Extension experts: Risk of spotted lanternfly on Christmas trees is minimal

November 18, 2019

Folks worried that the spotted lanternfly will put a “bah humbug” into their holiday by taking up residence in their live Christmas tree should toss those concerns to the side like used wrapping paper, according to Penn State Extension experts.

Penn State faculty member recognized by dairy and animal science groups

November 15, 2019

Terry Etherton, head of the Department of Animal Science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, received the 2019 Distinguished Service Award at the recent annual meeting of the Northeast Section of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and the Northeast Branch of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) in Hershey.

Penn State research projects awarded USDA organic agriculture grants

November 15, 2019

Three organic-agriculture projects led by faculty members in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have received grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funding, totaling more than $1.3 million, was awarded through USDA-NIFA's Organic Transitions Program.

Penn State plant scientist honored with USDA national teaching award

November 14, 2019

Dennis Decoteau, professor of horticulture and plant ecosystem health in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is among four public university faculty honored by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities with national teaching awards recognizing excellence in agricultural sciences teaching and student engagement.

Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center to stay under Harper's leadership

November 14, 2019

Jayson Harper, who had been interim director of the Fruit Research and Extension Center in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences since March 1, has been named to the post on a standing basis.

Spotted lanternfly vehicle inspections suspended over winter for most employees

November 14, 2019

Penn State employees whose work duties require travel to, from and within the spotted lanternfly quarantine zone in southeastern Pennsylvania now have a brief reprieve from mandatory vehicle inspections. However, while employees will not have to check vehicles during the inactive period, they still are required to inspect equipment and products that were placed outside during the egg deposition period.

Course offers first-generation students the opportunity to study abroad

November 14, 2019

For many first-generation college students, study abroad experiences seem out of reach. However, a new course offered by the Environmental Resource Management program in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences aims to make that aspiration a reality.

World War II paratrooper with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star talks about the war

November 14, 2019

On Dec. 4, 1944, in the jungles of the Philippines during World War II, Penn State alumnus Leon Kneebone, now age 99, found himself leading a platoon of 50 to 60 men on a scouting mission to help locate the Japanese position.

Roush honored as fellow of the Entomological Society of America

November 13, 2019

Rick Roush, dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected as an Entomological Society of America Fellow, an honor that acknowledges his outstanding contributions to entomology in research, teaching, extension and outreach.

Urban development reduces flash flooding chances in arid West

November 12, 2019

Urban development in the eastern U.S. results in an increase in flash flooding in nearby streams, but in the arid West, urbanization has just the opposite effect, according to a Penn State researcher, who suggests there may be lessons to be learned from the sharp contrast.

First-year student awarded study abroad funding as Borlaug-Ruan intern

November 12, 2019

Emma Steely, a first-year environmental resource management student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica through her participation in the Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences at Penn State.

Molecular genetics professor selected for prestigious Mercator Fellowship

November 12, 2019

John Carlson, professor of molecular genetics in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was named Mercator Fellow and Visiting Professor at Georg-August University of Göttingen in Germany.

Examining perceptions of Internet-of-Things devices in Rwandan farming community

November 11, 2019

This past spring a cohort of Penn State students participated in an innovative research study to examine the potential for Internet of Things devices on a farming community in Rwanda, to explore the potential impact of unmanned vehicles at a farm on the outskirts of the city of Kigali. The goal was to study farm workers and local community members, gathering their perceptions and concerns of advanced technology in a low resource context.

Frost Entomological Museum reopens after renovations, renewal

November 8, 2019

After being closed to the public for more than six years, Penn State's Frost Entomological Museum has reopened with new and improved exhibits, storage facilities, and research capacity, much to the delight of school groups and insect enthusiasts.

Ground broken for new ag engineering shop at Fruit Research and Extension Center

November 8, 2019

Groundbreaking took place Nov. 6 for a new agricultural engineering shop at Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center that will, when completed, enhance research to help growers improve efficiency, reduce costs and deal with labor shortages.

Global Faculty Fellow will create connections between Penn State and Colombia

November 6, 2019

Siela Maximova, research professor of plant biotechnology, has been named a Global Faculty Fellow in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and a Land Grant University U.S.-Colombia Fulbright Scholar.

Choosing most cost-effective practices for sites could save in bay cleanup

November 4, 2019

Using site-specific watershed data to determine the most cost-effective agricultural best management practices — rather than requiring all the recommended practices be implemented across the entire watershed — could make staying below the Chesapeake Bay’s acceptable pollution load considerably less expensive.

Land-use webinar to focus on Northeast U.S. agriculture and why it matters

November 4, 2019

Agricultural diversity in the Northeastern U.S. — ranging from dairy farming to fruit and vegetable production to forest-product, nursery and greenhouse activities — and why it matters will be the focus of a web-based seminar presented by Penn State Extension at noon on Nov. 20.

Equipping military kids with the tools they need to succeed

November 4, 2019

Teachers, school psychologists and counselors are frequently called upon to provide emotional support for students so they can achieve positive behavioral and academic outcomes. A new Penn State-led, five-year project will provide additional support for children of military families, who can be at greater social-emotional risk given frequent moves and other stressors.

Funding from city of Philadelphia will enhance Penn State Extension programs

October 31, 2019

Penn State Extension programs in the city of Philadelphia will receive a boost as the result of a $100,000 investment from city government. The funding will serve as seed money to leverage support for programs addressing several topics relevant to the city's residents.

Blooms and Shrooms Club reveals new world at Penn State

October 29, 2019

Since its founding in 2016, the Blooms and Shrooms Club has organized a wide variety of fun, engaging activities designed to educate members and the public about the plants, plant diseases, mushrooms and fungi that populate the natural world.

Pollinator project will complement Penn State solar power initiative

October 29, 2019

A unique undertaking in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will shine a light on how solar farms can contribute to healthy ecosystems and boost pollinator populations.

Students gain firsthand international development experience in Kenya

October 28, 2019

Five students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences had the opportunity of a lifetime when they spent more than two weeks in Kenya as part of the embedded course, “Issues in Economic, Community and Agricultural Development in Kenya.”

Hall recipient of early career professorship award

October 28, 2019

Molly Hall, assistant professor of veterinary and biomedical studies at Penn State, was recently named recipient of the Dr. Frances Keesler Graham Early Career Professorship.

Soil-judging team places 4th at regional contest, qualifies for nationals

October 24, 2019

The Penn State Soil Judging Team placed fourth at the Northeast Regional Collegiate Soil Judging Contest in Easton, Maryland, in early October, qualifying for the national championship to be held in Ohio in the spring of 2020.

Doctoral student in College of Agricultural Sciences creates global connections

October 24, 2019

As a de la Torre Scholar in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Terry Torres-Cruz aspires to foster relationships between the college and Latin America by sharing her connections and experiences.

Penn State alumni and World War II veterans discuss serving the United States

October 24, 2019

Four veterans of World War II sat down with members of the staff of Penn State Today to talk about their service and life at Penn State after the war.

With Penn State help, ESPN 'College GameDay' was sustainable at University Park

October 23, 2019

Penn State's extensive capabilities in hosting sustainable events helped ESPN achieve its goal of presenting its “College GameDay” show previewing the Nittany Lions' football showdown with the University of Michigan in a sustainable manner.

Embracing sustainable practices would help some winery tasting rooms stand out

October 21, 2019

Wineries in the mid-Atlantic region should consider recycling and encouraging their customers to bring bottles to their tasting rooms for refilling to distinguish their businesses from so many others, according to a team of wine-marketing researchers who surveyed consumers.

College of Agricultural Sciences to host Minority Alumni Panel

October 21, 2019

The Office of Multicultural Affairs in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will showcase the career paths and accomplishments of five notable alumni during a minority alumni panel that will take place from 1:45 to 3 p.m. Nov. 5 in 312 Agricultural Engineering Building on the University Park campus.

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)

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)