Ag Sciences Global to host a four-part virtual food-security seminar series

January 24, 2024

Students and others interested in learning about the complexities of food security are encouraged to participate in a virtual seminar series hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Foodborne-pathogen Listeria may hide from sanitizers in biofilms

January 24, 2024

An estimated 1,600 people in the U.S. contract a serious infection from Listeria bacteria in food each year and, of those individuals, about 260 people die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Penn State researchers may now better understand how the bacteria, called Listeria monocytogenes, survive and persist in fruit-packing plants by evading and surviving sanitizers.  

Book co-authored by Penn State's Levon Esters to highlight power of HBCUs

January 23, 2024

A new book co-authored by Levon T. Esters, vice provost for graduate education, dean of the Graduate School at Penn State, and professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, highlights the role that historically Black colleges and universities play in empowering Black students, fostering economic development, building community, and mentoring leaders and activists.

Veterans of color and female veterans reported more stress during COVID-19

January 23, 2024

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State found veterans of color and female veterans reported significantly higher levels of stress than their white male counterparts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hidden Gems: The Butcher Block at Penn State

January 19, 2024

The Butcher Block at Penn State offers access to fresh, locally-sourced meats once a week during the spring and fall semesters. But those hoping to get some fresh bacon or oxtail may want to arrive early — the shop takes orders on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Donors create international travel endowment to honor lifelong friend, ag alumna

January 18, 2024

In honor and memory of their dear friend, a Penn State alumna who died in 2022 at the age of 90, Helen and Steve Schreiner have created the Dr. Marion P. Cullen International Travel Endowment in Animal Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Pennsylvania 'Dairy of Distinction' award applications are due by April 15

January 17, 2024

Pennsylvania dairy producers are invited to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award from the Pennsylvania Dairy of Distinction Program. Applications must be submitted by April 15.

Schreyer Honors College announces 2024 Alumni Award recipients

January 17, 2024

Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College has chosen six Scholar alumni who will receive 2024 Scholar Alumni Awards in recognition of their professional achievements and contributions.

Research to help private forest owners manage woodlands for ecosystem services

January 17, 2024

Funded by a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a team of forest ecologists and social scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will conduct research aimed at helping owners of small- to medium-sized forest tracts manage their woodlands for ecosystem services they deem desirable.    

Women farmers quantitatively linked to better community well-being

January 17, 2024

Having more women in agriculture is associated with greater community well-being, according to researchers at Penn State and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their work is the first to quantitatively assess this link, and their findings suggest that women farmers approach their operations in ways that positively impact their communities.

Novel, interdisciplinary training program launched for doctoral degree students

January 16, 2024

A team comprised of faculty from five departments in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Biology in the Eberly College of Science, funded by a $262,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has created a novel program to train doctoral degree students to conduct interdisciplinary research on the relationship between soils, plants and consumers.

Economics propelling population shifts in spite of climate-driven risks

January 12, 2024

People are willing to live in locations where there is a greater risk of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters if there is an increase to their overall economic well-being, according to a study by a Penn State researcher.

Extension educator named County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania fellow

January 11, 2024

Jill Varner, Penn State Extension food, families and communities educator, was appointed as the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Extension Fellow, effective Jan. 1.

From trees to teaching, Cindy Pizziketti makes a difference in York County

January 10, 2024

Since joining the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program in 2017, Cindy Pizziketti has volunteered more than 2,400 hours, the highest in York County.

One Health Microbiome Symposium to convene experts for innovative discussions

January 9, 2024

Penn State’s One Health Microbiome Center will host the One Health Microbiome Symposium on May 30-31, 2024, at the Huck Life Sciences Building on the University Park campus.

Eight Penn State alumni to receive Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2024

January 8, 2024

Eight Penn State alumni selected by the University's Board of Trustees will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the institution's highest honor presented to its alumni.

Dropping parking minimums the focus of Jan. 17 land-use webinar

January 5, 2024

A Jan. 17 Penn State Extension land-use webinar, “A Case for Communities to Drop Parking Minimums,” will present the experiences of three communities of different sizes that have eliminated parking minimums downtown or throughout the community.

College of Ag Sciences student aspires to drive innovation in climate solutions

January 4, 2024

The environmental resource management major offered by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences helps to prepare students for impactful careers centered on environmental protection and sustainability. Demonstrating a commitment to addressing climate challenges, fourth-year student Katherine Chu has embraced the opportunities that the program provides to contribute to innovative solutions.

Why are bees making less honey? Study reveals clues in five decades of data

January 3, 2024

Honey yields in the U.S. have been declining since the 1990s, with honey producers and scientists unsure why, but a new study by Penn State researchers has uncovered clues in the mystery of the missing honey.

Growing Impact podcast discusses how climate, agriculture impact Colorado River

January 3, 2024

The latest episode of Growing Impact discusses how climate change and overuse of the Colorado River have significantly decreased the volume of the fifth largest river in the U.S.

Penn State agricultural teacher education program receives national award

December 18, 2023

The agricultural teacher education team from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences was lauded by the National Association of Agricultural Educators for exemplary performance and dedication to agricultural education.

Q&A: Why small organisms can make big impacts on climate, emissions

December 15, 2023

Mary Ann Bruns, Penn State professor of soil microbiology and biogeochemistry, co-authored a new report that advocates for greater recognition of the microbial processes involved in methane production and consumption as society seeks solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

Crab-eating monkey one of Florida’s greatest threats to ecosystems, human health

December 15, 2023

A first-of-its-kind study for North America accumulated a list of potential invasive species for the state of Florida, with 40 species determined to pose the greatest threat to residents’ well-being. One species received the highest possible ranking for likelihood of invasion and threat to human health: the crab-eating macaque monkey.

With the new year, establish new healthy habits with Volumetrics series

December 13, 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 series, “The Volumetrics Weigh of Life: Weight Management Plan,” available as both in-person workshops and webinars. 

Penn State students secure first place at national entomology games

December 13, 2023

A team of Penn State graduate students recently secured first place in the national 2023 Entomology Games, marking the first time a school from the eastern division earned the honor.

Webinar series to focus on boosting financial wellness

December 12, 2023

In January, Penn State Extension will offer a free, three-part webinar series aimed at helping participants boost their financial wellness by tidying financial clutter, making smart food choices, and having effective financial conversations with others.

Penn State Extension offers wide-ranging resources for pesticide applicators

December 8, 2023

Penn State Extension offers a wide variety of tools for those preparing for the state’s certification exams as well as numerous opportunities for certified applicators to earn recertification credits, including a 25% discount on online pesticide recertification courses through March 15.

Announcing Teaching and Learning Technologies Faculty Advisory Committee members

December 8, 2023

Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) has introduced the inaugural Teaching and Learning Technologies Faculty Advisory Committee for the 2023-24 academic year. The committee will play a pivotal role in guiding TLT and University IT in integrating technology into teaching and learning practices at Penn State. 

Berkey Creamery delivers the message: ‘Tradition Never Tasted So Good’

December 8, 2023

As the Penn State Berkey Creamery delivery trucks travel their routes on campus, folks will notice a fresh appearance — vibrant vehicle wraps that embody the creamery’s commitment to delivering quality intertwined with tradition.  

Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab offers pollen identification service

December 8, 2023

The Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab now is accepting honey and pollen samples from researchers and beekeepers who would like to identify the plants at the genus level from which honeybees are collecting nectar and pollen.

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)