Food pantry in the College of Ag Sciences aims to curb food insecurity on campus

October 6, 2023

Food insecurity often remains a hidden struggle among college students, including those attending Penn State. However, a new initiative in the College of Agricultural Sciences is aimed at tackling this issue — a food pantry designed to provide support.

Cultivating connections: Penn State students make global bonds working in Uganda

October 5, 2023

Penn State faculty and students were part of a team that worked with smallholder farmers and policymakers in Uganda through the Collaborative Learning School, a two-week field workshop led by U.S. and African scientists and practitioners as a part of the SustainFood Network, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations program.

TikTok may help farmers cultivate empathy around climate change

October 4, 2023

Farmers are used to growing crops and producing other goods, but a new study led by Penn State researchers suggests the social media platform TikTok may help them cultivate something new: empathy around the issue of climate change.

Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study finds

October 4, 2023

Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania’s state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented. The study, led by Penn State and Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers, published in the journal Molecular Ecology.

Penn State partners with Monash University for Australia water quality research

October 4, 2023

A group of Penn State students recently traveled to Australia as part of a partnership between Penn State and Monash University to conduct research aimed at better understanding sources of decreased water quality in watersheds, in addition to finding possible solutions.

Celebrate Health Literacy Month with a discount on online health courses

October 3, 2023

Those interested in health and wellness can benefit from a 25% discount on select Penn State Extension online courses during Health Literacy Month in October. These self-paced courses focus on topics such as planning healthy meals, vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine and dining with diabetes. 

Noted turfgrass scientist retires from Penn State after 40-year career

October 3, 2023

Andrew McNitt, professor of soil science, director of the Center for Sports Surface Research and technical adviser to the National Football League, recently retired from Penn State after an innovative and distinguished career in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

New project to focus on health impacts of climate change

October 3, 2023

A $574,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health will help support a new climate change and health research area in Penn State’s Population Research Institute.

Webinar series explores mental health and offers strategies

October 2, 2023

From stress to grief to addiction, understanding mental health is crucial when faced with difficult times, according to organizers of an upcoming Penn State Extension webinar series. The “Mental Wellness Series” will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays from Oct. 30 to Dec. 4. This free, six-part series is designed for concerned citizens, family members, social workers, mental health workers, medical professionals, teachers and college students.

Penn State's 'Stories from the Field' returns with fall lineup

October 2, 2023

Penn State’s “Stories from the Field” conversation series is returning with two fall sessions. Speakers will share stories and lessons learned from programs devoted to farmers’ mental health and workers affected by substance use disorders.

Gugino to enhance impact of agricultural research in new role in Ag Sciences

October 1, 2023

A longtime faculty member and research leader in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will serve in the newly created role of associate director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station. The Agricultural Experiment Station is the college's umbrella organization for managing and reporting state and federally funded research.

Penn State work featured in upcoming long-term Franklin Institute space exhibit

September 29, 2023

A video that highlights the work a Penn State team is doing to 3D print houses that can sustain life on Mars is featured in a new $8.5 million core exhibit opening Nov. 4 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. 

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

September 27, 2023

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 12 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked for them in their work at the University. 

College of Agricultural Sciences names 2023 Harbaugh Scholars

September 25, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has awarded three faculty members with funding to support the development of innovative course curricula through the college’s Harbaugh Faculty Scholars program.

Penn State Golf Turf Conference set for Oct. 10-12

September 25, 2023

The Penn State Golf Turf Conference, slated for Oct. 10-12 at Penn State’s HUB-Robeson Center on the University Park campus, will feature sessions on golf course management, a turfgrass job and internship fair, and the Watschke Scholarship Golf Tournament.

Researchers aim to reduce antimicrobial resistance in Puerto Rico dairy industry

September 22, 2023

Funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S Department of Agriculture, a Penn State-led research team will assess levels of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms in Puerto Rico's dairy industry and train farmers and students to mitigate the health threat they pose in the U.S. territory.

College of Ag Sciences student interns at the U.S. State Department

September 21, 2023

Ava Klink, a senior majoring in environmental resource management in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, admits that getting a coveted internship with the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., is unusual for someone with her educational background.

Fall ‘Night at the Museums’ event scheduled for evening of Sept. 28

September 20, 2023

The Penn State Museum Consortium will hold the fall 2023 "Night at the Museums" on Thursday, Sept. 28. Participating museums on the University Park campus will be open extended hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Admittance to the museums is free and open to the public.

Dairy-free sorbets arrive at the Berkey Creamery

September 19, 2023

Consumers looking for dairy-free options at the Berkey Creamery are in luck — two flavors of the creamery’s brand-new sorbets are now available in the store and online.

Penn State-led team to study climate-threatened Colombian Paramos’ soil microbes

September 14, 2023

Some scientists believe the Paramos, a grassland ecosystem found in the northern Andes Mountains of South America, are “the world’s fastest evolving and coolest biodiversity hotspot,” according to Estelle Couradeau, assistant professor of soils and environmental microbiology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. This ecosystem — which is the prime headwater for lower tropical ecosystems and downstream urban centers in the Andean and the Orinoco-Amazon regions — is in jeopardy, she explained. Couradeau will lead a National Science Foundation-funded international team conducting research on how climate change will affect soil microbes in the ecologically fragile and important Paramos ecosystem in Colombia’s Andes Mountains.

AgSci ActionLab family series continues with focus on Colorado potato beetle

September 13, 2023

The newest AgSci ActionLab, "Bugs Win," is a two-part evening event for the whole family. The series will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Pasto Agricultural Museum.

Join Penn State Extension's Master Gardeners for Walk & Talk series

September 13, 2023

Enjoy the fall weather and get outside with Penn State Extension's Master Gardeners for a new Walk & Talk series at the Pasto Agricultural Museum starting Sept. 19.

Webinar to focus on adaption-innovation theory and community planning

September 13, 2023

A Penn State Extension land-use webinar on Sept. 21 will focus on the adaption-innovation theory, which examines individual and collective problem-solving approaches. Participants can gain insights into the diverse problem-solving styles within their communities and learn how to harness this diversity to drive innovation and create resilient, adaptable solutions. 

USDA grant to fund research on ‘farm tuning’ cover crop mixtures

September 12, 2023

With a new $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Carolyn Lowry, a plant scientist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will lead a research team designing cover crop mixtures that are more effective at providing an array of ecosystem services.

Penn State professor elected to Mycological Society of America leadership

September 12, 2023

David M. Geiser, professor of mycology in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, was elected to the executive leadership of the Mycological Society of America, where he will serve successive terms as vice president, president-elect, president and past president over the next four years.

Students can discover opportunity, community at Ag Sciences Career Day Sept. 27

September 12, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will host its annual Ag Sciences Career Day on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center. During the event, current students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of career and academic fields to discuss internships, further education and full-time careers.

Extension's green industry team named national finalist for excellence award

September 8, 2023

The National Association of County Agricultural Agents named Penn State Extension’s green industry team as one of three national finalists in the association’s Search for Excellence awards program.

Kulcsar to assume role of interim dean of Penn State’s College of Ag Sciences

September 8, 2023

László Kulcsár has been named interim dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, effective Sept. 18.  

Course at Penn State gives students hands-on wildland fire management training

September 7, 2023

This spring, five students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences traveled to North Carolina and Florida to learn about wildland fire management and fire ecology techniques.

One Health Microbiome Center honors creativity and mentoring with award series

September 7, 2023

The One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State has named eight recipients for its 2023-24 Inaugural Award Series, which reflects on a profound year of impacts and achievements and recognizes the talents of the OHMC community.

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
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  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
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Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
  • Associate Director of Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)