Gold clusters show promise as scalable options for quantum computers, sensors
| psu.edu
A team of researchers from Penn State and Colorado State has demonstrated how gold clusters can mimic key properties of the most accurate systems currently used in quantum applications, showing promise for a tunable, scalable option for quantum devices.
Master Watershed Steward Rose Johnson brings a green thumb to Philadelphia
| psu.edu
Rose Johnson has always loved gardening. As part of the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer program in Philadelphia County, Johnson has been able to take her gardening out into the community.
Simulating the unthinkable: Models show nuclear winter food production plunge
| psu.edu
A team led by researchers at Penn State have modeled precisely how various nuclear winter scenarios could impact global production of corn — the most widely planted grain crop in the world. They also recommended preparing “agricultural resilience kits” with seeds for faster-growing varieties better adapted to colder temperatures that could potentially help offset the impact of nuclear winter, as well as natural disasters like volcanic eruptions.
Q&A: Professor emeritus reflects on his research, teaching career in geosciences
| psu.edu
Peter Heaney, professor emeritus of geosciences, retired on June 30 after a 27-year career at Penn State. During his career, he inspired many students, including Mara Grigore, a rising senior in Earth science and policy, who interviewed him about his teaching and research.
Carly Sunseri named assistant vice provost for Institutional Research
| psu.edu
Penn State has announced the appointment of Carly Sunseri as the new assistant vice provost for Institutional Research in the Office of Planning, Assessment and Institutional Research. She will oversee the University’s institutional research functions, including the development of analyses, reports and models that support strategic initiatives across Penn State’s academic, administrative and operational domains.
Health and wellness at the heart of Family Room activities at Ag Progress Days
| psu.edu
Visitors to the Family Room building at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days can explore hands-on exhibits and demonstrations designed to help them build healthier habits. Educators from Penn State Extension’s food, families and communities and pesticide education teams will coordinate the activities.
For 25 years, Weather Camp offers home to high-school-aged enthusiasts
| psu.edu
Penn State’s Weather Camp has been a summer staple for self-professed “weather geeks” for 25 years. Since 2000, about 1,400 high school students have taken part in the camp, with roughly one in five of those students later enrolling at Penn State's highly ranked meteorology and atmospheric science program. It's long been a place where students can see if their passion for weather could become a career, a fulfilled goal, say longtime camp creators.
Gardening questions answered by Master Gardeners at Ag Progress Days
| psu.edu
From identifying pests to improving plant health, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners will provide research-based gardening advice in the Yard and Garden Area during Ag Progress Days, Aug. 12-14.
College of Ag Sciences grant program supports student learning, experiences
| psu.edu
A grant program in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences aims to enhance student learning by empowering faculty and students to design immersive, hands-on projects that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world partnerships.
Graduate student earns NSF fellowship to study carbon in river systems
| psu.edu
Valerie Smykalov, a Penn State doctoral student, received a U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to support her research on carbon movement through freshwater systems using deep learning and process-based modeling. Her work aims to uncover overlooked aspects of the carbon cycle and better constrain global carbon budgets.
Grant to help establish AI, health research lab at Harrisburg
| psu.edu
Penn State Harrisburg faculty Md Faisal Kabir, assistant professor of computer science, and Sara Imanpour, assistant professor of health administration, were awarded $100,000 through the AIM-AHEAD Program for Artificial Intelligence Readiness (PAIR) program, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They will use the funding to establish a research lab focused on using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve health care access and outcomes.
Penn State study finds toxic PFAS in 18% of private wells in Pennsylvania
| alleghenyfront.org
State and federal regulations restrict the so-called “forever chemicals” in public drinking water. However, private wells are not state or federally regulated, meaning homeowners are responsible for testing and treating their own water.