvements that reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency, and increase throughput of Penn State’s research infrastructure.
Penn State Soil Judging Team finishes 10th in national competition
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The Penn State Soil Judging Team finished second in the Group Judging category and tied for 10th place overall in the 2026 National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest at North Carolina State University on March 22-27.
Climate symposium plenaries to discuss extremes, AI and new climate network
The 2026 Climate Solutions Symposium will bring together leading experts to address two urgent challenges: climate extremes and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping our climate future. The event will also mark the official launch of Prepare PA, a new statewide climate network for the commonwealth. During plenary sessions held Monday through Wednesday, speakers will share the latest insights, research and strategies on these topics.
Faculty, student excellence recognized at annual EMS Wilson Awards celebration
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Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences recognized exceptional students and faculty for their academic excellence, service and leadership during its annual Wilson Awards Celebration, held on March 29.
April 29 talk: How California drought affects fresh fruit and vegetable prices
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Metin Çakır, the Austin A. Dowell Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, will give the talk, “California Drought, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Prices, and Consumer Welfare,” at noon on Wednesday, April 29, in 157 Hosler Building at Penn State University Park.
Undergraduate Research Fair puts innovation and creativity on full display
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Undergraduate students showcased original research and creative scholarship during Penn State Scranton's annual Undergraduate Research Fair and Exhibition, which highlights student work across various academic disciplines and creative fields.
Q&A: IceCube Observatory upgrades improve search for elusive cosmic messenger
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The IceCube Neutrino Observatory detects tiny particles called neutrinos and provides insight into the extreme cosmic events that created them as well as phenomena that challenge traditional physics. In this Q&A, Penn State astrophysicists Kayla DeHolton and Doug Cowen discussed Penn State’s role in the IceCube collaboration and how the upgrades will support their research into extreme physics and astrophysical events.
Marine biogeochemistry students visit tropical island as their 'lab' during spring break
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Penn State undergraduates and graduate students taking a marine biogeochemistry course that explores the ways life influences and is influenced by chemical, physical and geological processes in the ocean, spent spring break visiting San Salvador Island in the Bahamas.