Fetter named director of the Center for Ag Conservation Assistance Training

December 1, 2023

Jennifer Fetter, Penn State Extension water resources program leader, has been named director of the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training. Fetter has served as the center’s interim director since it was launched earlier this year.

Second season of ‘Farm Stress Real Talk’ podcast now available

November 30, 2023

Season two of a Penn State Extension podcast — “Farm Stress Real Talk” — is now available. The podcast focuses on supporting farmers, farm families and workers in the commercial agriculture industry who are experiencing stress.

NSF program takes environmental resource management student to Montana

November 29, 2023

Second-year student Sylvie Alexander, an environmental resource management major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, spent last summer conducting research on the Flathead Indian Reservation located in western Montana. Her work was sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program.

Lyla June Johnston to talk about Ancient native food systems on Nov. 28

November 28, 2023

Lyla June Johnston, an Indigenous musician, scholar and community organizer of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) and European lineages, will delve into the lessons of ancient native food systems on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m. in the HUB Flex Theater and online.

Experience history in full color at the Pasto Agricultural Museum

November 27, 2023

The public is invited to “Dyestuff: Historical Materials of Color,” a hands-on lecture hosted by Penn State’s Pasto Agricultural Museum, which will be held Dec. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  

Study of sourdough starter microbiomes to boost bread quality and safety

November 21, 2023

People with celiac disease, or intolerance to dietary gluten, may soon have more food options, thanks to an unlikely source: sourdough bread. Sourdough contains less gluten than other breads, making it more tolerable for people with gluten sensitivities. Now, Penn State and Colorado State University researchers are studying whether bacteria in the yeast starter needed to make sourdough bread might help reduce gluten in other bread products.

College of Ag Sciences recognizes faculty, staff for research achievements

November 21, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences lauded outstanding accomplishments in research during the 2023 Research Awards Ceremony, held Nov. 1 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.

Department of Animal Science honors Elkin as distinguished alumnus

November 20, 2023

The Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has recognized Robert G. Elkin, professor emeritus of avian nutritional biochemistry, as its 2023 Distinguished Poultry Science Alumnus.

Don’t face Alzheimer’s disease alone: Penn State Extension offers support

November 20, 2023

As communities observe Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November, Penn State Extension seeks to remind the public of available resources to support those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Researchers predict climate change-driven reduction in beneficial plant microbes

November 20, 2023

An international team of researchers that includes Penn State faculty has characterized the abundances and distributions of plant beneficial bacteria from soils collected across the globe — and modeled how climate change may impact their numbers in the coming century. They published their findings in Nature Food.

$7M grant funds project to develop new ways to protect mushroom crops

November 16, 2023

A new grant for more than $7 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will fund an upcoming project led by Penn State researchers, who aim to develop new pest management tools for mushroom crops.

Nittany AI Challenge Ideation Workshop set for Nov. 30

November 15, 2023

The Nittany AI Challenge Ideation Workshop: Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability workshop on Nov. 30 will connect students with experts and local nonprofit leaders in agricultural and environmental sustainability to explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to address real-world problems in the field.

Ensuring that your first Thanksgiving feast is food-safe

November 15, 2023

Hosting your first Thanksgiving gathering can be a challenge, whether it is for a party of four or 20. Planning and preparation are key, and as part of that, first-time cooks should be sure to incorporate good food safety practices, according to a food safety expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

NASA awards multi-institutional team $1M grant to inform US forest management

November 15, 2023

A research team led by a Penn State ecologist has received a $1 million grant from NASA to integrate satellite data into predictive modeling to anticipate change in recruitment — the process by which new trees emerge — within forests across the eastern United States.  

A Note from Neeli

November 15, 2023

Join me on my recent visit to the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm — home base of the Student Farm Club, where I had the wonderful opportunity to learn from some of our amazing students and staff, experience the farm’s impact first-hand, and even harvest a few late-season tomatoes to be distributed to the community by Penn State students.  

$1.45M NSF grant to fund new research into how grasses thrive in dry climates

November 14, 2023

A new $1.45 million grant from the National Science Foundation will allow Penn State researchers, including undergraduate students, to explore how pores on plant surfaces work and might be engineered to enhance photosynthesis and efficient water use.

Penn State Pullers to raise support on GivingTuesday for design competition

November 13, 2023

Penn State will celebrate its ninth GivingTuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 28 — and the Penn State Pullers student-run engineering design team invites alumni and friends to participate by showing support for the club.

Dangerous bee virus less deadly in at least one US forest, researchers find

November 9, 2023

This year’s cold and flu season is bringing good news for honey bees: Penn State researchers have found that the deadly deformed wing virus may have evolved to be less deadly in at least one U.S. forest.

Penn State senior selected as Marshall Scholarship finalist

November 8, 2023

Penn State senior Vancie Peacock recently was selected as finalist for a 2024 Marshall Scholarship. Peacock, of Memphis, Tennessee, is a biological engineering major in the College of Agricultural Sciences and a Schreyer Scholar.

Social media the focus of Nov. 15 land-use webinar from Penn State Extension

November 8, 2023

Social media can serve as a powerful tool for government and community-based organizations to connect with the communities they serve, according to organizers of a Nov. 15 Penn State Extension land-use webinar that will focus on planners’ use of social media.

College of Ag Sciences hosts first-generation college student networking event

November 6, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently hosted a networking event for first-generation college students and advocates as part of the inaugural ERM 197: First Year, First-Gen Engagement seminar.

Collaborative landscape design approach may improve resiliency, human well-being

November 6, 2023

A framework called regenerative landscape design may improve how complex, interconnected environmental and social challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, are addressed, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.

Food Science Club spotlight: A community-based program

November 3, 2023

The Food Science Club is a student-based group in the College of Agricultural Sciences that offers opportunities for students to advance their academic and professional careers.

Deanna Behring appointed to National Science Foundation advisory committee

November 2, 2023

Deanna Behring, assistant dean for international programs and director of Ag Sciences Global in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been appointed to the National Science Foundation’s Advisory Committee for International Science and Engineering for a three-year term beginning Nov. 1.

Two Penn Staters named finalists for Rhodes Scholarship

November 2, 2023

Two Penn Staters were named finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most sought-after international scholarships in the world.

'Growing Impact' examines landscape restoration in Malawi

November 2, 2023

The latest episode of the "Growing Impact" podcast discusses landscape restoration as a potential natural climate solution for Africa.

Children’s book written by extension educator teaches kids about stream health

November 1, 2023

“Brooke Meets a Stream Doctor: Featuring Dr. Watt R. Shedd” introduces readers aged 8-10 to the world of stream health and environmental stewardship. The author is real-life stream doctor, Jennifer Fetter, who leads the Penn State Extension water resources team and serves as interim director of the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training.

Sustainability Showcase events to feature Diné Chef Freddie J. Bitsoie Nov. 2-9

October 31, 2023

Penn State Sustainability, in collaboration with the Centre Film Festival, will host Diné (Navajo) chef, Freddie J. Bitsoie, at University Park Nov. 2-9 as a part of the ongoing Sustainability Showcase series.

World Campus celebrates science and technology programs

October 30, 2023

Penn State World Campus is highlighting its science and technology programs during its 25th anniversary.

Penn State students attend Doctors in Italy pre-veterinary program

October 30, 2023

A group of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences students recently traveled to Italy as part of the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program’s annual pre-veterinary summer program. 

Media Contacts

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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)