IEE faculty, staff, and projects in the news
Graduate student’s materials science research recognized by national society
| psu.edu
Mingyu Yu, doctoral candidate in materials science and engineering at Penn State, recently received the Graduate Student Research Award from the professional society AVS: Science and Technology of Materials, Interfaces and Processing for innovative research in two-dimensional materials.
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Stephanie Law
Associate Professor and Norris B. McFarlane Faculty Career Development Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
Elevated levels of radium found in western Pennsylvania’s freshwater mussels
| penncapital-star.com
Sixty-two years ago, Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” connected disappearing populations of bald eagles to the presence of the pesticide DDT in the birds’ food chain. Because bald eagles are apex predators, their dose of the toxic chemical was magnified and became fatal to their ability to reproduce. This article quotes Nathaniel Warner, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering.
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Growing Impact: Seismic sensing with fiber optics (Preview)
| youtu.be
Full episode release date: February 1, 2025. The Earth can shift suddenly, with sinkholes and landslides posing serious risks to people and property. Scientists are now using existing fiber optic cables in cities to detect potential geohazards before they strike. This innovative approach is expanding to monitor flooding and even track human movement, unlocking new possibilities for data collection and understanding our world.
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'Growing Impact' examines sustainable cement replacements
| psu.edu
The January episode of “Growing Impact” discusses cement replacements made from leftover agricultural materials that could be more environmentally friendly.
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Growing Impact: Low-carbon cement from farm waste
Cement, a major component of concrete, is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Researchers are exploring agricultural waste as a potential alternative to cement, aiming to reduce carbon footprint while also finding new uses for farm byproducts. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of this solution depend on the collaboration between researchers and farming communities.
Guests
Should California go full steam ahead on offshore wind farms? Latest evidence says no
| tippinsights.com
California has made a big bet on a technology to meet its self-imposed green energy target. It could work. Maybe. Might happen. If the real world matches the optimism. But there are challenging hurdles ahead. This article quotes Mark Miller, assistant professor of aerospace engineering.
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Seed Grant Projects
Pollinators most vulnerable to rising global temperatures are flies, study shows
| psu.edu
Despite their reputation as buzzing nuisances, flies serve a critical role as some of the Earth’s most prolific pollinators — and new research led by Penn State scientists suggests they are increasingly at risk due to rising global temperatures.
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Margarita López-Uribe
Lorenzo L. Langstroth Early Career Professor and Associate Professor, Entomology -
Jose D. Fuentes
Stuckeman landscape architecture alumna follows passion for environmental issues
| psu.edu
Chelsea Russ, who graduated from Penn State in the spring of 2024 with a master’s degree in landscape architecture, will continue her research on the effects of climate change on the environment as a finalist for the 2025 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Knauss Fellowship.
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Targeted coal plant closures may boost environmental, health outcomes
| psu.edu
Prioritizing closing coal-fired power plants near vulnerable communities could significantly improve air quality and public health outcomes, according to a new multi-institutional study co-led by researchers at Penn State.
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Emily Pakhtigian
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Hannah Wiseman
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Joel Landry
Assistant Professor, John and Willie Leone Department of Energy & Mineral Engineering (EME) -
Wei Peng
Wei PengAssistant Professor of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University; Former Penn State researcher
$3M grant targets integrated semiconductor for smarter, greener electronics
| psu.edu
The microelectronics industry is nearing a tipping point, according to researchers at Penn State. The silicon chips at the heart of everyday electronic devices are running into performance limits, raising the need for new materials and technologies to continue making faster, more efficient devices. A new $3 million grant may help meet that need.
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Growing Impact: Low-carbon cement from farm waste (Preview)
| youtu.be
Full episode release date: January 1, 2025. Cement, a major component of concrete, is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Researchers are exploring agricultural waste as a potential alternative to cement, aiming to reduce carbon footprint while also finding new uses for farm byproducts. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of this solution depend on the collaboration between researchers and farming communities.
Mentions
Penn State Climate Consortium marks year one of advancing climate action
| psu.edu
In its first year, the Penn State Climate Consortium provided resources, fostered collaborations and created opportunities to advance climate research and solutions.
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