Pennsylvania State University

As Pennsylvania's land-grant university, we provide unparalleled access to education and public service to support the citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond. We engage in collaborative activities with private sector, educational, and governmental partners worldwide to generate, integrate, apply, and disseminate knowledge that is valuable to society. With over $800 million in annual research expenditures, Penn State ranks among the top 20 U.S. research universities, and is one of two institutions in the nation accorded land grant, sea grant, sun grant, and space grant status. Our discovery-oriented, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research and scholarship promote human and economic development, global understanding, and advancement in professional practice through the expansion of knowledge and its applications in the natural and applied sciences, social and behavioral sciences, engineering, technology, arts and humanities, and myriad professions.

University research strengths/areas of expertise related to activities in Consortium

As part of the national land-grant system, the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences addresses the challenges of feeding a growing population while tackling looming issues such as developing sources of renewable energy; enhancing human and animal health; and protecting our air, water, forests, and other natural resources. As part of the world's foremost research universities, Penn State agricultural research and extension programs put reliable, science-based information to work to improve the lives of people in Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world. The following research programs and initiatives are of particular relevance to the Colombia Consortium:

• Cacao and Chocolate Research Network (CCRN)
• Gender, Agriculture, Energy and Environment Initiative (GAEEI)
• International Agriculture Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
• Global Engagement Research

Coordinating Council Member