Master Watershed Steward Don Horn promotes sustainability and clean water

August 29, 2023

From childhood fishing excursions to his present-day passion for conservation, Don Horn always has valued water. In his retirement, Horn said he found purpose in becoming a Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer, which allows him to give back to the community while positively impacting his own mental health.

Volunteer leaves seven-figure estate gift to 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center

August 29, 2023

Since 1982, the Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center, created by Penn State Extension educator Robert Kessler, has provided recreational and therapeutic horsemanship activities to individuals of all ages with varying special needs. Thanks to a seven-figure estate gift to the center’s endowment from longtime volunteer, and Penn State alumna, Angela Weagly, the center’s future is now brighter than ever.

Penn State receives $3M grant to address insect biodiversity crisis

August 28, 2023

A team of Penn State researchers has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to spearhead a new initiative to create novel monitoring systems for insect populations, many of which are experiencing dramatic changes across the globe due to changes in land use, pollution and climate change.

Animal Science department to provide biosecurity kits to 4-H programs statewide

August 28, 2023

Amid the recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry, all Pennsylvania 4-H animal project members are urged to practice stringent biosecurity measures both at home and during fairs, shows and other events. To promote good biosecurity practices, the Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is sponsoring a biosecurity kit for each county 4-H program in the state. 

Select microgreens in custom diet may help deliver desired nutrients

August 25, 2023

A diet including a carefully selected assortment of microgreens may help address an individual’s nutritional deficiencies, according to a Penn State researcher who led an international team that evaluated the mineral content in young specimens of 17 different plant species.

Animal microbiome researcher awarded $1.3M to study pathogenic threats

August 23, 2023

Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes and executive committee member of Penn State’s One Health Microbiome Center, was recently awarded two grants totaling $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lead teams of scientists in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension in studies of pathogenic threats to livestock and people.

One Health Microbiome Center's 2023-24 Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellows

August 22, 2023

The One Health Microbiome Center in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State has named five recipients for its 2023-24 Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellowships program, which aims to promote collaborative training opportunities for center members and research development.

Cover crops project provides fertile ground for USDA graduate fellows

August 21, 2023

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences graduate students received more predoctoral fellowships from the U.S. Department of Agriculture than any other institution over the last five years. This year, five of the 11 recipients worked in the college’s long-term cover crop cocktails experiment. 

Penn State Extension to offer free virtual walking program

August 21, 2023

Anyone interested in developing healthy habits and increasing stamina can benefit from a free Penn State Extension virtual walking program called “Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania.” The statewide program will take place from Sept. 1 to Nov. 6. 

Penn State is tops in USDA predoctoral fellowship program awards

August 21, 2023

Eleven Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences students have received predoctoral fellowships from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. “This year, our college is No. 1 among its national peers in how many students received fellowships,” said Blair Siegfried, associate dean for research and graduate education in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The students received a combined total of more than $1.6 million in funding.

Curbing cow belches in the name of climate change mitigation

August 21, 2023

A Penn State livestock emissions expert has received a grant from the Greener Cattle Initiative to develop actionable options to mitigate enteric (intestinal) methane emissions from cattle — which are produced via belching.  

Bee populations at risk of one-two punch from heat waves, pathogen infection

August 16, 2023

A global research team led by Penn State was the first to study how extreme heat waves affect the host-pathogen relationship between two species of solitary bees (Osmia cornifrons and Osmia lignaria) and a protozoan pathogen (Crithidia mellificae).

Natural compound in white button mushrooms could benefit animal, human health

August 15, 2023

A team of researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has identified a compound in white button mushrooms that could potentially benefit gut health in mammals. They published their findings in the Journal of Functional Foods.

Penn State chocolate short course wraps up a sweet summer week

August 14, 2023

Attendees of Penn State’s five-day Chocolate Short Course learned about “bean-to-bar" chocolate production this June.

Newly identified protein function may reveal understanding of lifetime fertility

August 11, 2023

A protein in mouse ovaries regulates the formation of the ovarian follicle reserve — comprising a mammal’s egg cells and surrounding support cells, according to a study conducted by a U.S.-Canadian research team. The discovery provides a foundation for further research on premature ovarian insufficiency and menopause in women and reproductive problems in dairy cows.

College of Ag Sciences scientist receives grant to study gut homeostasis, diet

August 9, 2023

A research team led by a Penn State faculty member has received a nearly $640,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study how produce can improve inflammatory bowel diseases.

University Staff Advisory Council starts 2023-24 term with new officers

August 9, 2023

The University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) began its new term for the 2023-24 year on Aug. 1, with new leadership, committee chairs and 12 new members joining the slate of existing council members.

Students pursue research passions through NOAA’s Hollings Scholarship

August 8, 2023

Four students in the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences were recently awarded the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to advance their research ambitions. The Schreyer Honors Scholars  are Jackie Kiszka, Asha Spencer and Mallory Wickline, all third-year students majoring in meteorology and atmospheric science, and Bridget Reheard, who is also a third-year student and double majoring in geosciences and wildlife and fisheries science.

Learn about flax’s role in the history of art at Ag Progress Days

August 4, 2023

What do flax, art history and agriculture have in common? The public can find out during Ag Progress Days, when the Center for Virtual/Material Studies will exhibit materials about the relevance of flax and flax processing in the history of art outside the entrance to the Pasto Agricultural Museum during Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10.

Penn State Pullers engineering design team wins two international awards

August 3, 2023

The Penn State Pullers, a student engineering design team in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, won the Test and Development Award and Sportsmanship Award at the International Quarter Scale Tractor Student Design Competition in Peoria, Illinois, this June.

Microbe-stuffed soil crusts menaced by climate change

August 3, 2023

Using a novel method to detect microbial activity in biological soil crusts, or biocrusts, after they are wetted, a Penn State-led research team in a new study uncovered clues that may lead to a better understanding of the role microbes play in forming a living skin over many semi-arid ecosystems around the world. The tiny organisms — and the microbiomes they create — are threatened by climate change.

Webinar to focus on active transportation planning in communities

August 2, 2023

An upcoming Penn State Extension land-use webinar will focus on lessons from 10 years of Pennsylvania Department of Health funding for walking, biking and accessibility. The webinar is scheduled for noon on Aug. 16. 

Penn State faculty member elected to plant pathology society leadership

August 2, 2023

Carolee Bull, professor of systematic bacteriology and plant pathology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected to the presidential lineage of the American​ Phytopathological Society.

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days offering wide range of activities, exhibits

July 31, 2023

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days is back with a full schedule of demonstrations, activities and learning for all ages, from a butterfly tent and corn maze for the youngest visitors to the latest in research and best practices for agriculture professionals and hobbyists. The expo will take place Aug. 8-10 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs in Ferguson Township, Centre County.

Happy 25th birthday, Penn State World Campus

July 31, 2023

A flavor of ice cream at the Berkey Creamery is marking the 25th year since Penn State World Campus launched in 1998.

Workshop empowers beekeepers to breed more resilient honey bees

July 26, 2023

Honey bees are crucial for pollinating crops, but in Northeastern states, more than 40% of honey bee colonies die each winter partly due to susceptibility to parasites and pathogens. Honey bee instrumental insemination is a technique designed to enhance genetic resistance to harmful parasites and pathogens. To learn this advanced skill, participants attended a hands-on workshop July 20-22 at Penn State’s University Park campus.

Farm bill, agricultural policy the focus of Ag Progress Days events

July 26, 2023

Pennsylvania’s priorities for the 2023 U.S. Farm Bill and other agricultural policy matters will be the focus of several events at Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10 at Rock Springs.

Second species of ramp, or wild leek, documented in Pennsylvania

July 26, 2023

The presence of a second species of ramp, Allium burdickii — commonly known as narrow-leaved wild leek — has been documented in southwest Pennsylvania by a team of Penn State researchers in a new study. This plant species never before has been documented in the state, and the researchers suggest the discovery shows a need to protect remaining populations of the plant.

Ag Progress Days highlights biodiversity, climate-smart ag, spotted lanternfly

July 25, 2023

Climate-smart agriculture, the importance of biodiversity and the latest news about the spotted lanternfly will be among the displays and presentations at the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theater during Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10.

Organic vegetable research, water quality highlight Ag Progress Days tours

July 21, 2023

A variety of topics related to agriculture and natural resources will be in the spotlight on several research and educational tours offered during Penn State's Ag Progress Days, set for Aug. 8-10 at Rock Springs.

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)