Penn State Energy and Environment News

High-speed internet linked to more farms offering agritourism

| psu.edu

The availability and adoption of high-speed broadband appears to boost the number of farms offering agritourism activities, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. Their findings, the researchers said, bolster the argument for expanding broadband availability in support of farm operators who want to benefit from the growing consumer interest in on-farm experiences.

Women may face unique obstacles while seeking treatment for opioid use

| psu.edu

Women experiencing opioid-use disorders may face unique challenges accessing treatment, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. The study provides new insight into how pregnancy and parenting can make getting medications for these disorders particularly difficult.

Second season of Penn State Smeal’s ‘Better Business’ podcast launches

| psu.edu

Hosted by award-winning financial journalist and Smeal alum Farnoosh Torabi, “Better Business” will feature Smeal alumni and faculty members who are thought leaders in the world of finance, accounting, supply chain, marketing, management, real estate and international business.

Students learn about high-performance buildings during Pittsburgh summer program

| psu.edu

Students from South West College in Northern Ireland joined Penn State students in Pittsburgh to learn best practices in energy-efficient design during the High-Performance Building Summer Program, held June 3-21. A joint initiative between the Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State and South West College in Northern Ireland, the program was developed by Pittsburgh’s Green Building Alliance and the Penn State-led Global Building Network.

Extreme heat in Philly: What you need to know to stay safe and cool

| whyy.org

Here’s what you need to know, from extreme heat terminology to how to stay safe and cool despite soaring temps. This article quotes Gregory Jenkins, professor of meteorology.

Celebrating excellence in postdoctoral scholarship and mentorship at Penn State

| psu.edu

The Penn State Postdoc Society, in collaboration with Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, has announced the 2024 recipients of the Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar and Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor awards. Kathryn Hinkelman received the Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award, and Catherine Berdanier received the Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor Award.

AI literacy ‘Summer Splash’ workshop to amplify Fall 2024 teaching

| psu.edu

Penn State’s Teaching and Learning with Technology is hosting a hybrid summer workshop for artificial intelligence literacy on the University Park campus titled “GenAI Summer Splash: Riding the Generative AI Wave for Teaching.” This two-hour hands-on workshop for faculty and staff will enhance participant skills within the evolving generative AI landscape.

Women in Engineering Program fosters community, opportunities that beget success

| psu.edu

Earlier this year, Penn State's Women in Engineering Program was honored with an award by the Women in Engineering ProActive Network, in which it was recognized as “an outstanding women in engineering program that serves as a model for other institutions.” 

Showalter named assistant dean for graduate and postdoctoral affairs

| psu.edu

Scott Showalter, professor of chemistry and of biochemistry and molecular biology, has been named as the assistant dean for graduate and postdoctoral affairs in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, effective July 1.

Associate director’s passion for mentorship aids in interdisciplinary mission 

| psu.edu

With a passion for mentorship and support, Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) Associate Director David Hunter combines his experience in academia and statistics to strengthen the interdisciplinary research mission of ICDS and Penn State. 

Architecture doctoral candidate works to make robots more intelligent, adaptive

| psu.edu

Architecture doctoral candidate Özgüç Bertuğ Çapunaman's research centers on helping robots become more aware of their physical environment so designers can enable new materialization techniques that have not been possible up to this point, such as 3D printing on uneven surfaces. 

Penn State Altoona students, faculty conducting summer research in Ghana

| psu.edu

Penn State Altoona students Eva Gates and Rachel Desulme and faculty members Lara La Dage and Kofi Adu are among a group conducting research on dragonflies in Ghana, Africa, this summer.