Grant will support expanded use of artificial intelligence for crop health

November 25, 2019

A research team developing artificial-intelligence-based solutions for diagnosing and managing threats to crop health has received a grant to expand the technology to assist more smallholder farmers around the world. Co-led by David Hughes, associate professor of entomology and biology, the team developed a smartphone app that is capable of accurately diagnosing crop diseases without an internet connection.

Student Startups Shine at the Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference

November 25, 2019

The Student Startup Showcase featured Penn State student startups which had participated in the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program’s (PennTAP) Inc.U Competition or Invent Penn State’s Summer Founders program. Each of the student companies received $2,000 to help move their startups forward during the Oct. 3-4 conference, held at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.

Forest farms could create market for ginseng, other herbs

November 25, 2019

A transition from wild collection of herbs to forest farming needs to occur in Appalachia to make the opaque, unstable and unjust supply chain for forest medicinal plants such as ginseng sustainable, according to a team of researchers who have studied the market for more than a decade.

International ag expert, Drohan, gives keynote address at conference in Ireland

November 25, 2019

Patrick Drohan, associate professor of pedology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, gave a keynote address at the Catchment 2019 conference in Wexford, Ireland, in early November.

Penn State sophomore finds a future in agricultural education

November 22, 2019

Justin Kurtz’s first encounter with the FFA transformed the way he thought about agriculture, the world and, most importantly, himself. Kurtz, an agricultural and extension education major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, first began working on a farm at the age of 10 in Kent County, Maryland.

Hunt deer despite disease, but be smart, safe, food safety expert counsels

November 21, 2019

The detection of chronic wasting disease in wild deer in several parts of Pennsylvania has some deer hunters wondering whether they should continue with their fall traditions, but a food safety specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences urges them to carry on — but to take precautions.

Much-anticipated Pollinator and Bird Garden underway in Arboretum at Penn State

November 20, 2019

Recent visitors to The Arboretum at Penn State may have noticed a bright blue construction fence surrounding about 3 acres of open meadow between the botanic gardens and the College Heights neighborhood. The fence delineates the future site of the Pollinator and Bird Garden, which will increase the size of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens by about 60%.

New Penn State leadership for AgrAbility PA named

November 20, 2019

Suzanna Windon and Linda Fetzer, of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, have been appointed to leadership roles with the AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Project, also known as AgrAbility PA.

Penn State Spur Collectors club promotes conservation, community

November 20, 2019

As the first collegiate chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, known as NWTF, the Penn State Spur Collectors club aims to provide opportunities for student hunters to make friends and to enjoy the outdoors, while supporting the national nonprofit’s mission of conservation of the wild turkey.

'Anything worth doing at all is worth doing right'

November 19, 2019

Dr. James H. Carson, a former resident physician at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and Gail Graybill Carson, a 1986 graduate of the College of Agricultural Sciences, have created the Harold J. Carson Memorial Scholarship in the College of Agricultural Sciences to honor James "Jim" Carson’s father, a veteran and dairyman with a commitment to service, quality and excellence.

Extension experts: Risk of spotted lanternfly on Christmas trees is minimal

November 18, 2019

Folks worried that the spotted lanternfly will put a “bah humbug” into their holiday by taking up residence in their live Christmas tree should toss those concerns to the side like used wrapping paper, according to Penn State Extension experts.

Penn State faculty member recognized by dairy and animal science groups

November 15, 2019

Terry Etherton, head of the Department of Animal Science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, received the 2019 Distinguished Service Award at the recent annual meeting of the Northeast Section of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and the Northeast Branch of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) in Hershey.

Penn State research projects awarded USDA organic agriculture grants

November 15, 2019

Three organic-agriculture projects led by faculty members in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have received grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funding, totaling more than $1.3 million, was awarded through USDA-NIFA's Organic Transitions Program.

Penn State plant scientist honored with USDA national teaching award

November 14, 2019

Dennis Decoteau, professor of horticulture and plant ecosystem health in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is among four public university faculty honored by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities with national teaching awards recognizing excellence in agricultural sciences teaching and student engagement.

Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center to stay under Harper's leadership

November 14, 2019

Jayson Harper, who had been interim director of the Fruit Research and Extension Center in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences since March 1, has been named to the post on a standing basis.

Spotted lanternfly vehicle inspections suspended over winter for most employees

November 14, 2019

Penn State employees whose work duties require travel to, from and within the spotted lanternfly quarantine zone in southeastern Pennsylvania now have a brief reprieve from mandatory vehicle inspections. However, while employees will not have to check vehicles during the inactive period, they still are required to inspect equipment and products that were placed outside during the egg deposition period.

Course offers first-generation students the opportunity to study abroad

November 14, 2019

For many first-generation college students, study abroad experiences seem out of reach. However, a new course offered by the Environmental Resource Management program in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences aims to make that aspiration a reality.

World War II paratrooper with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star talks about the war

November 14, 2019

On Dec. 4, 1944, in the jungles of the Philippines during World War II, Penn State alumnus Leon Kneebone, now age 99, found himself leading a platoon of 50 to 60 men on a scouting mission to help locate the Japanese position.

Roush honored as fellow of the Entomological Society of America

November 13, 2019

Rick Roush, dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected as an Entomological Society of America Fellow, an honor that acknowledges his outstanding contributions to entomology in research, teaching, extension and outreach.

Urban development reduces flash flooding chances in arid West

November 12, 2019

Urban development in the eastern U.S. results in an increase in flash flooding in nearby streams, but in the arid West, urbanization has just the opposite effect, according to a Penn State researcher, who suggests there may be lessons to be learned from the sharp contrast.

First-year student awarded study abroad funding as Borlaug-Ruan intern

November 12, 2019

Emma Steely, a first-year environmental resource management student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica through her participation in the Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences at Penn State.

Molecular genetics professor selected for prestigious Mercator Fellowship

November 12, 2019

John Carlson, professor of molecular genetics in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was named Mercator Fellow and Visiting Professor at Georg-August University of Göttingen in Germany.

Examining perceptions of Internet-of-Things devices in Rwandan farming community

November 11, 2019

This past spring a cohort of Penn State students participated in an innovative research study to examine the potential for Internet of Things devices on a farming community in Rwanda, to explore the potential impact of unmanned vehicles at a farm on the outskirts of the city of Kigali. The goal was to study farm workers and local community members, gathering their perceptions and concerns of advanced technology in a low resource context.

Frost Entomological Museum reopens after renovations, renewal

November 8, 2019

After being closed to the public for more than six years, Penn State's Frost Entomological Museum has reopened with new and improved exhibits, storage facilities, and research capacity, much to the delight of school groups and insect enthusiasts.

Ground broken for new ag engineering shop at Fruit Research and Extension Center

November 8, 2019

Groundbreaking took place Nov. 6 for a new agricultural engineering shop at Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center that will, when completed, enhance research to help growers improve efficiency, reduce costs and deal with labor shortages.

Global Faculty Fellow will create connections between Penn State and Colombia

November 6, 2019

Siela Maximova, research professor of plant biotechnology, has been named a Global Faculty Fellow in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and a Land Grant University U.S.-Colombia Fulbright Scholar.

Choosing most cost-effective practices for sites could save in bay cleanup

November 4, 2019

Using site-specific watershed data to determine the most cost-effective agricultural best management practices — rather than requiring all the recommended practices be implemented across the entire watershed — could make staying below the Chesapeake Bay’s acceptable pollution load considerably less expensive.

Land-use webinar to focus on Northeast U.S. agriculture and why it matters

November 4, 2019

Agricultural diversity in the Northeastern U.S. — ranging from dairy farming to fruit and vegetable production to forest-product, nursery and greenhouse activities — and why it matters will be the focus of a web-based seminar presented by Penn State Extension at noon on Nov. 20.

Equipping military kids with the tools they need to succeed

November 4, 2019

Teachers, school psychologists and counselors are frequently called upon to provide emotional support for students so they can achieve positive behavioral and academic outcomes. A new Penn State-led, five-year project will provide additional support for children of military families, who can be at greater social-emotional risk given frequent moves and other stressors.

Funding from city of Philadelphia will enhance Penn State Extension programs

October 31, 2019

Penn State Extension programs in the city of Philadelphia will receive a boost as the result of a $100,000 investment from city government. The funding will serve as seed money to leverage support for programs addressing several topics relevant to the city's residents.

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
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  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
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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)