Penn State Energy and Environment News

Solar farms with stormwater controls mitigate runoff, erosion, study finds

| psu.edu

As the number of major utility-scale ground solar panel installations grows, concerns about their impacts on natural hydrologic processes also have grown. However, a new study by Penn State researchers suggests that excess runoff or increased erosion can be easily mitigated — if these “solar farms” are properly built.

Penn State announces new Office of Research Administration Services

| psu.edu

Penn State has announced the establishment of the new Office of Research Administration Services, under the Office of Senior Vice President for Research, with John Hanold as the lead.

Twenty-two students receive NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

| psu.edu

The Graduate School at Penn State welcomes 22 new National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recipients for the 2024-25 academic year.

Pa. waterways contribute to Chesapeake Bay earning its best grade in over two decades in this year’s report card

| stateimpact.npr.org

Efforts to clean Pennsylvania’s local waterways have contributed to the best overall health of Chesapeake Bay –– the largest estuary in the United States — in over 20 years, according to a recent analysis. 

Researchers make concerning discovery in mussels found living near former wastewater plant — here's how it could affect the food chain

| thecooldown.com

Researchers found high levels of radium in mussels' tissues and shells, revealing how dangerous treated fracking wastewater can be. This article mentions Penn State research.

Warming waters: Park managers ensure lakes, streams safe for humans, wildlife

| altoonamirror.com

As hot and humid conditions persist across the region, area park managers are keeping an eye on lakes and streams, ensuring the water remains safe for public use and native wildlife. This article quotes Edward Levri, professor of biology at Penn State Altoona.

Emerging research areas refocus Institute of Energy and the Environment themes

| psu.edu

The Institute of Energy and the Environment has revamped its research themes to better align them with the energy and environmental research being done at Penn State and to recognize the importance of community and justice.

Commercial exhibits, field demos are a staple of Penn State’s Ag Progress Days

| psu.edu

Farmers and others involved in production agriculture looking to explore the latest agricultural goods, services, equipment and technology can find everything they need at Penn State’s 2024 Ag Progress Days.  

Center for Immersive Experiences supports research avenues across University

| psu.edu

The Center for Immersive Experiences (CIE) provides cutting-edge technologies, knowledge and skills to the Penn State community with the goal to create leadership in immersive experiences by advancing the underlying science and integrating it into the academic spectrum through research, education and outreach. CIE Director Jessica Menold aims to bridge gaps and accelerate research across various disciplines, colleges and universities through the center.

Cindy Brewer named College of IST’s associate dean for faculty affairs

| psu.edu

Cindy Brewer has been named associate dean for faculty affairs in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, effective Aug. 1. She has served as a faculty member in the Department of Geography in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences since 1994, earning the rank of professor in 2007.

AI Hub names new director

| psu.edu

The AI Hub has named a new director, Mehrdad Mahdavi, associate professor of computer science and engineering and associate director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Engineered Systems.

Master Watershed Steward Katie Stanley leverages knowledge in Allegheny County

| psu.edu

For Katie Stanley, joining the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer program in 2019 was a perfect complement to her day job as an interpretative naturalist for Allegheny County Parks.