Penn State announces fixed-term faculty promotions, effective July 1, 2018

June 25, 2018

The following is a list of fixed-term faculty promotions at Penn State, effective July 1.

Climate projections suggest Lancaster County corn yields in jeopardy by 2050

June 25, 2018

Climate projections indicate more warming will occur in the Northeast than other sections of the United States, and that has implications for corn crops and dairy farms in the region by 2050, researchers warn.

'Art of Discovery' booth to bring together art and science at Arts Fest

June 25, 2018

Join Penn State at “The Art of Discovery,” the University’s booth at the Arts Festival, to learn how art detectives use technology to solve art history mysteries; make your own handmade paints the way early humans did hundreds of thousands of years ago; learn about the bizarre science behind zombie ants; explore mankind’s relationship to plastics, and more.

'Nuru' becomes African farmers' newest ally against fall armyworm

June 25, 2018

Penn State researchers have joined forces with the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization to release the first app, called Nuru, to help African farmers recognize fall armyworm — a new and fast-spreading crop pest in sub-Saharan Africa — so that they can take immediate steps to destroy it and curb its spread.

Penn State's funding increases 3 percent as General Assembly passes state budget

June 22, 2018

Penn State’s 2018-19 general support appropriation increased by 3 percent — or roughly $6.9 million — as the University’s non-preferred appropriations bill today (June 22) passed the General Assembly as part of Pennsylvania’s $32.7 billion budget package. The bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Tom Wolf.

Scientists find evidence of 27 new viruses in bees

June 21, 2018

An international team of researchers has discovered evidence of 27 previously unknown viruses in bees. The finding could help scientists design strategies to prevent the spread of viral pathogens among these important pollinators.

Renewable natural gas project will be the topic of June 28 webinar

June 15, 2018

Biomethanation, a unique and sustainable approach to renewable natural gas, will be the topic of a one-hour, web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension, beginning at 1 p.m. on June 28.

Lanternfly's penchant for -- and potential to harm -- grapevines focus of study

June 14, 2018

The spotted lanternfly is starting to sour the grape and wine industries in southeastern Pennsylvania, and research underway in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences aims to spoil the invasive pest's party.

Gift from Skip Smith and sons to create Bird Garden in Arboretum

June 13, 2018

Charles H. “Skip” Smith, the Penn State alumnus and philanthropist whose giving has fueled the creation and supported the growth of The Arboretum at Penn State, has made a major new gift to enrich this University resource.

ICIK names 2018 Whiting Indigenous Knowledge Research Award winners

June 13, 2018

Penn State graduate students Marie Louise Ryan, Johann Strube and Megan Griffin have been recognized with the 2018 Whiting Indiginous Knowledge Research Award to help fund their research pursuits. The award is funded by the Marjorie Grant Whiting Endowment for the Advancement of Indigenous Knowledge and supported by Penn State’s University Libraries and the Interinstitutional Center for Indigenous Knowledge (ICIK).

Analysis of post-recession job trends suggests existence of 'two Pennsylvanias'

June 11, 2018

An analysis of employment change in the state since 2001 suggests the existence of "two Pennsylvanias" during the period from 2001 to 2017, according to economists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. The newly released report shows a sharp divide between southeastern Pennsylvania, with mainly job growth, and the rest of the state, with primarily job decline.

Ribbon-cutting marks reopening of renovated Agricultural Engineering Building

June 8, 2018

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today (June 8) to mark the official opening of Penn State’s rebuilt and renovated Agricultural Engineering Building, which houses the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Doctoral degree student awarded scholarship by national soil society

June 8, 2018

A graduate student in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently was named the recipient of a scholarship from the Soil Science Society of America.

Unique food-microbiology workshop offered to select visiting students

June 7, 2018

A faculty team in Penn State's Department of Food Science is offering a novel microbiology workshop in June and July to visiting college students from around the Commonwealth and Puerto Rico.

Penn State scientists spotlight spotted lanternfly research on Capitol Hill

June 6, 2018

As the emergence of the spotted lanternfly continues to threaten portions of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry, two researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences who are studying the invasive insects joined colleagues from more than 20 universities on Capitol Hill today (June 6) to show members of Congress and their staffs the importance of funding agricultural research.

Penn State senior one of 16 young leaders taking part in international forum

June 6, 2018

For his commitment to building a more sustainable future for his country, Shah Chowdhury, a community, environment and development major in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been invited to participate in this year's Young Leaders Programme at European Development Days, currently taking place in Brussels, Belgium.

College of Agricultural Sciences celebrates outstanding students for 2018

June 5, 2018

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently recognized recipients of the Outstanding Senior Award and Outstanding Student Awards for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Farmer saved thanks to rescuers who took Penn State Extension training

June 5, 2018

A Pennsylvania farmer trapped in a grain bin was rescued by first responders who knew how to save him thanks to training from Penn State Extension.

Agricultural diversification: Empowering women in Cambodia with 'wild gardens'

June 5, 2018

Teaching Cambodian farmers — mainly women who manage small farms — ways to diversify their operations for improved nutrition and extra income is one aspect of a multidisciplinary project led by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and called "Women in Agriculture Network (WAgN): Cambodia."

Dual-purpose wound dressing supported by $2 million NIH grant

June 5, 2018

Development of wound dressings made of semi-synthetic biomaterials will be the focus of a five-year, $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Once developed, this new kind of wound dressing would promote faster and more complete healing for the millions of people who suffer from skin wounds.

University mourns death of trustee emeritus, former state lawmaker Roger Madigan

June 4, 2018

Roger Madigan, an emeritus member of the Penn State Board of Trustees and former state lawmaker, passed away on June 2 at the age of 88.

Oil and gas wastewater as dust suppressant less than ideal

May 30, 2018

At the least, wastewater from oil and gas drilling should be treated in a waste treatment facility before it is used on dirt roads to suppress dust or deice roads. At the best, affordable, nontoxic dust suppressants should be developed and used, according to a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

Doctoral student in plant science invited to participate in global food summit

May 30, 2018

Zachary Dashner, a doctoral student in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been invited to take part in the U.S. Borlaug Summer Institute on Global Food Security in June at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Hold your quarter horses: Donors create equine legacy at Penn State

May 30, 2018

Penn State's Equine Science Program recently received "Red, White N Good,” a quarter-horse stallion valued at $130,000, from Craig and Becky Bailey, of Bailey Farm in Ohio.

Recipients of 2018 Research Recognition Awards honored

May 30, 2018

Started in 2014, the Research Recognition Awards honor the outstanding research achievements of Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center investigators who have distinguished themselves in several areas of research.

Arboretum at Penn State hosts 'Gravity Schmavity' plastic sculpture exhibition

May 29, 2018

The Arboretum at Penn State invites the campus and surrounding communities to the public opening of a summer art exhibition — "Gravity Schmavity: Repurposed Plastic Sculpture by Aurora Robson" — on Saturday, June 2. The works will be displayed at three locations in the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens: the Overlook Pavilion, the Glass House in the Childhood's Gate Children's Garden, and the Poplar Court.

Climate change forced zombie ant fungi to adapt

May 29, 2018

Zombie ants clamp on to aerial vegetation and hang for months spewing the spores of their parasitic fungi, but researchers noticed that they do not always clamp on to the same part of the plant. Now the researchers know that the choice of leaves or twigs is related to climate and that climate change forced the fungi to adapt to local conditions.

Posttraumatic stress affects academics

May 28, 2018

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by traumatic military experiences is associated with feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness and/or guilt. New Penn State research is evaluating how PTSD symptoms increase risks for academic difficulties as well.

Penn State Extension kiosks at produce auctions provide information for growers

May 25, 2018

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State Extension has set up kiosks at produce auctions across the state to provide growers with timely information on disease and pest identification and management, invasive species alerts, and food safety.

University Staff Advisory Council honors outstanding staff

May 24, 2018

“It was difficult to select just one winner in each category because each nominee brought such talent to Penn State," said USAC Awards Committee chair Megan Gilpin. "But Corinna Fisher, Jamie Perryman, and Kristy Bryan rose to the top.”

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)