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. 

Convincing consumers to love ‘imperfect’ foods with new USDA grant

October 30, 2023

A new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will fund a new project aiming to reduce food waste by finding opportunities for foods that were previously considered undesirable to enter grocery stores and other sectors of the market across the United States.

Penn State team to help local groups reduce pollution in lower Susquehanna basin

October 27, 2023

To accelerate conservation and reduce water pollution, a Penn State team composed of outreach staff and extension educators will build upon existing partnerships with organizations in the lower Susquehanna River basin. The watershed is plagued by runoff of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture.  

Trip to Uganda has a profound impact on Penn State graduate student

October 27, 2023

For doctoral student and agricultural educator Mia Sullivan, traveling to Uganda this past summer with Penn State’s Global Teach Ag Network will be the foundation for her studies and future career.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

October 25, 2023

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 11 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University. 

Penn State Ag Council celebrates agricultural leaders during its annual meeting

October 24, 2023

The Penn State Agricultural Council recently lauded the achievements of a founder of a public affairs firm dedicated to agricultural and rural affairs, a communications leader in the College of Agricultural Sciences, a program that promotes careers in agriculture and a Penn State student from Huntingdon.  

Predicting nationwide crop water availability by understanding soil influences

October 24, 2023

A team of researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to generate knowledge and tools, such as national-level predictive models, to develop a better understanding of how changes in soil texture and structure influence the availability of water for crops.

Plant pathologist to research plant diseases in organic vegetables

October 24, 2023

Sharifa Crandall, a plant pathologist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study plant diseases in organic vegetable operations.

Dietary selenium may help fight acute myeloid leukemia, researchers report

October 24, 2023

Selenium-enriched diets may help ward off myeloid leukemia, and a new study led by researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has described the mechanism by which this occurs.

Gene integral to initiating, sustaining sperm cell development identified

October 23, 2023

With male infertility a mounting global concern impacting approximately 12% of men, according to the National Institutes of Health, a Penn State research team has discovered a gene that plays a key role in initiating and sustaining spermatogenesis. The finding, they said, may open a door for future therapies to boost sperm counts. 

Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference shines spotlight on innovation

October 20, 2023

Penn State students, faculty and alumni entrepreneurs joined with venture firms and startup founders from across the United States for the 2023 Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference, held Oct. 16-17 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey. 

Replacing 3D printing plastics with plant-derived materials

October 20, 2023

A sustainable resin material comprising agriculturally derived components could potentially replace plastics used in large-format 3D printing, which can produce furniture, boats and other similarly sized objects, according to a team of Penn State agricultural and biological engineers.

USDA grant awarded for study on soil health, weed control in organic operations

October 17, 2023

A nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded to Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will support research on soil health and weed suppression in organic farming.

National 4-H Hall of Fame inducts former Pennsylvania 4-H leader Christy Bartley

October 16, 2023

Christy Bartley, former state 4-H program leader with Penn State Extension, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame Oct. 9 for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H.

Grants awarded to Penn State faculty for tropical ecosystems research in Belize

October 16, 2023

A collaboration among scientists from Penn State and the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education is aimed at developing agroforestry systems for Belize and Central America to support sustainable development while conserving the rainforest. As part of the initiative, three teams were awarded seed grants to pursue research on agricultural and ecological sustainability, preservation of tropical rainforest ecosystems and sustainable development in Belize.

Honey bees may inherit altruistic behavior from their mothers

October 12, 2023

True altruism is rare behavior in animals, but a new study by Penn State researchers has found that honey bees display this trait. Additionally, they found that an evolutionary battle of genetics may determine the parent they inherit it from.

Tenured, promoted faculty honored through books at Oct. 2 recognition program

October 11, 2023

Recently tenured and promoted Penn State faculty across the University were honored Oct. 2 through Penn State’s Promotion and Tenure Recognition Program, now in its 21st year, during a private event held in the Paterno Family Humanities Reading Room on the second floor of Pattee Library at University Park campus.

Land-use webinar to focus on accessory dwelling units Oct. 18

October 11, 2023

As housing costs continue to climb, creative solutions are emerging across the country to provide affordable and adaptable housing options. A Penn State Extension land-use webinar on Oct. 18 will focus on accessory dwelling units — small houses or apartments located on the same lot as a single-family home — as a housing solution for individuals of various ages, abilities and income levels.

Penn State Extension’s Jodi Sulpizio named Pennsylvania Watershed Champion

October 10, 2023

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay recently named Jodi Sulpizio as the 2023 Pennsylvania Watershed Champion. This award recognizes Sulpizio for her efforts to improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed in her role as a Penn State Extension natural resources educator and Master Watershed Steward coordinator for York County.   

College of Ag Sciences team receives $1.9 million grant for dairy cattle study

October 10, 2023

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and collaborators from the University of Minnesota have received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study parasite issues related to organic dairy cattle.

Penn State animal science student finds second home on the range

October 9, 2023

After wrapping up his career with the United States Navy, Aaron Kuhn, a second-year animal science student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences who currently studies at Penn State Altoona, returned home to Hollidaysburg to revive his family farm.

Penn State Extension equine team receives award for pasture management program

October 6, 2023

The Penn State Extension equine team recently received a Search for Excellence Award in Environmental Quality, Forestry, and Natural Resources for its program, “Improving Environmental Stewardship on Equine Farms,” from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents during a ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa.

Food pantry in the College of Ag Sciences aims to curb food insecurity on campus

October 6, 2023

Food insecurity often remains a hidden struggle among college students, including those attending Penn State. However, a new initiative in the College of Agricultural Sciences is aimed at tackling this issue — a food pantry designed to provide support.

Cultivating connections: Penn State students make global bonds working in Uganda

October 5, 2023

Penn State faculty and students were part of a team that worked with smallholder farmers and policymakers in Uganda through the Collaborative Learning School, a two-week field workshop led by U.S. and African scientists and practitioners as a part of the SustainFood Network, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations program.

TikTok may help farmers cultivate empathy around climate change

October 4, 2023

Farmers are used to growing crops and producing other goods, but a new study led by Penn State researchers suggests the social media platform TikTok may help them cultivate something new: empathy around the issue of climate change.

Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study finds

October 4, 2023

Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania’s state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented. The study, led by Penn State and Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers, published in the journal Molecular Ecology.

Penn State partners with Monash University for Australia water quality research

October 4, 2023

A group of Penn State students recently traveled to Australia as part of a partnership between Penn State and Monash University to conduct research aimed at better understanding sources of decreased water quality in watersheds, in addition to finding possible solutions.

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)