33 faculty members earn Opportunity Grant Awards
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Thirty-three non-tenure-line faculty will use Opportunity Grants to fund a project of their choosing during the 2026-27 academic year. Opportunity Grants are designed for clinical, teaching, research and professors of practice faculty to receive funding for professional development through a self-proposed project.
Greater Allegheny celebrates student research at spring 2026 conference
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Penn State Greater Allegheny has announced the award recipients from its spring 2026 Research and Creativity Conference. The spring conference, which featured 65 student projects, was held on April 23 in the campus Ostermayer Room.
Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain
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The brain is more mechanically connected to the body than previously appreciated, scientists reported in Nature Neuroscience, noting the connection could be a potential biological mechanism underlying why exercise is thought to benefit brain health.
One Health Microbiome Center names next doctoral interns for industry program
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Two Penn State doctoral students will spend eight weeks in Germany at the headquarters of global biotechnology company QIAGEN. This marks the third year of the program, a partnership between the One Health Microbiome Center and QIAGEN.
Final call to register for 2026 Penn State Climate Solutions Symposium
The 2026 Penn State Climate Solutions Symposium is approaching, with registration and poster submissions open through May 1 for a three-day event focused on evidence-based climate solutions, collaboration and networking.
La Porta named interim dean of the Penn State College of Engineering
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Thomas F. La Porta, director of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Penn State, has been named interim Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering, effective July 1.
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.
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.