Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

October 25, 2023

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 11 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University. 

Penn State Ag Council celebrates agricultural leaders during its annual meeting

October 24, 2023

The Penn State Agricultural Council recently lauded the achievements of a founder of a public affairs firm dedicated to agricultural and rural affairs, a communications leader in the College of Agricultural Sciences, a program that promotes careers in agriculture and a Penn State student from Huntingdon.  

Predicting nationwide crop water availability by understanding soil influences

October 24, 2023

A team of researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to generate knowledge and tools, such as national-level predictive models, to develop a better understanding of how changes in soil texture and structure influence the availability of water for crops.

Plant pathologist to research plant diseases in organic vegetables

October 24, 2023

Sharifa Crandall, a plant pathologist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study plant diseases in organic vegetable operations.

Dietary selenium may help fight acute myeloid leukemia, researchers report

October 24, 2023

Selenium-enriched diets may help ward off myeloid leukemia, and a new study led by researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has described the mechanism by which this occurs.

Gene integral to initiating, sustaining sperm cell development identified

October 23, 2023

With male infertility a mounting global concern impacting approximately 12% of men, according to the National Institutes of Health, a Penn State research team has discovered a gene that plays a key role in initiating and sustaining spermatogenesis. The finding, they said, may open a door for future therapies to boost sperm counts. 

Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference shines spotlight on innovation

October 20, 2023

Penn State students, faculty and alumni entrepreneurs joined with venture firms and startup founders from across the United States for the 2023 Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference, held Oct. 16-17 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey. 

Replacing 3D printing plastics with plant-derived materials

October 20, 2023

A sustainable resin material comprising agriculturally derived components could potentially replace plastics used in large-format 3D printing, which can produce furniture, boats and other similarly sized objects, according to a team of Penn State agricultural and biological engineers.

USDA grant awarded for study on soil health, weed control in organic operations

October 17, 2023

A nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded to Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will support research on soil health and weed suppression in organic farming.

National 4-H Hall of Fame inducts former Pennsylvania 4-H leader Christy Bartley

October 16, 2023

Christy Bartley, former state 4-H program leader with Penn State Extension, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame Oct. 9 for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H.

Grants awarded to Penn State faculty for tropical ecosystems research in Belize

October 16, 2023

A collaboration among scientists from Penn State and the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education is aimed at developing agroforestry systems for Belize and Central America to support sustainable development while conserving the rainforest. As part of the initiative, three teams were awarded seed grants to pursue research on agricultural and ecological sustainability, preservation of tropical rainforest ecosystems and sustainable development in Belize.

Honey bees may inherit altruistic behavior from their mothers

October 12, 2023

True altruism is rare behavior in animals, but a new study by Penn State researchers has found that honey bees display this trait. Additionally, they found that an evolutionary battle of genetics may determine the parent they inherit it from.

Tenured, promoted faculty honored through books at Oct. 2 recognition program

October 11, 2023

Recently tenured and promoted Penn State faculty across the University were honored Oct. 2 through Penn State’s Promotion and Tenure Recognition Program, now in its 21st year, during a private event held in the Paterno Family Humanities Reading Room on the second floor of Pattee Library at University Park campus.

Land-use webinar to focus on accessory dwelling units Oct. 18

October 11, 2023

As housing costs continue to climb, creative solutions are emerging across the country to provide affordable and adaptable housing options. A Penn State Extension land-use webinar on Oct. 18 will focus on accessory dwelling units — small houses or apartments located on the same lot as a single-family home — as a housing solution for individuals of various ages, abilities and income levels.

Penn State Extension’s Jodi Sulpizio named Pennsylvania Watershed Champion

October 10, 2023

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay recently named Jodi Sulpizio as the 2023 Pennsylvania Watershed Champion. This award recognizes Sulpizio for her efforts to improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed in her role as a Penn State Extension natural resources educator and Master Watershed Steward coordinator for York County.   

College of Ag Sciences team receives $1.9 million grant for dairy cattle study

October 10, 2023

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and collaborators from the University of Minnesota have received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study parasite issues related to organic dairy cattle.

Penn State animal science student finds second home on the range

October 9, 2023

After wrapping up his career with the United States Navy, Aaron Kuhn, a second-year animal science student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences who currently studies at Penn State Altoona, returned home to Hollidaysburg to revive his family farm.

Penn State Extension equine team receives award for pasture management program

October 6, 2023

The Penn State Extension equine team recently received a Search for Excellence Award in Environmental Quality, Forestry, and Natural Resources for its program, “Improving Environmental Stewardship on Equine Farms,” from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents during a ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa.

Food pantry in the College of Ag Sciences aims to curb food insecurity on campus

October 6, 2023

Food insecurity often remains a hidden struggle among college students, including those attending Penn State. However, a new initiative in the College of Agricultural Sciences is aimed at tackling this issue — a food pantry designed to provide support.

Cultivating connections: Penn State students make global bonds working in Uganda

October 5, 2023

Penn State faculty and students were part of a team that worked with smallholder farmers and policymakers in Uganda through the Collaborative Learning School, a two-week field workshop led by U.S. and African scientists and practitioners as a part of the SustainFood Network, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations program.

TikTok may help farmers cultivate empathy around climate change

October 4, 2023

Farmers are used to growing crops and producing other goods, but a new study led by Penn State researchers suggests the social media platform TikTok may help them cultivate something new: empathy around the issue of climate change.

Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study finds

October 4, 2023

Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania’s state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented. The study, led by Penn State and Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers, published in the journal Molecular Ecology.

Penn State partners with Monash University for Australia water quality research

October 4, 2023

A group of Penn State students recently traveled to Australia as part of a partnership between Penn State and Monash University to conduct research aimed at better understanding sources of decreased water quality in watersheds, in addition to finding possible solutions.

Celebrate Health Literacy Month with a discount on online health courses

October 3, 2023

Those interested in health and wellness can benefit from a 25% discount on select Penn State Extension online courses during Health Literacy Month in October. These self-paced courses focus on topics such as planning healthy meals, vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine and dining with diabetes. 

Noted turfgrass scientist retires from Penn State after 40-year career

October 3, 2023

Andrew McNitt, professor of soil science, director of the Center for Sports Surface Research and technical adviser to the National Football League, recently retired from Penn State after an innovative and distinguished career in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

New project to focus on health impacts of climate change

October 3, 2023

A $574,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health will help support a new climate change and health research area in Penn State’s Population Research Institute.

Webinar series explores mental health and offers strategies

October 2, 2023

From stress to grief to addiction, understanding mental health is crucial when faced with difficult times, according to organizers of an upcoming Penn State Extension webinar series. The “Mental Wellness Series” will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays from Oct. 30 to Dec. 4. This free, six-part series is designed for concerned citizens, family members, social workers, mental health workers, medical professionals, teachers and college students.

Penn State's 'Stories from the Field' returns with fall lineup

October 2, 2023

Penn State’s “Stories from the Field” conversation series is returning with two fall sessions. Speakers will share stories and lessons learned from programs devoted to farmers’ mental health and workers affected by substance use disorders.

Gugino to enhance impact of agricultural research in new role in Ag Sciences

October 1, 2023

A longtime faculty member and research leader in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will serve in the newly created role of associate director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station. The Agricultural Experiment Station is the college's umbrella organization for managing and reporting state and federally funded research.

Penn State work featured in upcoming long-term Franklin Institute space exhibit

September 29, 2023

A video that highlights the work a Penn State team is doing to 3D print houses that can sustain life on Mars is featured in a new $8.5 million core exhibit opening Nov. 4 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. 

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)