The mystery of the missing ocean plastic
| by Raymond Najjar
Millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, yet we can find only a fraction of it. New research uncovers where this missing pollution may actually be hiding.
Water, AI researcher honored with IEE 'Person of the Year' award
Chaopeng Shen, a leading innovator in blending artificial intelligence (AI) with water and Earth systems research, has been named the Institute of Energy and the Environment Person of the Year for 2025.
IEE seeks innovative research proposals for 2026 Seed Grant Program
Proposals are now being accepted for Penn State's Institute of Energy and the Environment’s (IEE) 2026 Seed Grant Program.
Five faculty members join the Institute of Energy and the Environment
The Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) has welcomed five new faculty members to its community. Their expertise spans artificial intelligence, water treatment, marine ecosystems, sustainable buildings and solar cell efficiency, strengthening IEE’s interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex challenges.
Heatwaves in US rivers increasing up to four times faster than air heatwaves
As the frequency and intensity of heatwaves increase across the U.S., a similar but more striking phenomenon is occurring in American rivers. Analysis of data from nearly 1,500 sites in the contiguous United States between 1980 and 2022 revealed that heatwaves in rivers are accelerating faster than and lasting nearly twice as long air heatwaves, according to a new study by researchers at Penn State.
Tidal marshes trap microplastics, raising risks for ecosystems and people
Freshwater tidal marshes, critical for wildlife and coastal protection, are now serving as microplastic catch basins, according to a team of researchers at Penn State. They recently found that these marshes trap large amounts of diverse plastics, with concentrations and ecological risks increasing downstream.
Ten interdisciplinary research teams awarded IEE seed grants
| psu.edu
More than 30 researchers from seven Penn State colleges received seed funding from the Institute of Energy and the Environment to advance innovative, early-stage work addressing critical energy and environmental challenges.
‘Forever chemicals’ detected in 65% of sampled private wells in Pennsylvania
| psu.edu
To better understand potential contamination of the groundwater feeding the 3.5 million people served by private well systems in Pennsylvania, a team of researchers from Penn State conducted a novel three-year citizen science study of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — often referred to as forever chemicals — in 167 private wells across the commonwealth.
Indigenous Amazonian leader featured as keynote at Climate Solutions Symposium
| psu.edu
The keynote speaker for the 2025 Climate Solutions Symposium will be Nemonte Nenquimo, an Indigenous activist and leader of the Waorani Nation from Ecuador's Amazon region.
Professor’s documentary explores environmental effects on Inuit community
| psu.edu
Kirk French, assistant professor of anthropology and film production/media studies at Penn State, recently completed work on his new documentary, “A Century After Nanook.” On Saturday, March 1, State College’s State Theatre will host a public screening of the film at 6:30 p.m.
Climate risk researcher joins the Institute of Energy and the Environment
| psu.edu
Nicolas Choquette-Levy, a researcher with expertise in how climate risks are reshaping migration and land-use patterns, has joined the faculty of the Institute of Energy and the Environment and will work with the Penn State Climate Consortium.
Researchers recognized for excellence by Institute of Energy and the Environment
| psu.edu
The Institute of Energy and the Environment presented awards to six Penn State faculty members for their collaborative, interdisciplinary research efforts and mentorship.