Women farmers quantitatively linked to better community well-being

January 17, 2024

Having more women in agriculture is associated with greater community well-being, according to researchers at Penn State and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their work is the first to quantitatively assess this link, and their findings suggest that women farmers approach their operations in ways that positively impact their communities.

Novel, interdisciplinary training program launched for doctoral degree students

January 16, 2024

A team comprised of faculty from five departments in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Biology in the Eberly College of Science, funded by a $262,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has created a novel program to train doctoral degree students to conduct interdisciplinary research on the relationship between soils, plants and consumers.

Economics propelling population shifts in spite of climate-driven risks

January 12, 2024

People are willing to live in locations where there is a greater risk of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters if there is an increase to their overall economic well-being, according to a study by a Penn State researcher.

Extension educator named County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania fellow

January 11, 2024

Jill Varner, Penn State Extension food, families and communities educator, was appointed as the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Extension Fellow, effective Jan. 1.

From trees to teaching, Cindy Pizziketti makes a difference in York County

January 10, 2024

Since joining the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program in 2017, Cindy Pizziketti has volunteered more than 2,400 hours, the highest in York County.

One Health Microbiome Symposium to convene experts for innovative discussions

January 9, 2024

Penn State’s One Health Microbiome Center will host the One Health Microbiome Symposium on May 30-31, 2024, at the Huck Life Sciences Building on the University Park campus.

Eight Penn State alumni to receive Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2024

January 8, 2024

Eight Penn State alumni selected by the University's Board of Trustees will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the institution's highest honor presented to its alumni.

Dropping parking minimums the focus of Jan. 17 land-use webinar

January 5, 2024

A Jan. 17 Penn State Extension land-use webinar, “A Case for Communities to Drop Parking Minimums,” will present the experiences of three communities of different sizes that have eliminated parking minimums downtown or throughout the community.

College of Ag Sciences student aspires to drive innovation in climate solutions

January 4, 2024

The environmental resource management major offered by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences helps to prepare students for impactful careers centered on environmental protection and sustainability. Demonstrating a commitment to addressing climate challenges, fourth-year student Katherine Chu has embraced the opportunities that the program provides to contribute to innovative solutions.

Why are bees making less honey? Study reveals clues in five decades of data

January 3, 2024

Honey yields in the U.S. have been declining since the 1990s, with honey producers and scientists unsure why, but a new study by Penn State researchers has uncovered clues in the mystery of the missing honey.

Growing Impact podcast discusses how climate, agriculture impact Colorado River

January 3, 2024

The latest episode of Growing Impact discusses how climate change and overuse of the Colorado River have significantly decreased the volume of the fifth largest river in the U.S.

Penn State agricultural teacher education program receives national award

December 18, 2023

The agricultural teacher education team from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences was lauded by the National Association of Agricultural Educators for exemplary performance and dedication to agricultural education.

Q&A: Why small organisms can make big impacts on climate, emissions

December 15, 2023

Mary Ann Bruns, Penn State professor of soil microbiology and biogeochemistry, co-authored a new report that advocates for greater recognition of the microbial processes involved in methane production and consumption as society seeks solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

Crab-eating monkey one of Florida’s greatest threats to ecosystems, human health

December 15, 2023

A first-of-its-kind study for North America accumulated a list of potential invasive species for the state of Florida, with 40 species determined to pose the greatest threat to residents’ well-being. One species received the highest possible ranking for likelihood of invasion and threat to human health: the crab-eating macaque monkey.

With the new year, establish new healthy habits with Volumetrics series

December 13, 2023

Anyone interested in managing weight while eating satisfying and 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,” available as both in-person workshops and webinars. 

Penn State students secure first place at national entomology games

December 13, 2023

A team of Penn State graduate students recently secured first place in the national 2023 Entomology Games, marking the first time a school from the eastern division earned the honor.

Webinar series to focus on boosting financial wellness

December 12, 2023

In January, Penn State Extension will offer a free, three-part webinar series aimed at helping participants boost their financial wellness by tidying financial clutter, making smart food choices, and having effective financial conversations with others.

Penn State Extension offers wide-ranging resources for pesticide applicators

December 8, 2023

Penn State Extension offers a wide variety of tools for those preparing for the state’s certification exams as well as numerous opportunities for certified applicators to earn recertification credits, including a 25% discount on online pesticide recertification courses through March 15.

Announcing Teaching and Learning Technologies Faculty Advisory Committee members

December 8, 2023

Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) has introduced the inaugural Teaching and Learning Technologies Faculty Advisory Committee for the 2023-24 academic year. The committee will play a pivotal role in guiding TLT and University IT in integrating technology into teaching and learning practices at Penn State. 

Berkey Creamery delivers the message: ‘Tradition Never Tasted So Good’

December 8, 2023

As the Penn State Berkey Creamery delivery trucks travel their routes on campus, folks will notice a fresh appearance — vibrant vehicle wraps that embody the creamery’s commitment to delivering quality intertwined with tradition.  

Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab offers pollen identification service

December 8, 2023

The Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab now is accepting honey and pollen samples from researchers and beekeepers who would like to identify the plants at the genus level from which honeybees are collecting nectar and pollen.

USDA grant to support training for beginning farmers in Pennsylvania

December 8, 2023

A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will enable Penn State Extension to offer a program designed to bring together beginning and retiring farmers in Pennsylvania, with an eye toward facilitating the transition of farms from one generation to the next.

Penn State senior aims to create positive impact through agricultural education

December 7, 2023

Senior Brandon Bixler has packed a lot of experiences into his four years at Penn State. From conducting undergraduate research in Nepal to being named a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, Bixler credits the support of faculty in the College of Agricultural Sciences and the agricultural and extension education major with making his journey possible.

Novel tool informs land use and nutrient control in troubled waters

December 7, 2023

In watersheds degraded by runoff of nutrients from farmland, land managers may struggle to pinpoint the best locations to install riparian buffer strips along streams or other pollution-reduction practices, but a new technology devised by Penn State scientists could potentially make the search for those sites easier and less expensive.

Schreyer Institute awards 2023-24 Teaching Transformation and Innovation Grants

December 6, 2023

Seven Penn State faculty earned 2023-24 Teaching Transformation and Innovation Grants from the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence to experiment, test or implement a teaching innovation that addresses an important instructional concern. 

New USDA grant to support graduate reproductive microbiome training program

December 6, 2023

The Graduate Training in the Reproductive Microbiomes program will focus on interactions between the microbiome and animal reproductive cells/tissues in agriculturally important species, including chickens, cows, pigs, as well as insect populations that can devastate livestock health and production.

Helping non-clinical staff identify problematic sexual behaviors among children

December 5, 2023

A Penn State research team partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop an easy-to-use tool to help non-clinically trained staff members, such as classroom aids, lunchroom workers and teachers, identify problematic sexual behaviors so that they can be more immediately addressed.

Fetter named director of the Center for Ag Conservation Assistance Training

December 1, 2023

Jennifer Fetter, Penn State Extension water resources program leader, has been named director of the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training. Fetter has served as the center’s interim director since it was launched earlier this year.

Second season of ‘Farm Stress Real Talk’ podcast now available

November 30, 2023

Season two of a Penn State Extension podcast — “Farm Stress Real Talk” — is now available. The podcast focuses on supporting farmers, farm families and workers in the commercial agriculture industry who are experiencing stress.

NSF program takes environmental resource management student to Montana

November 29, 2023

Second-year student Sylvie Alexander, an environmental resource management major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, spent last summer conducting research on the Flathead Indian Reservation located in western Montana. Her work was sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program.

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)