Penn State Technology for Agriculture and Living Systems

The College of Agricultural Sciences Office for Research and Graduate Education is partnering with scientists across the college to showcase biodiversity research. Explore how scientists are using emerging and advanced technologies to improve our ability to monitor and manage production and access to food, biodiversity and natural resources, and human health and well-being. With the goal of establishing sustainable and resilient agroecosystems and communities, the College of Agricultural Sciences is committed to delivering scientific discoveries that will enhance food production, health, and the conservation of living systems across agricultural lands, forests, wetlands, and waterways, as well as rural and urban communities. 

Tech for Ag and Living Systems: Discover how cutting-edge research is creating real-world solutions that boost food production, protect Pennsylvania’s natural landscapes, and build healthier, more resilient communities for the future.
Short talks will be provided in the College Bldg. Theatre (CT) on featured topics

DAILY at 11:30 - noon

Tuesday
- “Powering Pennsylvania: Building a Unified Biogas Strategy Across Sectors”

Panelists:

• Mike Roth, Director of Innovation, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
• Tom Murphy, Senior Managing Director, Strategic Energy Initiatives, Team Pennsylvania
• Jill Whitcomb, Deputy Secretary, Office of Water Programs at Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
• Kathryn Zerfuss, Commissioner, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission 
• Robert Meinen, Assistant Research Professor and Director of the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Education Program, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension
• Dave Althoff, Director, Energy Programs Office at Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
• Katie McLaughlin, Agriculture Coordinator, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro, Office of Transformation & Opportunity
• Robert Young, Energy Program Specialist, Energy Programs Office, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Moderators: Lara Fowler, Professor of Teaching, Penn State Dickinson Law and Armen Kemanian, Professor of Production Systems and Modeling, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

Wednesday
- “Tech for Ag and Living Systems: Boosting Farm Efficiency with Smart Tech”

Panelists:

• Long He, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
• Kelly Kundratic, Agriculture Director, Team Pennsylvania
• Vanessa McGrath, Chief of Staff & General Counsel, Burro
• John Wallace, Associate Professor of Weed Science, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
• Beth Ezar, Create Program Manager, Robotics Factory
  
  Moderator: Paul Heinemann, Director of the TALiS Initiative, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

Thursday
- “Tech for Ag and Living Systems: Using Technology to Protect Our Natural Resources”

Panelists:

• Francesco Di Gioia, Associate Professor of Vegetable Crop Science, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
• Melissa Cantor, Assistant Professor Precision Dairy Science, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
• Armen Kemanian, Professor of Production Systems and Modeling, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
• Matt Royer, Director of the Agriculture and Environment Center, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

Moderator: Paul Heinemann, Director of the TALiS Initiative, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences