Annual substance use conference examines stigma, opioid crisis

May 10, 2023

The Penn State Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction recently hosted its fourth annual conference in the HUB-Robeson Center at the University Park campus. 

Analysis of U.S. farms offers clearer, more nuanced picture for policymakers

May 8, 2023

A new Penn State-led study set out to analyze U.S. farming counties to better understand the diversity of farms across the country, which researchers say suggests that agricultural policies should not be designed with a “one size fits all” approach.

Students learn about science, and themselves, conducting undergraduate research

May 8, 2023

Three undergraduates who presented posters at the 2023 Gamma Sigma Delta Research Expo talked about the stories behind their research, with an eye toward offering other Penn State students inspiration to pursue their own “passion projects” in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Penn State doctoral student receives prestigious agriculture research fellowship

May 8, 2023

Theo "Chelsea" Newbold, a doctoral student in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been awarded the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellowship for 2023–26.

Newly discovered immune system mechanism suppresses parasitic infection

May 4, 2023

Type I interferon plays a critical role in suppressing inflammation in mice infected with the schistosome parasite, Penn State immunology researchers have found. The discovery may lead to effective therapies for those suffering from schistosomiasis, second only to malaria as the most prevalent parasitic disease globally.  

Biofortification of microgreens with zinc could mitigate global ‘hidden hunger’

May 3, 2023

When the seeds of plants such as pea and sunflower are biofortified with zinc, the seedlings they quickly produce — harvested as microgreens — could both help to mitigate global malnutrition and boost the odds of people surviving a catastrophe. 

Putting mental health first: Extension supports farmers and more in Pennsylvania

May 3, 2023

As communities observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Penn State Extension seeks to remind the public of available resources — such as webinars, fact sheets and classes — that focus on farm stress, mental health and strategies to deal with challenging times.

Energy, environmental seed grants awarded to interdisciplinary research teams

May 2, 2023

The 19 interdisciplinary research teams that received funding include more than 75 researchers who are affiliated with 10 colleges and research units across seven Penn State campuses.

The bite stops here: Fighting Lyme disease with prevention

May 2, 2023

To help the public avoid tick bites, Penn State Extension experts are observing Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May by reminding people about various resources available to aid in protecting themselves, pets, horses and loved ones from Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

Penn State junior Vancie Peacock named 2023 Udall Scholar

May 1, 2023

Vancie Peacock, a Penn State junior majoring in biological engineering, has been awarded a 2023 Udall Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes U.S. college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service and commitment to Native American issues or the environment.

Penn State Fly Fishing Club spotlights community, conservation

May 1, 2023

With members ranging from experienced anglers to people who never have picked up a fly rod, Penn State's Fly Fishing Club is an opportunity for anybody interested in the outdoors to build meaningful connections and lifelong friendships with those who have similar passions.

2023 Undergraduate Exhibition welcomed 237 participants

April 28, 2023

A total of 237 Penn State undergraduates presented during the Undergraduate Exhibition from April 10-12, showcasing their research, projects and performances during a virtual and in-person event.

College of Engineering names student marshals for spring 2023 commencement

April 25, 2023

The Penn State College of Engineering has named its student marshals for the spring 2023 commencement ceremony. One student is selected to represent each of the 14 majors associated with the college and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

Agribusiness management student excels in PepsiCo internship

April 24, 2023

For Penn State student Michael Loucas, of Westport, Connecticut, one summer as a sales management intern with PepsiCo offered him his best opportunity for growth so far.

Early-nesting ducks at increased risk due to changes in climate, land use

April 24, 2023

Each year approximately 10 million waterfowl fly north to their breeding grounds in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America, but the landscape that greets them has changed. Weather patterns and agricultural practices have significantly transformed the pothole-dotted native grasslands that waterfowl have used for thousands of years.

Penn State recognizes Outstanding Adult Student Award winners

April 24, 2023

Penn State’s Adult Learner Programs and Services announced the winners of the Outstanding Adult Student Award. The award — which includes a Penn State diploma case and a $500 grant — recognizes an exceptional adult learner or student veteran at University Park who has overcome obstacles while furthering his or her education. Nominees balance multiple responsibilities, serve as role models for other students, and achieve academically.

Students expand perspectives, build confidence at Graduate Exhibition

April 24, 2023

More than 175 Penn State graduate students presented their research, art, design or scholarship at the poster and visual arts session of the 2023 Graduate Exhibition. The event allows students to build their communication skills and think about their projects from new perspectives. 

Raise a glass to home winemaking: Penn State Extension offers workshop

April 21, 2023

An upcoming Penn State Extension workshop is aimed at helping home winemakers take their hobby to the next level. The “Advanced Home Winemaking Workshop” will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20, in 252 Rodney Erickson Food Science Building on Penn State’s University Park campus.

Penn State Master Gardeners help home gardeners blossom

April 21, 2023

The Penn State Extension Master Gardener program trains adult volunteers in research-based and sustainable horticultural practices. After completing the training, Master Gardeners help Extension better serve the public by answering questions; speaking to groups; writing columns and articles for newsletters, websites and news media outlets; maintaining demonstration gardens; assisting in Penn State pollinator research; and participating in many other projects.

Ag Sciences student among first Peace Corps volunteers to return to service

April 21, 2023

Penn State student Julia Burton, in the College of Agricultural Sciences, is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s unprecedented global evacuation in March 2020. The Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spotted lanternfly training, vehicle checks required for many faculty, staff

April 21, 2023

With spotted lanternfly season nearing in Pennsylvania, officials at Penn State are reminding employees to take the spotted lanternfly training required by the University and inspect their vehicles when traveling within and outside of the quarantine zone.  

Low use of nutrition labels contributes to health disparities in China

April 20, 2023

Nutrition labels can help guide consumers toward making healthier food choices, but new research suggests that a lack of knowledge about how to use them may be contributing to nutrition gaps between people in urban and rural China.

Hales to leave as director of Penn State Extension for new role in California

April 20, 2023

Brent Hales, director of Penn State Extension and associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences, will leave Penn State in June to join the University of California as its new associate vice president of the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

2023 Director's Award Winners

April 19, 2023

Congratulations to the 2023 Director's Award Winners!

Organic beekeeping rivals conventional methods for bee health, productivity

April 19, 2023

Honey bee colonies managed using organic methods were as healthy and productive as those managed in conventional systems, while avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides to control pests and pathogens inside the hive, according to newly published research led by Penn State entomologists.

Distinguished professor edits book on sustainable dairy cattle nutrition

April 19, 2023

Alexander Hristov, Penn State distinguished professor of dairy nutrition, edited a recently published book, “Advances in Sustainable Dairy Cattle Nutrition,” which focuses on how the dairy sector could reduce the carbon footprint of milk and its contribution to climate change.

Opening farms to visitors boosts nearby farms’ direct sales, and vice versa

April 18, 2023

Farmers use many marketing strategies to diversify their incomes and stay in business. New research suggests that two of these strategies — agritourism and direct farm sales — complement one another when they occur within the same community. The findings could help farmers and the local organizations that support them plan strategically for farm resilience and growth.

Extension experts release guidelines to increase safety of manure-storage

April 17, 2023

Farming is one of the most dangerous work environments in the U.S. Among the factors that contribute to farming’s risk profile is the potential presence of toxic gases associated with manure storage facilities. As manure storage emptying season approaches, Penn State researchers seek to reinforce the message that increased awareness of manure gas dangers saves lives.

College of Agricultural Sciences announces alumni award recipients

April 13, 2023

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has honored two graduates with 2023 Outstanding Alumni Awards.  

Master Watershed Steward Jim Walter inspires environmental action

April 13, 2023

From facilitating the planting of thousands of trees to developing an innovative procedure to help pinpoint and address streambank erosion issues, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer Jim Walter has inspired environmental action in Bucks County and beyond.

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)