Edge habitats along roads and power lines may be key to conserving rare plants

January 31, 2024

Managing forest edge habitats to maintain a gradient of canopy cover and plant density could be key to conserving some threatened native plant species such as wild lupine, according to Penn State researchers, who said edge habitats along roadways and utility rights-of-way provide prime opportunities to promote rare native plant populations.

Ukrainian youth researchers collaborate in multi-site refugee program

January 31, 2024

A multilateral team consisting of Penn State, Leibnitz University (Hannover, Germany), Galway University (Galway, Ireland), and Maria Grzegorzewska University (Warsaw, Poland) is currently conducting a multi-site study with Ukrainian Refugee Youth.

Proteins in milk — not just fat — may help reduce oral burn from spicy food

January 31, 2024

Spicy food lovers know that milk can ease the oral burn, but why? Some believe that fat is the soother, with whole cow’s milk reducing the bite more than low-fat cow’s milk or plant milks. A new study conducted by Penn State food scientists, however, suggests that protein plays a role in cooling the heat sensation, too.

Aspiring natural resource professionals showcase skills in Dendro Cup contest

January 30, 2024

On a brisk afternoon in December, students in a forestry course in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences ventured into a wooded field on the University Park campus, eager to discover woody plant specimens and claim bragging rights in the second annual Dendro Cup competition. Designed by instructors Eric Burkhart and Calvin Norman, the competition evaluates the expertise gained by students in the morning and afternoon sections of their fall semester field dendrology course.

Penn State entomologists appointed to national committee on pollinator research

January 29, 2024

Two entomologists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have been appointed to serve on a new U.S. Department of Agriculture subcommittee on pollinators.

Fungi into the Future

January 29, 2024

Mushrooms, and specifically the common white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, are big business in Pennsylvania. The state grows almost two-thirds of all Agaricus produced in the United States. Penn State’s leadership in research and education has shaped and supported the industry since its beginnings. In recent years, however, mushroom-related research at Penn State has expanded, fungus-like, across departments and even colleges into new and surprising areas, from food science to environmental clean-up to architecture and design.

Center for Ag Conservation Assistance Training enlists engineering firm

January 29, 2024

The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, administered by Penn State Extension, has contracted with the infrastructure consulting firm Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. This partnership is aimed at boosting the conservation workforce’s capacity to implement best management practices, ultimately improving and protecting soil health and water quality in Pennsylvania.

Six researchers recognized with Institute of Energy and the Environment Awards

January 29, 2024

Six Penn State researchers who were nominated by the Penn State community for their collaborative, interdisciplinary research efforts were recognized with Institute of Energy and the Environment’s Research Awards.

New grant focused on promoting economic mobility of Westmoreland County youth

January 26, 2024

The Richard King Mellon Foundation awarded a $228,000 grant to Penn State Extension to support young people’s economic mobility in Westmoreland County.

Sending a ‘We Are!’ to these Penn Staters

January 25, 2024

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 13 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.   

Master Watershed Steward Art Gover earns award for natural resource education

January 25, 2024

With 36 years of experience at Penn State as a researcher and educator in weed and vegetation management, Art Gover specializes in handling invasive species in natural settings. Now retired, he continues to share his expertise as a volunteer with the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program. Gover, based in Centre County, recently earned the 2023 Natural Resource Education Champion Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals.

Ag Sciences Global to host a four-part virtual food-security seminar series

January 24, 2024

Students and others interested in learning about the complexities of food security are encouraged to participate in a virtual seminar series hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Foodborne-pathogen Listeria may hide from sanitizers in biofilms

January 24, 2024

An estimated 1,600 people in the U.S. contract a serious infection from Listeria bacteria in food each year and, of those individuals, about 260 people die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Penn State researchers may now better understand how the bacteria, called Listeria monocytogenes, survive and persist in fruit-packing plants by evading and surviving sanitizers.  

Book co-authored by Penn State's Levon Esters to highlight power of HBCUs

January 23, 2024

A new book co-authored by Levon T. Esters, vice provost for graduate education, dean of the Graduate School at Penn State, and professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, highlights the role that historically Black colleges and universities play in empowering Black students, fostering economic development, building community, and mentoring leaders and activists.

Veterans of color and female veterans reported more stress during COVID-19

January 23, 2024

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State found veterans of color and female veterans reported significantly higher levels of stress than their white male counterparts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hidden Gems: The Butcher Block at Penn State

January 19, 2024

The Butcher Block at Penn State offers access to fresh, locally-sourced meats once a week during the spring and fall semesters. But those hoping to get some fresh bacon or oxtail may want to arrive early — the shop takes orders on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Donors create international travel endowment to honor lifelong friend, ag alumna

January 18, 2024

In honor and memory of their dear friend, a Penn State alumna who died in 2022 at the age of 90, Helen and Steve Schreiner have created the Dr. Marion P. Cullen International Travel Endowment in Animal Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Pennsylvania 'Dairy of Distinction' award applications are due by April 15

January 17, 2024

Pennsylvania dairy producers are invited to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award from the Pennsylvania Dairy of Distinction Program. Applications must be submitted by April 15.

Schreyer Honors College announces 2024 Alumni Award recipients

January 17, 2024

Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College has chosen six Scholar alumni who will receive 2024 Scholar Alumni Awards in recognition of their professional achievements and contributions.

Research to help private forest owners manage woodlands for ecosystem services

January 17, 2024

Funded by a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a team of forest ecologists and social scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will conduct research aimed at helping owners of small- to medium-sized forest tracts manage their woodlands for ecosystem services they deem desirable.    

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.

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)