Six Penn State faculty members were recognized by the Institute of Energy and the Environment for their research excellence. The researchers were nominated by the Penn State community for their collaborative, interdisciplinary research efforts and mentorship. The researchers who received awards were Margaret Busse, Lisa Emili, Brian Fronk, Lauren McPhillips, Nathaniel Warner and Hong Wu.
In addition, Kenneth Davis, Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State, was the 2024 recipient of the Institute of Energy and the Environment’s Person of the Year Award.
We take great pride in celebrating the remarkable contributions of these distinguished researchers. Their commitment to interdisciplinary work highlights the profound influence of collaborative research in tackling global energy and environmental issues, while strengthening Penn State’s role in fostering vital partnerships.
Director, Institute of Energy and the Environment
Researchers recognized for excellence by Institute of Energy and the Environment
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Atmospheric, climate researcher named IEE 'Person of the Year'
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Person of the Year Award
This award celebrates an exceptional researcher whose accomplishments in energy or environmental research have yielded notable successes over the past year. In addition to research excellence, the IEE Person of the Year Award recognizes leadership, mentoring, and service.
Ken Davis has been named the 2024 Person of the Year for his groundbreaking contributions to atmospheric and climate science. Recognized for his visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Davis addresses critical global challenges, focusing on air quality, the carbon cycle, and the impacts of climate change. His dedication to fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and advancing solutions for vulnerable populations exemplifies his commitment to improving life on Earth.
Advancement of Knowledge Award
This award recognizes a team of two or more Penn State faculty whose interdisciplinary research in one of the five IEE themes has led to a significant advance in science, as shown by a peer-reviewed article.
Warner and Emili accepted the award on behalf of the research team that found that microplastics have been steadily increasing in freshwater environments for decades and are directly tied to rising global plastic production. The findings, “Decadal changes in microplastic accumulation in freshwater sediments: Evaluating influencing factors,” published in Science of the Total Environment, provided important insights into the historical trends and movement of microplastics in freshwater environments, revealing a steady increase tied to global plastic production since the 1950s.
Translational Research Award
This award recognizes a team of two or more Penn State faculty researchers for their collaborative, interdisciplinary research efforts on a topic within one of the five IEE themes that have benefited society. Wu and McPhillips accepted the award on behalf of the entire Stormwater Living Lab team, which has brought together over a dozen faculty across multiple campuses, extension educators, and countless dedicated students.
While addressing critical environmental, social and economic challenges, the team has secured over $1.5 million in funding for 21 projects, produced 33 peer-reviewed articles, and delivered more than 100 presentations and talks on green stormwater infrastructure (GSI).
Research Guidance Award
This award recognizes the efforts that a faculty member may make in demonstrably helping a pre-tenured or non-tenured faculty member begin studying a research topic relevant to at least one of the five IEE themes.
Fronk’s collaborative efforts helped to advance interdisciplinary research and foster faculty development through the mentorship of Busse. Since Busse joined Penn State in 2023, the team’s complementary expertise in thermal energy systems and water systems has resulted in significant contributions to the IEE research themes.
Award Committee
The 2024 awards process was guided by IEE’s Award Committee, which was led by Christopher Gorski. The committee members for this year’s awards were Ying Gu, Siela Maximova, Jessica Myrick, and Hannah Wiseman.