Bayer University Mentoring Program now includes pharmaceutical track

January 30, 2026

Bayer has expanded it's partnership with Penn State by launching the Bayer Pharmaceuticals 2026 Bayer University Mentoring Program (B4U) for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers pursing careers in related fields. This expanded B4U initiative offers mentorship, professional skills training and nationwide networking to prepare emerging scientists for careers across academia, industry and innovation.

Liver metabolism of an essential amino acid may play a key role in gut health

January 30, 2026

Researchers at Penn State recently found, in mice, that a protein critical to intestinal barrier function — helping the gut absorb nutrients while blocking harmful pathogens — is rhythmically controlled by nighttime liver metabolism of the molecule tryptophan.  

Penn State alumna helps shape the future of Pennsylvania agriculture

January 29, 2026

Katie McLaughlin, a graduate of the College of Agricultural Sciences, brings with her a lifelong connection to agriculture to her current role in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Transformation and Opportunity.

Conforti named fellow of County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania

January 29, 2026

Craig Conforti, interim associate director for client relations with Penn State Extension, was appointed as the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s Extension Fellow, effective Jan. 1.

Let's hear a 'We Are!' for these Penn Staters — Jan. 28

January 28, 2026

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 19 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.   

Ask a scientist: What happens to animals during a volcanic eruption?

January 28, 2026

Penn State researchers answer questions submitted by elementary school students about volcanic eruptions.

Institute of Energy and the Environment welcomes 15 new faculty members

January 27, 2026

The Institute of Energy and the Environment's new faculty bring together expertise that connects energy systems, environmental processes and human dimensions, opening new pathways for collaboration and shared research efforts.

Gill retires after 35 years of service in Penn State’s College of Ag Sciences

January 26, 2026

After 35 years with Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Chuck Gill recently retired from his role as senior public relations specialist and news editor, bringing to a close a distinguished career marked by editorial leadership, trusted counsel, and a lasting impact on how the college shares its mission with audiences across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Can milk proteins help make more medications child-friendly?

January 26, 2026

A team of Penn State food scientists was awarded a two-year, $428,200 grant by the National Institutes of Health to explore whether cow’s milk protein — casein — can help disperse drugs that don’t dissolve well in liquids for oral medications.

‘Beekeeping Around the World’ webinar series offered by Penn State Extension

January 22, 2026

Those interested in learning about beekeeping practices and challenges in different parts of the world can attend “Beekeeping Around the World,” a free, six-week webinar series offered by Penn State Extension.

Ag Sciences Global celebrates 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer’

January 22, 2026

Acknowledging women’s vital contributions to food production and stewardship, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is joining the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in marking 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Domestication has changed the chemicals squash flowers use to attract bees

January 22, 2026

Domestication has changed the chemicals squash flowers use to attract bees, according to a new study from researchers at Penn State.

Sustainable Food Systems Network to host action-focused Food Justice Summit

January 22, 2026

Penn State’s Sustainable Food Systems Network will host a Food Justice Summit on Feb. 12 in the HUB-Robeson Center. The event will bring together students, faculty and community partners to explore food access, equity and action.

College of Ag Sciences awards bridge funding for global research collaborations

January 22, 2026

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has awarded bridge funding to four faculty members to support research collaborations addressing soil fertility, public health, climate resilience and agricultural trade.

Penn State students take top honors in video challenge on the value of research

January 21, 2026

Several Penn State students used their experience in research and storytelling to advocate for federally funded research and take top prizes in the Science Coalition’s 2025 Alyse Gray Parker Memorial Student Video Challenge.

Discounts offered on urban forestry publications from Penn State Extension

January 20, 2026

Penn State Extension is offering a 30 percent discount on its urban forestry guides and publications through April 2026, giving communities, professionals and residents an affordable way to access research-based guidance.

Land-use webinar series from Penn State Extension begins Jan. 21

January 20, 2026

An upcoming Penn State Extension webinar series is aimed at helping community leaders navigate land-use and municipal challenges, with topics ranging from equitable land-use planning, improving community food access, growing local leaders’ capacity for community development, and creating affordable housing.

Disease ecologist awarded grant to study ’infectome’ effects on fungal disease

January 16, 2026

Penn State disease ecologist Molly Bletz was awarded a 2025 New Investigator Grant by the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation to study the infectome, a proposed new framework for understanding disease.

Investigating the microbiome’s role in intestinal disorder in pregnancy

January 16, 2026

Jessica Grembi, an assistant professor of pharmacology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has received a $500,000 grant from the Gates Foundation to investigate the role of the microbiome in environmental enteropathy — a condition characterized by inflammation of the small intestine that affects nutrient absorption.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Jan. 15

January 15, 2026

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 20 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.   

College of Ag Sciences course supports outdoor learning for South Fayette pupils

January 15, 2026

In early December, students enrolled in a Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences course partnered with high school students in the South Fayette Township School District in McDonald to design innovative outdoor learning spaces that promote wellness and hands-on learning.

New funding supports research on soil microbiomes and their resilience to change

January 15, 2026

Estelle Couradeau, a microbiologist at Penn State, is undertaking a collaborative study of whether microbial communities in arid ecosystems can maintain resilience in the midst of changing monsoon regimes. The project is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and Allen Family Philanthropies, which was formerly known as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

Penn State Extension AI tool, Tilva, expands access to research-based guidance

January 14, 2026

Penn State Extension has unveiled a new artificial intelligence-powered tool, called Tilva, at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show, aimed at giving farmers around-the-clock access to research-based guidance.

Learn healthy habits in the evenings at webinars offered by Penn State Extension

January 14, 2026

Anyone interested in managing weight while eating satisfying, nutritious foods can learn about a science-based way to accomplish those goals by attending a six-part Penn State Extension series, “The Volumetrics Weigh of Life: Weight Management Plan.” 

Penn State Ag Sciences recognized at national convention

January 9, 2026

Penn State's agricultural and extension education program was well represented at this year’s National Association of Agricultural Educators National Convention, where multiple faculty, students and alumni participated in workshops and were recognized with awards.

Upcoming course will explore the chemistry and culture of food in Taiwan

December 22, 2025

Penn State students hoping to learn more about the chemistry of food will have the opportunity to get a hands-on learning experience in Taipei, Taiwan, during an embedded course next spring.

Putting ideas into action: BUILD Night focuses on combating food insecurity

December 22, 2025

In early November,  Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Engineering partnered to host a BUILD Night at the Penn State Learning Center. Attendees worked in teams to map challenges, brainstorm solutions and build prototypes to combat food insecurity by reducing post-harvest waste. 

Professor emerita receives national recognition for 4-H research database

December 19, 2025

Jan Scholl-Kennedy, associate professor emerita of agricultural and extension education and former 4-H extension specialist in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been recognized nationally for a project she spearheaded to document the existence of research that undergirds the 4-H youth development program.

Master Watershed Steward’s passion for environment leads to public park cleanup

December 19, 2025

Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program volunteer Eve Puhalla, of Montgomery County, is working to restore the pond at Camelot Park, a 102-acre recreational park with sports fields and walking trails in East Greenville.

Center for Plant Excellence announces grant award recipients

December 18, 2025

The Center for Plant Excellence, a new initiative supporting Pennsylvania’s plant industries, announced recipients of its 2025-26 grants, awarding $125,000 across seven projects.

Media Contacts

Amy Duke
  • Associate Director of Communications
Jeff Mulhollem
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
Katie Bohn
  • Science and News Writer
Alexandra McLaughlin
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)
Sean Duke
  • Marketing/Communications Specialist

Media Contacts

Amy Duke
  • Associate Director of Communications
Jeff Mulhollem
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
Katie Bohn
  • Science and News Writer
Alexandra McLaughlin
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)
Sean Duke
  • Marketing/Communications Specialist