Students, faculty in College of Ag Sciences lauded for exceptional work

April 7, 2023

The Penn State chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the agricultural honor society, recognized Penn State faculty and students during its annual meeting, which was held April 5.

Thirteen graduate students honored with Alumni Association Dissertation Award

April 6, 2023

Thirteen graduate students received the Alumni Association Dissertation Award, one of the most prestigious awards given to Ph.D. candidates at the University. The award was made possible through a gift from the Penn State Alumni Association and provides funding and recognition to outstanding full-time research doctorate students who have passed their comprehensive examinations and have received approval of their dissertation topic.

Forty graduate students recognized with prestigious University awards

April 6, 2023

Forty Penn State graduate students were named recipients of Penn State’s most prestigious annual graduate student awards, administered by the Graduate School in collaboration with several Penn State units. The awards recognize and celebrate graduate students who are excelling in teaching, research, and service and other academic pursuits.

Peters named Penn State Animal Science Distinguished Alumna

April 6, 2023

Jana Peters, retired animal science advising coordinator, has been selected as the 2023 Animal Science Distinguished Alumna by Penn State’s Department of Animal Science.

Broccoli consumption protects gut lining, reduces disease, in mice

April 6, 2023

Broccoli is known to be beneficial to our health. For example, research has shown that increased consumption of the cruciferous vegetable decreases incidences of cancer and type 2 diabetes. In a recent study, researchers at Penn State found that broccoli contains certain molecules that bind to a receptor within mice and help to protect the lining of the small intestine, thereby inhibiting the development of disease. The findings lend support to the idea that broccoli truly is a "superfood."

Digging into the past: Forgotten soil samples are opportunity for new research

April 5, 2023

Penn State researchers recently opened sealed jars of soil samples collected on campus in 1915 and 1933. Because the samples were taken before many of the changes in agricultural and industrial practices throughout the past century, they offer scientists the chance to study how these changes have affected the microorganisms that live within the soil.

Soil nutrients affect how attractive plants are to bees from the ground up

April 4, 2023

Pollination is vital for many plants, and nutrients present in the soil before these plants even sprout may affect how attractive they eventually are to pollinators, according to Penn State-led research.

Foundation grant to fund research on reducing methane emissions from livestock

April 4, 2023

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture has awarded a grant to a team in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences to fund research aimed at reducing enteric, or intestinal, methane emissions from cows and sheep, using plant and fungal sources.

Penn State Spur Collectors club secures outstanding college chapter awards

April 4, 2023

The Penn State Spur Collectors club, a collegiate chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, recently received two L.A. Dixon, Jr. Memorial Outstanding Collegiate Chapter awards at the 47th annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Webinar to focus on Pennsylvania’s statewide recreation plan

April 3, 2023

An upcoming Penn State Extension land-use webinar will give an overview of Pennsylvania’s latest statewide recreation plan, titled “Recreation for All.” The webinar is scheduled for noon on April 12.

Innovative method predicts the effects of climate change on cold-blooded animals

April 3, 2023

In the face of a warming climate that is having a profound effect on global biodiversity and will change the distribution and abundance of many animals, a Penn State-led research team has developed a statistical model that improves estimates of habitat suitability and extinction probability for cold-blooded animals as temperatures climb.

Squash bees flourish in response to agricultural intensification

April 3, 2023

A new study led by Penn State found that the squash bee (Eucera pruinosa) has evolved in response to intensifying agriculture — namely squashes in the genus Curcurbita. The research is the first to demonstrate the role of agriculture as an evolutionary force acting on a wild insect pollinator and may have implications for food security.

Food science professor elected fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology

March 31, 2023

Ed Dudley, professor of food science at Penn State, recently was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. 

First-gen students explore Costa Rica through College of Ag Sciences course

March 31, 2023

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience. However, first-generation college students may face additional challenges and feel that international experiences are out of their reach. A course in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences was created to help first-gen students achieve their travel goals.

Is a little-known amino acid concentrated in mushrooms the key to healthy aging?

March 31, 2023

Ergothioneine — or ERGO, an amino acid made primarily by fungi and found in high concentrations in mushrooms — may be a useful tool in fighting these conditions, according to a Penn State researcher.

Wildfire proximity associated with asthma cases in rural Alaska

March 30, 2023

It’s been widely reported that Alaska is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. Penn State researchers are examining the resulting impacts, such as wildfires, and how they affect health conditions like asthma.

Webinar series to focus on Volumetrics weight management plan

March 30, 2023

Anyone interested in managing weight while eating satisfying and nutritious foods can learn about a science-based way to accomplish those goals by attending a six-part Penn State Extension webinar series. “The Volumetrics Weigh of Life: Weight Management Plan” series will take place on six consecutive Wednesdays from April 19 through May 24. This course is being offered at a discounted rate to Penn State employees and their family members.

The Microbiome Center announces a free bioinformatics resource for Penn State

March 29, 2023

The Penn State Microbiome Center, in coordination with the lab of David Koslicki, is offering free access to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to all Penn State faculty, staff and students.

Geography Coffee Hour talk to explore microorganisms and their impact on life

March 27, 2023

Microbes may be tiny, but they play a big role in shaping the world. Seth Bordenstein, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Endowed Chair in Microbiome Sciences and professor of biology and entomology at Penn State, will offer insights into his research on microbiomes and their impact on the world in his talk, “Why We Look Down (To the Microbes) For Wonder, Impact and Discovery,” on March 31.

Study: Mapping people’s knowledge of bees may aid in pollinator conservation

March 23, 2023

U.S. college students’ knowledge of bees focuses primarily on honey bees and pollination services, according to Penn State researchers, who said findings from their recent study could help in designing campaigns to generate support for protecting threatened pollinators.

Habitat will dictate whether ground beetles win or lose against climate change

March 23, 2023

North American ground beetles play important roles in agriculture. Their response to climate change will largely depend on species traits and habitats and could have significant implications for conservation efforts, according to new research led by Penn State.

‘Manureshed’ management in Susquehanna River basin key to Chesapeake Bay cleanup

March 22, 2023

A novel study by a Penn State-led research team suggests that “manureshed” management in the Susquehanna River basin could make a big difference in the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.

Penn State student learns about sustainability and conservation efforts in Chile

March 22, 2023

Penn State student Emma Luksic recently traveled with classmates to Chile and the Patagonia region of South America, where she learned about environmental conservation efforts aimed at protecting Chile’s ecosystems.

College of Ag Sciences entomologists lauded by Entomological Society of America

March 21, 2023

Six members of the Department of Entomology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have received awards for excellence in research, teaching and extension from the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.

Penn State faculty visit Belize to forge collaborations

March 20, 2023

Over spring break, a group of 14 Penn State faculty visited the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education to explore opportunities to develop long-term collaborative research, education and outreach projects. The multidisciplinary group included faculty from the College of Agricultural Sciences, Eberly College of Science, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and School of International Affairs.

Greening the grey: Engineering natural solutions for stormwater management

March 19, 2023

Concrete is as ubiquitous in cities as it is impervious. Amid worsening storms due to climate change, it only deflects runoff toward the drain, threatening sewer capacities. Lauren McPhillips is partnering with researchers across the commonwealth to engineer stormwater solutions using nature to replace hard surfaces and help control the flow.

Discovery of root anatomy gene may lead to breeding more resilient corn crops

March 16, 2023

A new discovery, reported today in a global study that encompassed more than a decade of research, could lead to the breeding of corn crops that can withstand drought and low-nitrogen soil conditions and ultimately ease global food insecurity, according to a Penn State-led team of international researchers. 

Princeton economist will present M.E. John Memorial Lecture on March 24

March 13, 2023

Janet Currie, Henry Putnam Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, will speak at Penn State University Park on Friday, March 24, at 2 p.m. as this year’s M.E. John Memorial Lecture speaker.

Two Penn Staters featured in environmental documentary 'Plastic Earth'

March 13, 2023

The recently released documentary “Plastic Earth” features Penn Staters Judd Michael, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Sherri Mason, associate research professor, director of sustainability at Penn State Behrend, and a leading researcher of freshwater plastic pollution.

Berkey Creamery ‘Flavor Madness’ tournament returns March 13

March 13, 2023

"Flavor Madness" — in which 16 Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream flavors compete to become the year’s “scoop champion” — will begin March 13 and run four full weeks. Voting opens each Monday at 10 a.m. and closes each Friday at noon.

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)