Penn State Extension Master Gardener projects earn international recognition

August 23, 2019

Three Penn State Extension Master Gardener programs were lauded for excellence during the 2019 International Master Gardener Conference, held this summer at Pennsylvania's Valley Forge Casino Resort and attended by program volunteers from most of the 50 states, Canada, South Korea and England.

Rosskams show commitment to philanthropy, food science with graduate fellowship

August 22, 2019

A family commitment to philanthropy, a career-long dedication to the food industry, and a deeply rooted connection to Penn State serve as inspiration for a newly created graduate fellowship in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

Foodborne pathogen sheltered by harmless bacteria that support biofilm formation

August 21, 2019

Pathogenic bacteria that stubbornly lurk in some apple-packing facilities may be sheltered and protected by harmless bacteria that are known for their ability to form biofilms, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest the discovery could lead to development of alternative foodborne-pathogen-control strategies.

College of Agricultural Sciences names 2019 Harbaugh Scholars

August 20, 2019

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has awarded funding to one individual and two teams to support the development of innovative curricula under the college's Harbaugh Faculty Scholars program.

College of Agricultural Sciences recognizes outstanding students for 2019

August 20, 2019

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently recognized recipients of the Outstanding Senior Award and Outstanding Student Awards for the 2018-19 academic year.

A goal realized: Couple creates scholarship in poultry and animal science

August 20, 2019

The George A. and Tina K. Georges Scholarship, which benefits students minoring in poultry and avian science or in animal science, has been created in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

Explore digital fluency with TLT and the College of Agricultural Sciences

August 20, 2019

This October, Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology and the College of Agricultural Sciences will team up for a one-day symposium on digital fluency. Registration for the event is open, and it is free to attend.

Organic control of spotted lanternfly is focus of study by Penn State, Cornell

August 19, 2019

Could soilborne fungi found nearly everywhere in North America be the kryptonite that can help control the spotted lanternfly? Studies underway in the Philadelphia region -- carried out by scientists from Penn State and Cornell University -- aim to answer that question, with early findings showing promise against what has been described as the worst invasive pest to hit the U.S. since the gypsy moth.

Survey aims to help citizens protect themselves from vector-borne illnesses

August 16, 2019

Penn State Extension has established a new vector-borne disease team that focuses on diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitos. To ensure that its efforts address community needs, the team is launching a survey, the results of which will allow extension educators to deliver responsive programming to educate the public on vector-borne diseases, how to prevent them, and how people can protect themselves.

Forest ecology and physiology professor honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

August 14, 2019

Marc Abrams, professor of forest ecology and physiology and Steimer Professor of Agricultural Sciences in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work.

Vegetable pathology professor receives Excellence in Extension Award

August 14, 2019

Beth Gugino, professor of vegetable pathology in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, received this year’s Excellence in Extension Award presented by the American Phytopathological Society. This year’s meeting, Plant Health 2019, was held in Cleveland, Ohio, from Aug. 3 to 7.

Penn State Postdoc society announces 2019 award recipients

August 12, 2019

The Penn State Postdoc Society has announced the winner of the 2019 Outstanding Postdoc Award, Molly Hanlon, and the winner of the 2019 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor Award, Klaus Keller.

Cross-pollination occurs between educators and researchers at workshop

August 12, 2019

The recent Authentic Plant Pollinator Landscape Research for Educators Workshop at Penn State attracted 13 kindergarten through 12th grade educators from across Pennsylvania and beyond, and it allowed educators to work closely with members of Penn State’s Center for Science and the Schools and Center for Pollinator Research.

Asian longhorned beetle larvae eat plant tissues that their parents cannot

August 12, 2019

Despite the buzz in recent years about other invasive insects that pose an even larger threat to agriculture and trees — such as the spotted lanternfly, the stink bug and the emerald ash borer — Penn State researchers have continued to study another damaging pest, the Asian longhorned beetle.

Global climate solution leaders to participate in Drawdown conference

August 12, 2019

"Research to Action: The Science of Drawdown," which takes place from Sept. 16–18, 2019, at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, will feature climate solutions experts from around the globe, including 15 members of the conference's steering committee.

Student explores urban forestry at internships in Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C.

August 7, 2019

Jess Sourbeer, of Pittsburgh, has found her niche in forestry through internships at both Penn State Extension and Architect of the Capitol, the federal agency in charge of maintaining Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Whole genome sequencing may help officials get a handle on disease outbreaks

August 6, 2019

In a series of studies, researchers showed that whole genome analysis can provide highly detailed information on pathogens in a timely fashion. The findings could help public officials prepare treatment and prevention options when disease outbreaks threaten the public.

Penn State biorenewable systems students climb to new heights in sustainability

August 5, 2019

From the top of Penn State's indoor rock climbing wall, climbers can enjoy views of Beaver Stadium, Rothrock State Forest and even a sunset over Happy Valley. From the ground, Colin Geary and Nelson DiBiase, biorenewable systems majors in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, saw something different: a sport inspired by nature, using a wall’s worth of plastic.

Where Curiosity Leads

August 5, 2019

One scientist’s quest to create a replacement for plastics led him to something entirely different—a biofoam that fills traumatic wounds, stops bleeding, and dissolves as the wound heals.

Sheep, goat producers can learn how to deal with worms at extension workshops

August 1, 2019

It’s turning out to be a difficult year for sheep and goat producers in Pennsylvania. Wet weather has resulted in ideal conditions for internal parasites to flourish in pasture systems, which can lead to infected animals. Producers can learn how to better manage internal parasites at a Penn State Extension workshop titled, “It’s a Wormy Deal,” which will be held at three locations across Pennsylvania in August and September.

Land-use webinar to focus on Pennsylvania's solar future

August 1, 2019

Pennsylvania is well situated to lead the country into the next age of energy development with clean, renewable solar photovoltaic energy, a topic that will be discussed during a web-based seminar to be offered by Penn State Extension.

Faculty mentors sought for the Penn State EnvironMentors program

July 31, 2019

EnvironMentors at Penn State, a local chapter of a national program focused on engaging and preparing underrepresented high school students for careers in STEM fields, is looking for faculty mentors as it expands into its second year.

Travel course offers first-hand look at natural hazards facing Thailand

July 31, 2019

From its gorgeous beaches to energetic cities, Thailand is known for its iconic tourist attractions. Penn State students who recently toured the Southeast Asian nation as part of a Maymester study course took the road less traveled, learning about natural hazards facing the developing nation, with pit stops visiting elephant sanctuaries, animal hospitals, hydroelectric plants and mangrove-lined coastlines.

Penn State professor co-chairs roadmap to guide synthetic biology investments

July 29, 2019

Howard Salis, associate professor of biological engineering and chemical engineering at Penn State, helped to draft a technical roadmap recently published by the public-private Engineering Biology Research Consortium that will guide future investments in synthetic biology, including encouraging partnerships to enable these innovations to make the most positive societal impact.

Engineering students work to improve Berkey Creamery experience for customers

July 26, 2019

Penn State’s Berkey Creamery will soon be running smoother than its world-famous ice cream. Students in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering’s Service Enterprise Engineering program are collaborating with the Creamery to optimize the efficiency of the Penn State landmark.

Arboretum at Penn State to celebrate 10th anniversary with Gala in the Gardens

July 25, 2019

Dinner and dancing will highlight a Gala in the Gardens event from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the opening of The Arboretum at Penn State’s H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens.

Kaylegian named recipient of Arthur W. Nesbitt Faculty Program Development Award

July 24, 2019

Kerry Kaylegian, associate research professor in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named the recipient of the 2019 Arthur W. Nesbitt Faculty Program Development Award.

Penn State partners with University of Freiburg on center for living materials

July 24, 2019

A new strategic partnership between Penn State and the University of Freiburg in Germany will propel the development of a new class of engineered living materials with potential applications in sustainable infrastructure, robotics technologies, and next-generation medical care.

Student travels to Washington to share passion for international agriculture

July 23, 2019

Sulav Paudel, a doctoral candidate in entomology and in international agriculture and development in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to participate in two conferences aimed at advancing international agriculture and rural development.

Novel powdered milk method yields better frothing agent

July 23, 2019

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A novel method of processing — using high-pressure jets to spray milk and then quickly drying the spray — yields skim milk powders with enhanced properties and functionality, according to Penn State researchers, who say the discovery may lead to "cleaner" labels on foods.

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
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  • 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)