A New Jersey wildfire tore through thousands of acres—right after the state cut back on prescribed burns
| fastcompany.com
With near-drought conditions, fire officials reduced prescribed burns this spring even as they worried about ‘quite a fire season’ ahead. This article quotes Erica Smithwick, Distinguished Professor of Geography and Ecology.
‘Cold’ manufacturing approach to make next-gen batteries
| psu.edu
Lithium-ion batteries have been a staple in device manufacturing for years, but the liquid electrolytes they rely on to function are quite unstable, leading to fire hazards and safety concerns. Now, researchers at Penn State are pursuing a reliable alternative energy storage solution for use in laptops, phones and electric vehicles: solid-state electrolytes. Led by Hongtao Sun, assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering, the team published the approach using an advanced manufacturing technology to develop solid-state batteries.
Matt Rhodes awarded inaugural Beecher Loftus Technology Transfer Catalyst Award
| psu.edu
Matt Rhodes, past entrepreneur-in-residence of the Eberly College of Science’s Office for Innovation and managing director of 1855 Capital, recently received the inaugural Beecher Loftus Technology Transfer Catalyst Award at the 2025 Invent Penn State Venture and IP Conference, recognizing exceptional contributions to the commercialization of Penn State research-based technologies.
Almost half of Americans breathe unhealthy air, report finds
| nytimes.com
Weakening or rolling back longstanding environmental regulations would worsen the problem, the American Lung Association assessment says. This article quotes Nelson Roque, assistant professor of human development.
Eleven students receive awards at Paul Robeson Cultural Center annual ceremony
| psu.edu
In early April, the PRCC held its Annual Paul Robeson Birthday Bash, highlighting Robeson’s 127th birthday, and presenting 11 student recipients with awards that recognize individuals who have exemplified the principles of integrity, leadership, scholarship, activism and service, all of which align with both Robeson’s legacy and the mission of the PRCC.
Remembering electrical engineering professor and runner George Etzweiler
| psu.edu
The Penn State College of Engineering community is mourning the loss of George Etzweiler, associate professor emeritus of electrical engineering, who died on March 16 at the age of 105.
Clues from apple genes could sweeten the future of fruit
| earth.com
Researchers examine and trace apple DNA. Learn how the apple species trace their evolutionary roots back to Asia almost 56 million years ago. This article features Penn State research.
Engineering Learning Factory to host spring project showcase
| psu.edu
The Penn State Learning Factory will host its biannual end-of-semester showcase for engineering students to present their cornerstone and capstone design projects from 1-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at the Bryce Jordan Center. The virtual showcase will take place Wednesday, April 30, through Friday, May 9.
Professor, researcher, mentor builds 'communities of thought'
| psu.edu
Faculty member Andrea Miller has a dual appointment as an assistant professor of telecommunications in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and of women’s, gender and sexuality studies in the College of the Liberal Arts. Building “communities of thought” is Miller's favorite thing about working in higher education.
Penn State Berks hosts symposium on food security and access for healthy futures
| psu.edu
Penn State Berks hosted the “Symposium on Community-Based Participatory Research: Food Security and Access for Healthy Futures” on March 19. The objective was to determine how institutions of higher education and community partners can collaborate more effectively to address challenges related to food access and nutritional health. This symposium is part of the “Food Bank Operations Optimization: Data-driven Societal Impact Approach (FOODSIA)” project.
Three alumni founders discuss electric-vehicle industry on live podcast
| psu.edu
"Dare to Disrupt LIVE: Innovating the Future of Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure" brought together three Penn State alumni at the forefront of the electric-vehicle industry to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping its future.
College of IST awards seed grants to six research projects
| psu.edu
The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology selected six projects to receive funding from the college’s seed grant program, which provides funding to support research activities and generate preliminary results that will eventually lead to bigger projects involving external funding.