Animal science alumna interns with Save the Elephants

March 9, 2023

Studying abroad is the dream of many students, and one Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences alumna used her undergraduate study abroad experiences as the foundation for her continued academic studies and a once-in-a-lifetime internship.

Study examines the effects of using insecticides for spotted lanternfly control

March 9, 2023

Neonicotinoid insecticides used to control spotted lanternflies have the potential to harm pollinators, but the degree of risk depends on multiple factors, such as application timing, type of neonicotinoid, the species of tree being treated and pollinator species sensitivity, according to entomologists at Penn State.

Immune cells hold clues to vitamin D absorption, study suggests

March 8, 2023

Vitamin D plays an integral role in regulating immune function, and Penn State researchers have identified immune cells in mice that can be differentiated by whether or not they have vitamin D receptors — a finding that could lead to a better understanding of the link between vitamin D status and autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis.  

Engineers awarded NIH grant to heal tendon injuries with ultrasound

March 8, 2023

With a four-year, $2.3 million National Institutes of Health grant, Penn State researchers aim to create a completely non-invasive, tunable method for treating tendinopathies with focused ultrasound.

Governor proposes 7.1% increase for Penn State’s 2023-24 general support funding

March 7, 2023

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a 7.1% funding increase for Penn State’s 2023-24 general support appropriation and for Pennsylvania College of Technology, and a 2% funding increase for Penn State Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension, during his first budget address as governor, which was delivered March 7 during a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Habitat split may impact disease risk in amphibians and other vertebrates

March 7, 2023

Habitat split limits movement of organisms between environments. According to new research, this environmental fragmentation impacts amphibian disease immunity, likely due to changes in the composition of skin microbial communities, disruptions to normal immune system development, and increased stress.

Personal connections matter to families taking care of kin during opioid crisis

March 7, 2023

For family members unexpectedly taking care of a relative’s child during the opioid crisis, it can be difficult to navigate the legal waters of assuming custody. The process may be easier — and come with more support — if these caregivers have personal connections to local resource institutions, according to a study conducted by a Penn State faculty member.

Webinar to focus on Penn State’s assistance with local climate action planning

March 7, 2023

The climate affects everything — weather, agriculture, health, the economy, travel and supply chains — and climate change will have intergenerational impacts, according to organizers of a March 15 Penn State Extension land-use webinar.

Workshop series to focus on workforce development in animal agriculture

March 6, 2023

An interdisciplinary team of educators and faculty from Penn State Extension and Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is investigating methods to improve skill sets and increase diversity in the livestock production workforce, with the goal of eliminating workforce barriers and enhancing secure food animal production. As part of this work, Penn State Extension is offering a free monthly workshop series, from March to May, focused on workforce development in animal agriculture.

Penn State’s Soil Research Cluster Lab offers new research capabilities

March 6, 2023

To help better understand and support healthy soil function, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has an advanced characterization facility — the Soil Research Cluster Lab — under the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.

College of Agricultural Sciences hosts Ukrainian scholars at Penn State

March 3, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is hosting two visiting scholars from Ukraine during the spring semester, through efforts of a University-wide task force.

New partnership will address health and food safety challenges in Kenya

March 2, 2023

Representatives from Penn State, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Meru County in Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding in a ceremony in Kenya to formally commence their new partnership. This collaboration also will involve the Technical University of Denmark.

Heinz ketchup bottle innovator creates food packaging program endowment

March 2, 2023

After a successful career in food packaging, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences alumnus Doug Peck has committed $200,000 from his future estate to create the Douglas R. Peck Food Packaging Endowment in Food Science. The program endowment will support opportunities and efforts in the Department of Food Science related to food packaging programming.

Wasps harness power of pitcher plants in first-ever observed defense strategy

March 1, 2023

As the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, turn that tartness into little translucent balls in which to grow your young.” At least, that’s how the saying goes for a tiny insect called a cynipid wasp, whose larvae were recently discovered inducing plant growths called galls that contained acidity levels akin to lemons.

Sending a ‘We Are!’ to these Penn Staters

February 28, 2023

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

Graduate students author textbook on global agriculture and food security

February 28, 2023

"Everyone Needs to Eat: An Introduction to Food Security and Global Agriculture” is an online textbook written by graduate students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. The book is an in-depth examination of the ecological, economic, social, political and technological factors that influence whether a person, community or nation is considered food secure.

NASA program extends research opportunities for underrepresented in STEM

February 27, 2023

The Undergraduate Research Program, which is funded by NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, Penn State and the National Science Foundation, is an exciting opportunity for underrepresented students to get hands-on research experience early at Penn State.

Penn State Extension to offer free virtual walking program

February 27, 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 April 10 through June 5. Participation is free, but the deadline for registration is March 27.

New predictive models developed for bacterial diversity of soils

February 27, 2023

A new set of quantitative models that incorporates pH into the metabolic theory of ecology has been developed by an international team that includes Penn State Assistant Professor of Plant Science Francisco Dini-Andreote. The work is included in a new paper published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Rare insect found at Arkansas Walmart sets historic record, prompts mystery

February 27, 2023

A Polystoechotes punctata, or giant lacewing, plucked from the façade of an Arkansas Walmart by Penn State faculty member Michael Skvarla, is the first of its kind recorded in eastern North America in over 50 years — and the first record of the species ever in the state.  

Webinar series to focus on impact of war in Ukraine

February 24, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is hosting a webinar series to share on-the-ground perspectives on the war in Ukraine. The presentations will take place on Thursdays from March 16 through May 4 via Zoom.  

Webinar series to focus on impact of war on Ukraine

February 24, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is hosting a webinar series to share on-the-ground perspectives on the war on Ukraine. The presentations will take place on Thursdays from March 16 through May 4 via Zoom.  

Processing, like fermentation and roasting, doesn’t cut cocoa’s health benefits

February 24, 2023

It is widely believed that when foods undergo processing, their health benefits are reduced. But that is not true for cocoa, according to a Penn State-led team of researchers, who conducted a new study using a mouse model.

Workers moving products in the U.S. food supply chain at high risk of injury

February 24, 2023

Workers tasked with moving products in the immense U.S. food system are at a high risk of serious injury, according to a new Penn State-led study, and pandemic-caused, supply-chain problems have worsened the situation, researchers suggest.

Penn State launches statewide environmental monitoring network

February 23, 2023

Penn State has established a publicly available environmental monitoring network to provide enhanced surveillance of atmospheric and soil conditions across Pennsylvania.

Applications open for City Semester Pittsburgh urban sustainability internships

February 22, 2023

Penn State students interested in a career in sustainability are invited to apply for enrollment in City Semester Pittsburgh, an individualized internship program specializing in urban sustainability facilitated through the Penn State Center Pittsburgh.

Penn State Turf Club nabs 1st place in national competition

February 22, 2023

A team of students from Penn State’s Turf Club recently secured first place in the 2023 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Collegiate Turf Bowl, which was held during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando.

Social connection key to educational attainment among post-9/11 veterans

February 22, 2023

Post-9/11 veterans who actively participate in veteran centers and veteran-student organizations as they pursue education after military service are significantly more likely to do better in school than those who remain socially isolated, according to Penn State research.  

Penn State Extension beef cattle specialist receives Pa. Dairy Innovator Award

February 21, 2023

Tara Felix, associate professor of animal science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and beef cattle specialist with Penn State Extension, recently received the Pennsylvania Dairy Innovator Award from the Center for Dairy Excellence.

Grant will promote STEM graduate studies for students from diverse backgrounds

February 20, 2023

A consortium of institutions led by faculty in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $75,000 planning grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation aimed at expanding the recruitment of and opportunities for Black, Indigenous and Latino students to enroll in science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduate programs.

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)