FFY 2025 Annual Report of Accomplishments
Pennsylvania (Penn State University Park) Annual Report - FY2025
Report Status: Approved as of 06/29/2026
Contributing Organizations
Penn State University Park
Executive Summary
Overview
Faculty in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State use a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to address complex, real-world challenges. From improving human and animal health to ensuring food security, protecting the environment, developing renewable energy sources, commercializing our innovations, strengthening our communities, and more, we are conducting research and Extension programs that transcend scientific disciplines to arrive at solutions.
College of Agricultural Sciences researchers and Extension personnel provide comprehensive support to the residents of Pennsylvania through the activities of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station and Penn State Extension. We are committed to excellence in research, educating the next generation of agricultural professionals and citizens, and promoting lifelong learning among the citizens of Pennsylvania.
The College of Agricultural Sciences is also a world leader in cross-disciplinary research, amplified by partnerships across Penn State and national and international science communities. Our reach is global but rooted in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth provides both a proving ground to solve problems in PA and an important testbed to address issues beyond our state borders.
Our faculty and staff, supported by federal capacity funding, effectively leverage this investment with many other funding sources to conduct programs of the highest caliber. We are fortunate to have state support that exceeds matching requirements. We receive robust support from partners within the University and in government, business, and other sectors to bring ideas to commercial reality. We work closely with industry to ensure that our research aligns with on-the-ground needs.
Discovery is only the beginning of our work. We extend our research beyond the University and apply it to solve real problems. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and Extension teams
shorten the distance between discovery and impact for stakeholders, and citizens. Extension equips people with the knowledge and confidence to tackle challenges head on. We are always seeking new and better ways to communicate our science-based programs to broader audiences.
Our College's mission is clear: "The College of Agricultural Sciences advances the well-being of Pennsylvanians and the world through transformative teaching, groundbreaking research, and impactful Extension programming in agriculture, food and fiber systems, natural resource management, community resilience, and human and animal health."
In response to stakeholder feedback, in December 2024, Penn State Extension released a new mission and vision statement, which is more focused on supporting agriculture and the food system in Pennsylvania. Time was spent reviewing existing programs offered to the public and identifying ways they connect with the agricultural communities and industries, as well as how to strengthen those linkages. Opportunities for new programs were identified as well as ways for other units to work with Extension's production agriculture units.
As part of our goal of making our research enterprise more efficient and impactful, we published a strategic plan for the Research and Graduate Education program in our College. The plan identified strategic priorities for research in the fields of innovating future foods; resiliency in the face of global change; integrated human, animal, plant, and environmental health; and technology for agriculture and living systems. Strategic priorities were recognized for engagement with industry in research translation; graduate student preparation; Pennsylvania agriculture needs; and community and economic vitality. Finally, infrastructure priorities of competitive and strategic intelligence and research support and processes were identified. Faculty and staff leaders were identified in each of the priority areas and are working to implement these priorities via the paths laid out in the research and graduate education plan. This plan is also informing the new five-year college strategic plan guiding priorities from 2027 through 2031.
Evolving outlook on the future of agriculture
Agriculture in Pennsylvania and worldwide is navigating a dynamic operating environment marked by rising energy and input costs, increasingly variable weather conditions, population growth, pressures on natural resources, changes in species composition, labor shortages, market disruptions, and geopolitical instability. Addressing these challenges requires approaches that strengthen agricultural productivity and profitability while conserving soil, water, and other foundational resources, supporting producers and workers, and reinforcing the reliability of food and agricultural supply chains.
To this end, we developed a conceptual framework grounded in agricultural sustainability; defined as the integration of natural and social sciences to inform research, practice, and policy that support productive working lands, healthy watersheds, and resilient regional economies. This framework advances innovative approaches to research, extension, and education that recognize the interconnectedness of rural and urban landscapes. In Pennsylvania, where forested lands, cropping systems, and animal agriculture frequently occur adjacent to or within densely populated areas, agricultural systems face unique constraints and opportunities. These settings create a strong platform for integrated, place‑based solutions that advance conservation outcomes, economic vitality, and the long‑term capacity of agricultural systems to meet the needs of producers, communities, and consumers.
A primary component of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station and Penn State Extension is built on the three integrated pillars of sustainable intensification, resilience, and regeneration of agricultural landscapes as solutions to some of the most vexing problems confronting Pennsylvania and places with similar mosaic landscapes nationally and worldwide. With these challenges and opportunities in mind, we holistically and comprehensively address these critical issues:
- Advancing agricultural and food systems with state-of-the-art technology and interdisciplinary collaboration to increase agricultural resiliency, efficiency, and profitability and to promote farm safety
- Developing biologically based materials and products to meet the promise of sustainable energy, beneficial reuse of agricultural waste, and income generation through new, value-added bioproducts to bolster struggling economies
- Building community resilience and capacity through integrated research and extension programming that promotes economic and social well-being by encouraging agricultural development, agritourism and entrepreneurship, community health, and sustainability in food, fiber, and natural resource systems
- Promoting environmental resilience by assessing and protecting ecosystems and ecosystem services, helping agriculture meet its environmental challenges, promoting ecosystem resilience and health, and mitigating and adapting to global change
- Supporting integrated health solutions by developing functional foods for positive health outcomes, improving food safety, fostering human and livestock health, and fighting vector-borne diseases and parasites
- Fostering a positive future for youth, families, and communities by providing a wide range of evidence-based programming to support healthy families, build positive youth skills, and strengthen intergenerational relationships within communities.
Our expertise ranges in scale from sub-cellular/molecular biological processes to global populations, landscapes, and ecosystems. We are engineering ways to put agricultural waste and alternative crops to beneficial uses, including as sustainable energy sources and as filters for aquatic and terrestrial contaminants. We are tackling existential crises such as transforming the agricultural industry to meet the challenges of global change and a world population exceeding growing towards 10 billion people.
Our team addresses the health and welfare of Pennsylvanians, from infants to youth and young adults, to senior citizens and grandparents raising their grandchildren. We look to build resilient communities by strengthening community organizations and individuals and helping to grow new farm businesses. We seek solutions that are economically viable, socially acceptable, and fair, while contributing solutions that minimize environmental impacts.
Critical Issue: Advancing Agricultural and Food Systems
The College of Agricultural Sciences envisions a future where emerging and advanced technologies are integral to establish sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that are interconnected with the broader living systems that support them. These systems range from forests, wetlands, and waterways to the ecological and biological richness of plants, insects, and animals and the resiliency of rural and urban communities.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, precision agriculture, remote sensing, geospatial intelligence, gene editing, and augmented reality can improve our ability to monitor and manage not only production and access to food but also species composition, natural resources, and human health and well-being.
The Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems (TALiS) initiative is a unique, holistic approach that balances the need for increased food productivity and efficiency with a dedication to conserving our vital living systems.
These living systems include agriculture but also the adjacent forests, wetlands, and waterways, as well as the numerous species of plants, insects, and animals, and the resilience of our rural and urban communities. Pennsylvania’s landscapes offer an excellent testbed for integrating technologies across these different types of agriculture, natural, and social ecosystems. We envision Pennsylvania as a leader in developing and testing these integrated agroecosystems, serving as a living laboratory for scalable and practical solutions.
The TALiS initiative establishes a framework and roadmap to grow and support an entire pipeline of technological solutions, from early development to real-world application. These innovations in farming and ecology dramatically improve our ability to monitor and manage the production of and access to food, natural resources, and human health and well-being. This approach ensures a stable food supply, promotes environmental conservation, and boosts the economy of Pennsylvania by fostering innovation and creating new job opportunities.
Critical Issue: Building Community Resilience and Capacity
Our researchers are strengthening the development and resilience of communities and individuals within them, especially as they are faced with social, economic, and environmental challenges and stresses. These efforts analyze existing challenges and forecast the impacts of future disruptions to provide workable strategies and policy recommendations that sustain food and energy systems, promote agritourism and entrepreneurship, and ensure community health. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted issues needing attention, including protecting food crops, detecting food insecurity, learning from crises, planning for disruptions, and promoting the expansion of broadband internet access. Research questions provide insights and actionable steps to transfer to industry via Extension programs.
Penn State scientists have been studying linkages between rural manufacturing exports and innovation. They identified several factors that explain why, although rural areas depend more on manufacturing than urban areas do, manufacturers in rural areas are less likely to participate in global markets.
The agriculture industry faces a continuing worker shortage. Our College is approaching the challenges of workforce development in several ways. We are designing automated solutions such as pruners, sprayers, and harvesters to reduce labor needs while at the same time creating new opportunities for workforce development. Our innovative online courses in landscape skills, and the Penn State Extension Butcher School, are designed to develop and promote the skills necessary to succeed in these fields where staffing shortages have been a challenge. Our Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) helps Pennsylvania farmers, agricultural and forest landowners, and conservation professionals implement best practices, ensure the health of land and water in our communities, and leverage funding and partnerships. CACAT launched the Practice Approval System to increase loyal capacity to implement agricultural conservation projects at the conservation district level across Pennsylvania.
Critical Issue: Developing Biologically Based Materials & Products
Our Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES) is developing sustainable bioeconomy solutions to generate biologicals, biomaterials, food ingredients, health care products, and other related materials. Supporting industries and developing new products can create new markets, add value, and reduce environmental impacts, while unleashing remarkable potential for both rural economic development and environmental sustainability.
Since 2023, Penn State faculty, industry representatives, and others have participated in a Biorenewables Symposium. Patentable and patented technologies are emerging from this research effort. Another popular offering is the Digester Day workshop, at which participants explore the latest advancements in on-farm anaerobic digesters and generation of renewable gas from biomass.
Critical Issue: Fostering a Positive Future for Youth, Families, & Communities
Farming is one of the most stressful professions because it includes so many uncontrollable variables. Farmers are constantly exposed to situations that can pose a risk to their physical, mental, and financial health. The USDA-Economic Research Service described five types of risk farmers are exposed to: human or personal risks, production risks, price or market risks, financial risks, and institutional risks.
Farmers are often independent and private, characteristics that sometimes represent a barrier to acknowledging farm stress, but everyone encounters stress. All these risks may cause farmers and their family members to experience anxiety, loneliness, depression, emotional outbursts, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Our Extension programs, including Mental Health First Aid, Weathering the Storm, the Farm Stress Real Talk podcast, and the QPR Gatekeeper suicide prevention training, provide resources for people in and outside of agriculture who are experiencing stress. We help farmers, family and community members, and agricultural professionals recognize the signs of stress and learn how to communicate with and respond to farmers and their family members when they need assistance.
Current Extension programming teaches participants strategies to keep their brains and hearts healthy, sets them on a regular habit of walking, and educates and provides helpful resources to grandparents and other family members raising their grandchildren or other kin. Programs address nutrition-based health interventions, food deserts, and military families’ needs, among many other topics.
Critical Issue: Promoting Environmental Resilience
The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences is taking a solutions-oriented approach to growing and sustaining food and resources that will help ensure a reliable and nutritious food supply for current and future generations.
For nearly three decades, faculty in the College have been researching the benefits of regenerative agricultural practices, such as cover crops and no-till agriculture. Their research has helped to underpin the growing adoption of these practices in Pennsylvania and nationwide and has contributed essential scientific evidence that USDA, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and Penn State Extension can use to help producers start, grow, and sustain their businesses.
The health of pollinators is one focus of this critical issue. Penn State bee researchers have been studying how the presence of nonnative honey bees affects wild bee populations, and how insecticides affect bee health, among many other topics.
Another broad topic of study is the effects of invasive species on ecosystems and native species. For example, a team examined the effects of invasive flathead catfish on the Susquehanna River’s food chain.
Critical Issue: Supporting Integrated Health Solutions
Our One Health effort addresses health as an integrated challenge at the intersections between people, animals, plants, and the environment they inhabit. Our research recognizes critical interconnections across systems and is uncovering interdisciplinary solutions that will enhance biosecurity, promote positive health outcomes, and sustain agricultural development.
Our faculty are tackling persistent and critical challenges such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Faculty and staff have helped farmers develop poultry biosecurity plans across the state and researched the effects of HPAI on wildlife and pets. The team has considered what they can learn from this situation for possible future application to other disease outbreaks. Disease preparedness, diagnostic testing, and outreach are important roles for the team, in collaboration with state and federal agriculture agencies and others moving forward.
Several teams are working to fight antimicrobial resistance, including projects on the spread of antimicrobial-resistant salmonella by pet dogs, and a new treatment for dairy cows that could help fight antibiotic resistance.
Another component of our One Health program is vector-borne diseases, under our Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES). Faculty and staff in this area have developed the VECTOR Library, a centralized digital database of more than 1,400 educational materials on vector-borne diseases collected from the Cooperative Extension System across all U.S. states and territories. VECTOR is designed to improve access to science-based strategies for preventing and controlling diseases and conditions associated with ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods.
Merit and Scientific Peer Review Processes
Updates
None.
Stakeholder Input
Actions to seek stakeholder input that encouraged their participation with a brief explanation
Penn State Extension's Health and Wellness educators conducted a survey to determine the public’s needs and identify the most effective delivery methods. The data gathered, as well as anticipated trends, were used in reviewing their existing programs to identify new programs to offer and those that can be sunsetted.
Methods to identify individuals and groups and brief explanation
None.
Methods for collecting stakeholder input and brief explanation
To collect stakeholder input, educators or faculty will hold regularly scheduled meetings, such as advisory groups and Penn State Ag Council. Ag Council members will work with program teams to develop relevant science- and industry-based programs to meet the educational needs of the residents of the Commonwealth. This effort is part of the Program Development Process. Meetings will occur with traditional and non-traditional individuals and groups. During and after extension programs, participants may verbally or through surveys request additional programs or updates or provide input about effectiveness, both immediate and long term. To collect more detailed information from traditional and nontraditional stakeholders, sophisticated survey instruments or focus group meetings will be implemented and the data analyzed. All departments and extension programs maintain websites and distribute regular electronic and/or hardcopy communications and/or social media messages to inform stakeholders and to invite feedback. Some programs hold field tours or site tours, which allow them to hear from stakeholders directly. The dean's industry tour series will bring some of the College's leaders into some of the state's leading agricultural industry facilities to learn about their challenges and about how Penn State researchers might help.
A statement of how the input will be considered and brief explanation of what you learned from your stakeholders
None.
Highlighted Results by Project or Program
Critical Issue - Advancing Agricultural and Food Systems
Project Director: Margarita Lopez-Uribe
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7008085
Sustainable Solutions to Problems Affecting Bee Health
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
Wild and managed pollinators are experiencing widespread declines driven by the combined effects of biotic stressors, such as parasites and pathogens, and abiotic stressors, including weather variability, pesticide exposure, poor nutrition, and habitat loss.
These interacting pressures reduce pollinator survival, health, and productivity, threatening ecosystem function, agricultural sustainability, and food security. This project addresses the urgent need to better understand these stressors, monitor pollinator communities over time, and develop science-based management strategies to support resilient pollinator populations.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
The Penn State team made substantial progress toward understanding and addressing the complex factors driving declines in wild and managed pollinators by integrating laboratory experiments, field research, long-term monitoring, and stakeholder-focused outreach.
On Objective 1, we examined how nutrition, heat stress, pathogens, and other stressors interact to influence bee health and reproduction. Our research demonstrated that heat stress is exacerbated in high-humidity conditions, and these combined conditions impact several aspects of bulb bee fitness. We also found that certain nectar and pollen sources can affect thermal tolerance, reproductive success, and larval survival, and that these effects vary among bee species. We showed that bumble bees differ in their nutritional preferences and requirements, that high-quality habitats enable access to protein-rich pollen, and that nutritionally vulnerable species are more sensitive to low-protein conditions. Additional work showed that short-term heat exposure reduces fertility in solitary bees, and that different pathogens and parasite strains trigger distinct physiological and immune responses in honey bees.
Progress toward Objective 2 included new insights into the genetic and physiological basis of resilience. We demonstrated that maternally and paternally inherited genes influence bee development, behavior, and stress responses, providing foundational knowledge that can inform breeding and stock selection programs for disease and parasite resistance. Educational efforts such as the Deep Understanding of Drones (DUDE) program translated this knowledge into practice by training beekeepers to assess drone health, mite resistance traits, and mating dynamics.
For Objective 3, we advanced bee monitoring by developing standardized protocols that will be used in nationwide efforts. We also developed automated, AI-enabled tools capable of identifying, counting, and tracking insects continuously across space and time. We documented new bee species records for Pennsylvania and helped establish standardized protocols for broader implementation.
Finally, under Objective 4, we converted research outcomes into actionable guidance, including a Field Guide to the Bee Genera of Pennsylvania, a Field Guide to the Pennsylvania Bumble Bees, revised best management practices through the Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan, improved habitat assessment tools such as Beescape, and evidence-based recommendations for pollinator gardens, solitary bee hotels, and public conservation messaging.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Our project provided direct benefits to multiple target audiences by translating research findings into practical tools, knowledge, and guidance. Beekeepers gained science-based recommendations on nutrition, heat stress, pathogen management, and breeding strategies through workshops, decision-support tools such as Beescape, and educational programs focused on colony health and drone management. Growers, land managers, and homeowners benefited from clear best management practices, habitat and planting recommendations, and guidance on designing pollinator gardens and nesting resources that support both wild and managed bees. Researchers and conservation practitioners gained access to new monitoring technologies, standardized protocols, and data platforms that improve the ability to track bee populations and habitat quality over time.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The broader public benefited from this project through increased access to clear, science- based information and practical resources that support pollinator conservation and environmental stewardship. Public-facing tools such as the Field Guide to the Bee Genera of Pennsylvania (in English and Spanish) and Field Guide to Pennsylvania Bumble Bees, online decision-support platforms, and educational outreach improved awareness of pollinator species, the challenges bees face, and actions individuals can take at home, in gardens, and in communities. By strengthening pollinator health and monitoring, our activities also support resilient ecosystems and sustainable food production, providing long-term benefits to ecosystem services, agricultural productivity, and environmental quality that affect society as a whole.
Comments
Impact statement for annual report of accomplishments: Organic beekeeping can support healthy, productive honey bee colonies. A Penn State–led study found that adopting organic honey bee colony management can match or exceed the profitability of conventional practices.
The study, published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, showed that beekeepers using organic methods earned profits comparable to those using conventional management practices. The United States does not offer official organic honey certification because the standards require any crops or plants within 1.8 miles of hives to be free of synthetic chemicals.
Organic practices reduce pesticide exposure for both bees and beekeepers and avoid issues with miticide-resistant Varroa mites, a major factor in recent colony losses. However, organic beekeeping is not chemical-free; it allows organic acids, essential oils, and integrated pest management to control pests when needed. Previous work by these researchers found that beekeepers can manage healthy honey bee colonies using organic practices. With the current study, the team wanted to examine whether organic beekeeping management practices could also be profitable.
To evaluate outcomes, researchers compared three honey bee colony management systems—conventional, chemical-free, and organic—over three years on certified organic farms in Pennsylvania. The chemical-free system avoided all treatments, relying instead on mite-resistant bees and nonchemical controls. Over the next three years, the team visited each colony every few weeks to monitor the bees. The researchers also tracked revenue, profits, and colony survival across the different systems.
Results showed that chemical-free management led to economic losses, while organic and conventional systems generated profits. Honey and bee production were highest in
these systems, with profits 14 and 11 times higher, respectively, than in chemical-free Operations. By the third year, organically managed colonies produced 50% more honey than conventional ones. The findings highlight the importance of controlling Varroa mites for both colony health and profitability. Organic approaches can achieve this while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Adding fall-blooming plants may help both managed and wild bees in cities Nearly 4,000 native bee species in the United States support pollination. Honey bees, however, are not native to the U.S., raising concerns that managed colonies may harm wild bees through competition and disease. A Penn State–led study found that only a small subset of native bees appears to be negatively affected by honey bees.
The study, one of the largest of its kind, was published in Science of the Total Environment. It helps identify which groups of bees may be most at risk and informs conservation strategies. The researchers found that the presence of honey bee apiaries and/or urban land was linked to reduced numbers in six of 33 wild bee genera. Because apiaries were more common in urban areas, the team separated the effects of apiary density and development. The results varied: apiary density most negatively affected Svastra bees, and urbanization most strongly affected Florilegus bees.
The most affected genera tend to nest in the ground, forage later in the season, or rely on specific flowering plants. Urban environments can limit these resources. For example:
- Asphalt and concrete reduce available nesting sites.
- Small bees may struggle to find food within their limited flight range.
- Specialist bees depend on specific plants that may be scarce in cities.
Competition may also increase in late season, when honey bee colonies are largest and flowers are limited. Simple actions, such as planting late-season flowers and leaving patches of bare ground, could help reduce these pressures in urban landscapes.
To conduct the study, the researchers mapped apiary density using nearly 4,000 registered apiaries in Maryland and compared that with U.S. Geological Survey data on wild bee populations.
Pollinators have declined in recent decades due to pesticides, pathogens, poor nutrition, and climate change. Concern about honey bee impacts has grown, but evidence has been limited. This study directly tested whether managed honey bees are linked to reductions in wild bee abundance.
The research highlights how bee species are interconnected, and the importance of thinking about bees as communities, not as individual species. For example, apiary density reduced populations of Triepeolus, a bee that parasitizes Svastra nests—suggesting indirect effects across species.
More studies are needed to understand how different species respond in other regions. In the meantime, adding more flowering plants, especially native trees and shrubs, can support both wild and managed bees. Beekeepers can reduce risks by managing pests and diseases within colonies.
The National Science Foundation also contributed support for this research.
Protein-based functional ingredients for clean label applications
Project Director: Federico Harte
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7006513
Casein-lipid film and gel formation
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
There is a strong need for ingredient diversification to better serve a global food market. This is challenging for the food industry and research communities because we consumers increasingly seek foods with clean labels (i.e., food with few and familiar ingredients), while also demanding high standards for food safety, quality, and shelf life. Moreover, those who prioritize clean and ethically sourced options also state that efficacy of the product is non-negotiable.
Consumers' appetite for natural and sustainable ingredients that simultaneously deliver functionality will intensify even further. However, the development of natural / recognizable ingredients to remove synthetic / unfamiliar ones is difficult when >70% of the flour used across packaged foods comes from wheat and >80% of plant protein ingredients are either soy- or gluten-based.
The long-term goal driving this project is to create solutions to fulfill the need for ingredient diversification. This will be accomplished by engineering a new class of ingredients, obtained from the stable complexation between naturally occurring protein quaternary structures and lipids.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
Major activities during 2025 focused on determining stimuli leading to the dissociation of large protein structure (protein quaternary structures) and exploring various water insoluble probes (fatty acids, triglycerides, essential oils) to interact with proteins. There were two main goals to achieve: (1) break protein quaternary structures to explore their functionality as ingredients, and (2) understand the interaction between naturally occurring lipids and proteins, also having novel ingredient applications.
Solvents (including ethanol and DMSO) were used to promote the dispersion of caseins and lipid probes, and the formation of protein-lipid amorphous solid dispersion were done via solvent removal using freeze drying. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction were two key methods used to determine whether the lipids probes formed crystals or amorphous dispersions.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
We brought understanding as to the fundamental methods to create amorphous solid dispersions using food polymers (e.g., caseins). This is an area where relevant applications exist in the pharmaceutical industry, but little has been done in the food science field. We are also providing novel ingredient applications to the food industry seeking clean label films, fibers, and functional ingredients.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
As mentioned earlier, consumers continue to seek clean label food and food ingredients. Foods that contain clean labels and the development of plastic materials that are sustainable and biodegradable continue to be relevant to the broader public, and this hatch project responds to that demand.
Comments
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments: Milk protein and plant-derived cellulose may offer a new sustainable material, according to Penn State researchers. Using electrospinning—a process that uses a voltage to stretch a liquid into ultra-thin fibers—the team combined casein (milk protein) with hypromellose (plant-derived cellulose) to create nanofibers 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. These fibers were formed into mats that hold promise for biodegradable—and even edible—food packaging, and other products.
This proof-of-concept study, published in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, showed that casein-rich electrospun mats can be made. These nanofibers are of interest for food packaging, tissue engineering, and biomedical uses. The researchers found that fiber quality depended on the cellulose-to-casein ratio, with the best structure—fewest defects and high surface area—at a ratio of 1:12. At 100% relative humidity, the fiber mats transformed into clear films, suggesting potential for food wrapping.
Casein has long been used in food and nonfood applications and industrial products such as glues, coatings, and cosmetics. This research extends its use into nanofiber materials. Previously, this research group assessed the electrospinning of casein alone and casein combined with carrageenan, a food additive derived from red seaweed and primarily used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. However, the mats produced contained weak and brittle nanofibers. In this study, the researchers tested the idea of supplementing casein with hypromellose, which they correctly hypothesized could provide strength and flexibility to the protein.
Future research will explore applications in food packaging and filtration. This research leveraged capacity funds from USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture with funding from the National Dairy Council-Dairy Management Inc.
Improving Transition Cow and Workforce Management in the Dairy Industry
Project Director: Adrian Barragan
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7005768
Annual Report 2025
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
My project addresses two pressing issues in the Pennsylvania dairy industry: 1) high animal disease incidence, and 2) worker shortage and turnover. These areas are the backbone of the industry. My research and Extension work focus on identifying the root causes of these issues through open and up-to-date communication with producers and workers, and performing applied, unbiased research to address current industry needs.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
My research and Extension activities are tailored to develop educational knowledge at several levels (e.g., employee, producer, veterinarian) to provide up-to-date and practical information regarding disease prevention and best disease treatment management to the people who interact with animals the most, and therefore, have the greatest impact on animal health and subsequently on animal productivity. A healthy animal is an animal that has greater production (e.g., milk yield, daily weight gain), better fertility (reproductive failure is the number one reason for culling cows), and therefore, a more profitable animal for the operation. Additionally, I offer timely consultation services to producers and veterinarians regarding animal health, reproductive performance, and employee management issues. Furthermore, I utilize feedback from industry stakeholders and develop applied research to address pressing issues in the area of disease prevention and employee management. For instance, this year we conducted a large study, enrolling 400 cows and testing a disease prevention strategy 2 months before the cows calved, which is one of the most susceptible times for dairy cows. Furthermore, I have developed an interactive training program utilizing virtual reality, which is being very well received, and it is increasing the outreach of my educational services.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Farm employees, producers, and veterinarians benefited from obtaining timely expert advice (including farm visits, farm evaluation, and employee training) on current issues in their cattle operations regarding animal health, reproductive performance, and employee management. Furthermore, they received free, up-to-date, unbiased research-based education on topics of interest to them, aimed at improving animal health and employee management, ultimately enhancing the performance of their operations. Finally, the applied research conducted in the lab addressed pressing issues for producers and yielded new management strategies to address them.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
There are many benefits for the broader public from this work. The first one is food sustainability. As I mentioned above, healthy and fertile animals have higher performance and remain in the operation longer. In addition, animal welfare is a pressing concern for the general public, and my research and education work is focused on preventing disease, which is one of the pillars of optimal animal welfare. Similarly, addressing worker shortage and turnover issues has a direct impact on food sustainability and food costs, as a well- trained and stable workforce is needed to produce optimal quality and quantity of food products at an adequate price. Furthermore, many of my educational programs target the general public and youth (e.g., Calving Corner in the Farm Show, Ag Progress Days), and are aimed at educating them regarding the normal practices and events that occur in animal operations, and demonstrate to them that one of the main goals of these raising systems is to have optimal animal welfare.
Comments
There were no major changes or problems with my projects in 2025.
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments: A concentrated sugar solution could be as effective as antibiotics for treating a common infection in dairy cows, according to a new Penn State–led study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The finding could help reduce antibiotic use and fight the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
The results are especially relevant for the organic dairy industry, where antibiotics are restricted, and may inform future research on sugar-based treatments for human uterine infections.
The study focused on clinical metritis, a common disease after calving that can cause serious health problems. This is one of the top diseases affecting U.S. dairy. Cows are treated with antibiotics, such as ceftiofur, only when necessary to ensure their welfare and following strict withdrawal periods to prevent residues in milk.These drugs are effective, but may contribute to the antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals and in people. Minimizing antibiotic use helps reduce the risk of resistant bacteria that can affect farm workers, families, and communities.
Researchers tested an antibiotic-free alternative treatment for this disease: intrauterine dextrose, a concentrated sugar solution. Dextrose works by drawing water out of bacteria, causing them to die. Although this approach has shown promise in human wound healing, earlier cattle studies produced mixed results. In this study, 77 cows with clinical metritis were randomly assigned to receive either dextrose or ceftiofur. Researchers monitored recovery and analyzed uterine microbiomes (microorganisms).
The results showed that both treatments had similar clinical cure rates for mild cases. However, outcomes varied depending on disease severity, so the results were not entirely consistent across all cases. Microbiome analysis revealed an important difference: dextrose did not significantly disrupt bacterial communities in the reproductive tract. Antibiotics can change these communities and may affect long-term health.
Although the sample size was limited, the findings suggest that dextrose could be a viable alternative to antibiotics for mild metritis. More research is needed to confirm effectiveness across larger populations and more severe cases. This approach could reduce reliance on antibiotics in dairy production and contribute to broader efforts to limit antimicrobial resistance. It may eventually have implications for future human treatments. The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hatch Appropriations, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health funded this research.
Integrated Precision Agriculture Technologies for Specialty Crop Production
Project Director: Long He
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7005695
Integrated Precision Agriculture Technologies for Specialty Crop Production
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
This project aims to developed integrated precision agricultural solutions with state-of-the- art technologies for specialty crop production to address the challenges in the industry, including labor shortage and rising costs, as well as emerging environmental concerns that relate to the ineffective agricultural inputs such as water and chemicals.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
To achieve the project goal, we have been working on developing solutions with optimizing the use of farming inputs, autonomy in the farm, artificial intelligence (AI) perception models, IoT sensing networks, and aerial and ground robotic systems. In 2025, we have worked on wide range of precision and robotic technologies towards specialty crop production, including integrated precision chemical crop thinning for apples, machine vision based flower bud counting and thinning decisions, robotic button mushroom harvesting, AI-based weed detection and precision weed management in orchards, robotic spraying technology development for diverse crops, and IoT based air temperature and humidity monitoring system for orchard pest management.
- Develop a robotic crop load management system for apples atflowerbud stage. In this year, we have focused on developing a machine vision system to count flower bud numbers on a branch and also estimate the bud distribution and provide bud thinning decisions.
- An integrated chemical thinning system was tested in both research and commercial apple orchards. The system included a machine vision system to count the number of green fruitlets on trees, and then a precision spraying system was used to apply chemical thinner based on the crop load at individual tree level.
- An unmanned ground robotic system was tested in a vineyard and a raspberry field.The tests showed that the system achieved autonomous spraying for pest management in these fields, while chemical usage and performance of pest control are still under analysis.
- A large amount of images was acquired for apple fruits with various surface defects, including insect damage, disease damage, and nutrient deficiency. A deep learning based algorithm was developed to identify these defects, which will be used for quantifying the quality of individual fruits for robotic selective harvesting.
- A deep learning based weed detection algorithm was developed to detect and quantify the weed density in apple orchards, especially the weeds under trees. A target spraying system is under development to precisely apply herbicides to these detected weeds.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
The targeted audiences for the project include the scientific community, industry, farmers, and extension personnel. In 2025, we have wide range of activities to disseminate our research outcomes to various audiences.
- In this period, in total of 12 journal articles and 3 extension articles were published to disseminate the research outcomes to professional societies (e.g., agricultural engineering, crop production, and more) and grower communities.
- The team members presented the project results at various professional meetings,including2025 ASABE Annual International Meeting, 2025 NABEC meeting, and 2025 the 8 IFAC AgriControl Conference.
- With the outcomes of the projects on precision and robotic spraying technologies, aworkshop was carried out during 2025 Penn State FREC Grower Field Day, whichattracted over 100 growers and other professionals to attend. Research outcomes were also presented at 2025 Penn State Crop Protection Field Day, University of Maryland Field Day, 2025 Penn State Ag Progress Day, and more.
- Provide in-service training to extension professionals by attending and presenting atvarious webinars and seminars.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The information and new knowledge delivered by the project has increased the awareness from the general public on the robotic and precision agricultural technologies for specialty crop production. The developed precision technologies will have potential to reduce agrichemical usage, and thus to enhance the sustainability of soil, water, and environment for public health.
Comments
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments: Soilless greenhouse systems— known as controlled environment agriculture—promise to advance the year-round production of high-quality specialty crops. But to be competitive and sustainable, they require precision agriculture tools. To meet that demand, an interdisciplinary team at Penn State developed an automated system that continuously and frequently tracks plant growth and needs.
Traditionally, monitoring has been a time-consuming task for specialized personnel, but automation enables frequent data collection and more efficient crop management. In the journal Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, the researchers described an integrated "internet of things" (IoT) artificial intelligence (AI), and computer vision system tailored for controlled environment agriculture soilless growing systems. An IoT is a group of connected devices that share data via sensors and software.
The core innovation is the first implementation of a model that processes sequential, high- resolution images taken at set intervals to track plant growth throughout the growth cycle. The system was tested in baby bok choy but could work with many crops. Penn State’s Fruit Research and Extension Center in southcentral Pennsylvania has long focused on automation in agriculture, including robotics for picking, pruning, fruit thinning, pollination, spraying, and irrigation.
In this study, the team installed sensors, collected and processed the data, and trained AI models to track plant growth. The research was part of a larger federal project, "Advancing the Sustainability of Indoor Urban Agricultural Systems." Overall, combining automated monitoring with IoT and AI can improve efficiency, support better crop management, and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture contributed funding to this study.
National Animal Nutrition Program
Project Director: Tara Felix
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7001635
Final NANP Report Final Result
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
National Animal Nutrition Program (NANP) serves as a forum to identify national priorities related to animal nutrition and provides an integrated and systemic approach to sharing, collecting, assembling, synthesizing, and disseminating science-based information and educational tools applicable to agricultural species. The NANP group is dedicated to the success of a free, online database that can be used by novice and professional nutritionists alike. One of our primary goals was to identify all of the feedstuffs from multiple databases using a source/attribute nomenclature. Integrating additional datasets, namely the new NASEM beef and dairy databases, has required additional oversight of the site tree. Both the Beef and Dairy NASEM datasets were quite large (millions of unique records), and that was highly taxing on our system and leading to a poor user experience. However, we completed the integration with these databases and have successfully improved the value of the website.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
We now house large, previously segregated databases in a singular location and use similar language to ensure that resources from all segments of animal nutrition are easily and readily accessible to those in the field.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
The integration of multiple databases into a user friendly format greatly enhances the user interface and improves data access across a variety of users. Because our audience is broad (i.e. consulting nutritionists, academics, undergraduate students, ag teachers, etc.) we had to ensure comprehension for a broad variety of disciplines and users. These audiences will benefit by having a shared experience and "language" now.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The broader public benefits by having better informed consultants and nutritionist. However, we were able to build several educational pieces that could be utilized by the public at large, should they be interested. For example, the education piece on dry matter conversions could be used in physics classes or for 4-H meetings.
Comments
Integrating multiple databases and just coming up with common language was perhaps a greater undertaking than many anticipated. Therefore, having a usable final product is satisfying.
Impact statement for annual report of accomplishments: Many dairy farms now crossbreed dairy cows with Black Angus beef bulls to create calves with higher market value. But these hybrid calves often develop pneumonia, raising concerns about their long-term growth. A Penn State–led study, published in the Journal of Dairy Science, found that calves recovering from pneumonia reached similar growth rates by about eight months as those that were never sick. The findings are important for dairy producers facing rising costs, because crossbreeding offers a potential additional revenue stream—but only if animals remain economically viable.
The researchers reported that pneumonia reduced growth for only about three weeks. Afterward, affected calves showed compensatory growth, catching up to healthy peers. For the study, the first of its kind to investigate the long-term effects of pneumonia in beef- on-dairy cattle growth, researchers tracked 143 crossbred calves from birth to eight months, measuring weight and monitoring lung health. They found that lung pathogens were not linked to long-term growth differences.
They determined that average daily growth was similar among all calves by about eight months of age. Unlike purebred Holstein dairy calves, the crossbred calves recovered without antibiotics, which may benefit organic dairies and help reduce antimicrobial resistance in cattle.
This study suggests that pneumonia is a temporary setback in beef-on-dairy calves and that crossbreeding seems to be a viable economic strategy.
Characterization of genetic and epigenetic processes during seed development in maize
Project Director: Surinder Chopra
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7000699
Annual Report 2025
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
The goal of this project is to understand genetic and epigenetic determinants of endosperm development in maize kernel. Early kernel developmental events including DNA replication, transcription, and RNA splicing are being characterized in maize ufo1 mutants; specialized cellular defects were found to be associated with aberrant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and basic regulatory processes. The project is also developing maize lines with high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids in seeds to improve feed quality and plant health.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
We started addressing, how basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) differentiates and contributes to grain filling and endosperm development. We completed the following experiments, obtained confirmatory results for the project and published a peer reviewed manuscript (Chatterjee et al., 2025. The Plant Cell).
- The effects of Zmufo1 loss-of-function and overexpression mutants on BETL differentiation were analyzed using the ufo1-Dsg and Ufo1-1 mutant lines, respectively using microscopy. Both mutant lines exhibited impaired BETL cell differentiation but showed distinct defects in cell wall ingrowths that are predominantly composed of plasma membranes.
- Gene expression of the BETL specific gene markers was assayed. The Ufo1-1 over-expressor line displayed excessively high expression of several BETL marker genes, while the loss-of-function ufo1-Dsg mutant showed reduced or mis-expression of BETL marker genes, indicating a positive role of Zmufo1 on establishing BETL identity. DNA damage defects and reactive oxygen species were characterized. In both ufo1-Dsg and Ufo1-1 mutant lines, the basal region of the kernel exhibits abnormally high levels of DNA damage and reactive oxygen species.
- Transcriptomic analyses were performed which revealed the misregulation of several genes involved in redox homeostasis, indicating an imbalance in redox potential when Zmufo1 levels diverged from normal. Treatments with antioxidant molecules glutathione and ascorbic acid strongly alleviated growth defects and DNA damage in both lines, indicating that Zmufo1 regulates BETL differentiation and prevents DNA damage by controlling redox homeostasis.
- We characterized intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) in the ufo1 gene sequence and confirmed the ID protein (IDP) nature of the UFO1 protein. Y2H (yeast-2-hybrid) results have further provided a framework for the existence of ZmUFO1 protein- protein interactions.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
- One graduate student participated in the project, performed ROS mitigation assays at cellular and whole plant level.
- We have begun a research collaboration with Dr. Xiaosa Xu, UC-Davis, CA to perform single cell RNAseq to capture genes and regulatory elements associated with basal endosperm differentiation during early stage of maize kernel development.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
We are interacting with area High School students to bring them the awareness of plant genetics and biotechnology. Through this project, we are also providing public awareness about mechanisms of genetic and epigenetic modification in crop plants and their relationship to plant development, productivity, and environmental stress.
Comments
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments: Corn earworms cause the loss of more than 76 million bushels of corn in the United States annually, and evidence suggests that increasingly extreme weather events and temperatures will worsen insect damage to crops. Responding to this threat, a team of researchers at Penn State has demonstrated that some genetic lines of corn contain compounds that act as insecticides, protecting them from larvae.
In findings published in the journal Plant Stress, the researchers reported that corn earworm larvae feeding on the silks, husks, and kernels of corn lines with high levels of flavonoids—chemicals that support plant biological processes and stress responses— grow more slowly and many die, compared to larvae feeding on corn lines without flavonoids. In addition to increased mortality and reduced body weight, the researchers found that larvae feeding on high-flavonoid corn lines developed a leaky-gut-like condition, suggesting microbiome changes in the larval gut. The expression of gut health-related genes was also altered in larvae consuming the flavonoid-rich husks. In the study, the researchers compared how corn earworm larvae survived on genetically identical strains, except for specific, known differences. Some expressed high flavonoid content in silks, husks, and kernels, and some did not. The corn included a line engineered to increase flavonoid production and a line that was conventionally bred to produce flavonoids, developed at Penn State by cross-breeding a mutant line of corn. Researchers found "a stark difference" in mortality and body weight between corn earworm larvae feeding on flavonoid-overproducing lines versus control lines. Both the genetically engineered line and the line bred from the mutant had similar effects on larvae. This research is important because it could support the development of corn lines resistant to insect pests and ideal for organic production. The findings suggest a new option for integrated pest management, showing that high-flavonoid maize may be used in breeding programs to develop corn lines tolerant of multiple pests.
More research is needed before breeders can attempt to develop flavonoid-producing corn lines that also protect against other insects for organic farmers.
Critical Issue - Building Community Resilience and Capacity
Leadership & Community Vitality Programs
Project Director: Elise Gurgevich
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7001769
FY25 Penn State Extension Leadership & Community Vitality Program Results
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
As the pace of change increases exponentially for businesses and communities involved in or supporting food, farming, agriculture, natural resources, and/or social and economic well-being, it becomes increasingly challenging to share quality information, practice transparent engagement, and work across organizational boundaries to create positive outcomes. This challenge is amplified by the complex landscape in Pennsylvania, which has an unusually high number of local government units (around 3,600) compared to other states. Additionally, the state faces a pressing workforce and leadership crisis due to its rapidly aging population, with more Pennsylvanians reaching the age of 65 than those turning 18.
Penn State Extension's Leadership and Community Vitality programs aim to:
- Supply a skilled and educated workforce to the agricultural industry in the Commonwealth.
- Close the gap created by an aging workforce in small and very small establishments.
- Ease disruptions in food availability caused by the supply chain.
- Address the livestock and poultry producers for increased demand for available facilities and support businesses.
- Provide infrastructure, tools, and support to create and maintain jobs and wealth in communities.
- Provide local governments and organizational leaders with the information, knowledge, and tools necessary to make informed decisions.
- Provide an opportunity and platform for communities to collaborate, innovate, plan, and problem-solve.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
In FY25, this team held 111 educational activities, attracting over 7,600 participants. In addition, the team had over 22,202 contacts through articles, newsletters, social media, and personal communications.
Education and training addressed:
- Organizational and Community Development
- Placemaking
- Workforce Development
- Local Government
- Community & Organizational Strategic Planning
- Individual & Organizational Leadership
- Rural/Urban Continuum & Engagement
- Connection Across the Food System
- Intergenerational Dynamics and Reality
- Emerging Trends for Communities, Agencies, Organizations, and Businesses
- Broadband/Technology Infrastructure, Access, Adoption,Utilization, Accessibility
- Youth Community Engagement and Volunteerism
- Environmental Stewardship
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Grant Writing Workshops
- Conducted eight program events (two webinar series and six in-person workshops)
Post program survey respondent responses from the Grant Writing Workshops (N=49), show that on a scale of 1 (very little knowledge) to 5 (excellent knowledge) The mean knowledge level of grant search strategies increased from 1.92 to 3.78 The mean knowledge level of how grants are scored increased from 1.76 to 3.86
96% (n=47) were likely to use something they learned at the program within six months
94% (n=46) were likely to use new information when searching for grants
96% (n=47) of participants were able to better meet the needs of their organization.
Examples of participant "top takeaways" included:
"I did not know how little I really knew about effective grant writing until this course. My top, takeaways were thinking like a grant reviewer and writing to the rubric."
"Funding does not drive the project; the project drives the funding! I'll definitely remember that."
Land Use Planning Webinar Series
Reached 421 participants in 10 webinars . Through post-program surveys and individual correspondence, program participants shared examples of how they intended to or actually used the information. Select comments include:
Changes in PA Demographics Webinar
"My township is undergoing new zoning, and this information will help me understand what changes may be needed and why."
Stormwater Management Planning and Community Trees – Green Infrastructure Webinar
"As a landscape architect, I will use the information presented to mitigate some of the effects of new development on the environment."
Current Pennsylvania Solar Development Trends: Update for Municipal Leaders Webinar
"The recent solar webinar inspired me to work on an update to our County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). Solar and data center development are the hot topics of the hour and some of our local municipalities are adopting legally questionable ordinances. As such, we are looking at what we can do to address public health & safety impacts related to any high-impact land development through our County SALDO."
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center - In 2022, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center approached Penn State Extension for assistance in reconfiguring their operation. Together, it was decided that a new space would be needed.
A vacant restaurant was available for purchase (with no rental option), but it required a significant mortgage that exceeded the Chamber's current rent. After examining the facility, Extension felt that it would be an ideal site to develop a commercial production kitchen. The Extension educator built a business model that demonstrated the costs above the current rent and utilities would likely be achievable. The Extension educator identified USDA Rural Development grant programs and worked with the Chamber to successfully obtain a $100,000 grant in 2023. To supplement the grant, the Chamber's Executive Director sought project support from numerous other sources, many of whom responded positively. A serendipitous outcome of her efforts was full support for purchasing the facility. Additionally, the West Penn Energy Fund (WPEF) provided funding to convert all gas appliances to electric ones. Extension countered with an additional request for the acquisition of a high-efficiency Stirling Freezer. WPEF agreed to this innovation, and the kitchen is now exemplary in terms of high efficiency. The Extension educator guided the project in terms of food safety requirements and workflow, often drawing on his prior experience in kitchen retrofits.
In 2025, the years of planning culminated in the completion of all renovations. The production kitchen required approximately 1,500 square feet to be sealed off from the 4,500-square-foot building. The Chamber Executive Director has been able to attract a radio station and Career Link as renters in the space left beyond the kitchen and retail space. The kitchen space has received certification, and three tenants (the financial model required five, but with no mortgage, this was no longer a concern) are certified to produce goods, with four more working on their certifications. Facility marketing has only begun. Extension recognizes that there are numerous vacant restaurants in our rural communities, many of which are in various states of disrepair. While each requires research in terms of viability, we hope to replicate this model where appropriate.
Blueprint Communities
- Blueprint Communities catalyzes the revitalization of older communities and neighborhoods. Program goals include building strong local leadership, collaboration, and development capacity; developing sound local and regional planning skills; and encouraging coordinated investments by public and private funders. Beginning in 2024, ten Pennsylvania communities underwent a two-year training, planning, and engagement process, culminating in each community completing a five-year strategic plan in 2025. Upon completion of their training and plans, post-survey respondents (N=68) results showed that:
On a scale of 1 (a little) to 10 (a lot):
- The average increase in leadership skill level was 7.84
- The average increase in ability to lead a project was 7.82
On a scale of 1 (not likely) to 10 (very likely):
- The average likelihood that volunteerism will increase in their community was 7.81
- The average increase for the likelihood of, in the future, personally leading a project was 9.15
100% of respondents (n=68) are likely to use new knowledge about community engagement and community or strategic planning.
98% of respondents (n=67) are likely to use new knowledge about accessing and mobilizing community resources.
98% of respondents (n=67) believed that participation in Blueprint Communities increased (or will increase) their community's capacity and/or understanding regarding strong community partnerships and their community's capacity and/or understanding regarding coordinated investment from public and private partners.
97% of respondents (n=66) were confident in their team and implementing partners' ability to implement their strategic plan and to continue to build organizational capacity for the community.
Participant survey comments regarding Blueprint Communities included:
"I gained valuable skills in teamwork and communication, expanded my local network, and developed a deeper understanding of community issues."
"Revitalization is such an important part of any community, and it certainly was a much- needed effort in ours. Through the BPC program, we have identified not just what we wanted to improve, but where and how, while engaging the community."
During the planning process, communities showed the ability to leverage funds for community projects. For example, $50,000 in Federal Home Loan grant funds were used to leverage an additional $50,662 in local funding.
Community Stewardship Program
- Ten counties (Blair, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe, Philadelphia, and Pike) successfully completed innovative environmental projects that integrated native planting, food security, pollinator support, and watershed health with strong community engagement and education.
Cumulative Statewide Outcomes:
- 10 community gardens or habitat installations created or restored
- 4,000+ native plants and shrubs planted statewide
- 8,500+ seed packets or plant plugs distributed
- 1,400+ pounds of fresh produce donated to food-insecure families
- 1,000+ total volunteer hours contributed
- Hundreds of residents trained in sustainable gardening, water conservation, and environmental justice
- Youth engagement in 6 counties, including Latino youth, Junior ROTC, and school clubs
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The various programs provided research and fact-based information, enabling individuals, families, youth, farmers, landowners, businesses, agencies, organizations, and communities to make well-informed decisions. These educational opportunities positively impacted participants and communities throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, equipping them with relevant knowledge, skills, and tools.
Comments
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments: In 2022, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce reached out to Penn State Extension after facing a large rent increase. Working with Extension's Leadership and Community Vitality team, Chamber staff evaluated options to generate more money or relocate. A vacant restaurant in the county emerged as a great opportunity due to its existing infrastructure, including a large commercial range hood.
Penn State Extension helped develop a financial model demonstrating how a shared-use commercial kitchen could offset facility costs while supporting local entrepreneurs. The Chamber secured a $100,000 USDA Rural Development grant to renovate the building. Additional funding, including $345,000 in federal appropriations, allowed purchase of the property. The West Penn Energy Fund contributed approximately $60,000 to transition the facility to energy-efficient electric appliances. The 4,900-square-foot building was reconfigured to include an 1,100-square-foot USDA-certifiable commercial kitchen. Extension provided hands-on technical guidance, including equipment selection, facility renovation and layout, and advice on compliance with food safety standards. The design prioritized efficiency and affordability—for example, using high-efficiency reach-in refrigeration instead of costlier walk-in units.
The kitchen is now fully certified and operational. It supports four commercial users producing foods such as sauces and pastries. Penn State Extension conducted ServSafe food safety certification for seven users, and provides no-cost business planning, market research, and product development support as requested. The Chamber secured partnerships with local grocery stores to bring products to the retail market. To strengthen financial sustainability, the Chamber leased additional space in the building to tenants, including a radio station and CareerLink. Other grants allowed accessibility upgrades and parking lot improvements.
This project demonstrates a replicable model for rural economic development. By combining strategic facility reuse, targeted grant funding, and Extension-led technical support, the initiative lowers barriers for small food businesses while revitalizing underused commercial space. Similar projects are now underway in other Pennsylvania communities, including Pine Grove Mills, Warren, and Johnsonburg, to strengthen local food systems, food security, and processing capacity.
Critical Issue - Developing Biologically Based Materials & Products
Sustainable agriculturally derived materials for commercial applications
Project Director: Jeffrey Catchmark
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7005788
Report for 2025
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
This research program focuses on the use of polysaccharides such as celluloses, starches, chitosan, and chemically modified versions of these, to produce new polymer systems, some including surfactants and plasticizers, that can replace plastics and other synthetic materials in volume commercial applications such as packaging and food handling products, biomedical materials, soilless substrates for agriculture, modified textiles, materials for 3D printing, adhesives, and other applications. These materials are being designed to be sustainable, recyclable and compostable addressing the important end-of-life issue. Processes are being developed to manufacture these materials in the form of sheets, coatings, foams, and molded products in addition to functionalized textiles. The results of this work include publication in peer reviewed journals, presentations at conferences and to stakeholders, submission of patents, follow on work with industry to transfer technology, licensing of patents and the creation of new businesses.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
The following is a summary of major activities and the goals they supported:
(1) Development of a water and oil barrier coating formulation consisting of starches in polyelectrolyte complexation and volume production process to replace plastic and PFAS coatings in food and other packaging. This was largely completed in 2023 and in 2024 we worked with Big Idea Ventures to start a new company, TerraSafe Materials to commercialize this technology. The technology was transferred from my lab to TerraSafe in 2024. The goal is to replace all PFAS coated food handling and packaging products with a new non-toxic sustainable alternative based on starches that performs better and costs less all over the world.
In 2025, TerraSafe abandoned its relationship with the inventor of the technology and subsequently developed issues with commercializing products. Apparently, the issue was rooted in securing a supply chain for high degree of substitution (DS) cationic and anionic starches needed for the products. This issue was explored in this project in the PI's lab. In 2025, a supplier of ~0.3 DS starches was identified (Royal Ingredients) but no supplier for high DS anionic starches was able to be identified. Specifically, these starches could not be provided by Cargill, Tate and Lyle, Roquette, Avebe and Royal Ingredients (anionic starches). A conversation was started with Ingredion and that is ongoing. Other starch manufacturers will be engaged if necessary. In order to deal with this issue, a new approach was explored: A cationic starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, anionic cellulose). A solid supply chain exists for CMC and several CMC products with different molecular weights were ordered from Ashland. Preliminary studies showed excellent complexation between the CMC and cationic starch. Coatings for PFAS free papers are now being developed using these new feedstocks for Solenis, a sustainable packaging company.
(2) Development of stable thermoplastic starches for molded products
This is a new project with Jadex, an industry leader in sustainable compostable cutlery. We are exploring plasticized starch and starch-CMC based thermoplastic compositions for molded cutlery products. We have done baseline production scale runs on simple starches and plan to move into starch-CMC composites in 2026.
(3) Development of a PFAS coating replacement for textiles based on non-toxic surfactants.
A prototype was developed while working with Tanatex, global chemical company who supplies chemicals to the textiles industry. A major obstacle identified was the solvent used and in 2024, we developed a process that worked in 100% water, meeting the company's sustainability and safety needs. A patent was submitted. We continued in 2025 to improve the coating. We continue to work with Tanatex to optimize. This year we also developed a new architecture of the coating and are exploring whether it is viable or can improve performance. It is in process. If it does, another patent will be filed on the new composition.
(4) Development of a new medium for soilless plant growth.
A new stable insoluble soilless media was developed in 2024 in the form of a foam consisting of potato starch and montmorillonite. It can be made in the form of pellets or shapes such as a pot. Preliminary data suggests that the foam performs better than even nutrient enriched peat. A patent was filed in 2024. We continued to study this new composition in 2025 and worked with the Penn State Plastics Processing Laboratory which contains volume production extrusion equipment to develop a volume manufacturing process. We were able to demonstrate the production of the medium using extrusion. More optimization of the manufacturing process and composition is needed.
(5) Development of a new hemostatic foam.
A new hemostatic foam for biomedical applications had been previously developed. In 2024, significant effort was invested into developing a business plan that would lay the foundation for a license or new start-up company. I and others participated in an NSF ICorp program. A major producer of wound care and other biomedical products was engaged and they have expressed interest in working with Penn State to either license or collaborate on a new start-up company, including providing all financial investment needed.
In 2025 I participated in a National NSF ICorp program and built a team including a CEO, Director of Research and FDA specialists. We have developed a business plan and a new company will be formed in early 2026. We have settled on a form factor and plan to pursue first the traumatic wound market than surgical wound market.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
The scientific community benefited from the information contained in peer-reviewed publications. Other stakeholders including industry benefited from the opportunities to license technology and develop new business opportunities to produce improved sustainable agriculturally derived products that benefit society. Students benefited by having the opportunity and experience of conducting research and translating it by working with companies.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The broader public will benefit most from the products developed. The paperboard coating to replace toxic PFAS chemicals used in food and other packaging will benefit human and environmental health. The textile coating to replace toxic PFAS chemicals used in clothing, upholstery, carpets and other products will also benefit human and environmental health. The hemostatic foam developed will save lives and benefit people with improved wound care including traumatic wounds, surgical wounds, chronic wounds and everyday wounds. The soilless media will benefit people and the environment by enabling improved urban farming, greenhouse food production, and consumer plant growing and the elimination of the need to harvest peat and use synthetic soilless media like rockwool that is bad for our soil.
Comments
The major problem experienced is the availability of funding to support the critical stage of translating research to product development. Over the years I have received many proposal rejections based on the assessment that we have essentially developed a given technology, and we should be seeking industrial support for further funding to create a product. But this feedback lacks an understanding of how industry translates technology. Industry does not want to do the development work to take research and create a product.
They want the product demonstrated so they can invest into taking the product to the market and establishing manufacturing, etc., which also often has a development activity. This critical region I am referring to is often referred to as "the Valley of Death". Funding is needed to support this area in addition to basic research. Please understand, I feel strongly that there needs to be ample funding for basic research as it provides the critical space for the exploration of new ideas that lay the foundation for new products. But to make an impact, there needs to be support throughout the arc of translational research. I believe one misconception is that there is limited scientific scholarship within this translational space. This is rarely the case. When a scientist or engineer begins working with industry to translate a discovery, they will typically encounter new problems that require research to solve. These new problems are often not anticipated by the researcher who is working in a laboratory environment or under some conditions that do not reflect how a real products would be manufactured or even used by a consumer. The bottom line is that translation of research leads to new research and that research enables translation and the subsequent impact. This "translation research" is an obstacle for industry but a great opportunity for government support to help technologies cross the valley of death and make the kind of impact government agencies seek to make for the public.
I have worked on this extensively in 2025 and want to add that what is also missing is business development guidance. We need a translation system that includes dynamic translation teams whose operation aligns with current translation team science. This includes a translation leader and a business development leader in addition to the researcher, who needs to be involved throughout the translation arc.
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
More than a decade ago, Penn State researchers set out to develop a biobased alternative to Styrofoam. They created a material composed of potato starch, glycerol, water, and chitosan, which is derived from shellfish such as shrimp and crabs. The resulting foam was strong, absorbent, and flexible. Conversations with doctors at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center revealed a promising new application: the material could potentially stop bleeding in traumatic wounds.
To refine the product, the team collaborated with trauma surgeons to ensure that the material could be compressed, inserted into irregularly shaped wounds, and expand to fill the space. Early testing involved cadavers with simulated battlefield injuries, followed by animal studies to evaluate the material's ability to stop bleeding. Seed funding from the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences enabled the team to generate preliminary data, which led to a U.S. Army grant supporting further testing.
Scaling up production introduced new challenges. Manufacturing at larger volumes required reformulation to improve material stability. The product can be packed into a wound, where it expands, promotes clotting and is gradually absorbed by the body. Unlike some existing materials, it can also be removed without disrupting the blood clot or surrounding tissue. The researchers recently completed the National Science Foundation I-Corps program, whose aim is to help scientists translate scientific discoveries into marketable products. They assembled a commercialization team with support from Penn State entrepreneurial specialists. They are initially targeting the traumatic wound care market, and possibly later the surgical and chronic wound care market, such as for diabetic ulcers. The long-term vision includes use by emergency responders and potentially in home first-aid kits. With support from a College of Agricultural Sciences Land Grant Impact Fellowship, the team is now advancing toward U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, a key milestone on the path to commercialization.
Critical Issue - Fostering a Positive Future for Youth, Families, & Communities
Shedding light on underappreciated determinants of farm families' health and safety outcomes and their desired solutions
Project Director: Florence Becot
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7008885
2025 report
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
Farmers and their families experience high rates of farm incidents and physical and mental health challenges. While most research and extension efforts have focused on changing knowledge and behaviors to promote health and safety practices, much less is known about farm families' capacity and willingness to adopt these practices, their preferred solutions, and the influence of their living environment. This capacity project seeks to fill these gaps by examining: 1) farm families' health and safety strategies, 2) the social, economic, and policy factors shaping these strategies, and 3) solutions they desire to ease health and safety challenges.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
This project has three objectives. In year 1, progress to meet these objectives occurred through work on the farmer mental health help-seeking strategies project (Project 1).
Objective 1. Explore farm families' lived realities, meeting their health and safety needs
Interviews were conducted with 53 farmers between January and May 2025. Two rounds of coding were done on the transcripts (round 1: May-July 2025, round 2: August– September 2025). The team has since been conducting data analysis using directed content and thematic analyses to: 1) inform the design of the farmer survey instrument (see objective 2) and 2) develop a manuscript describing farmers’ lived realities meeting their mental health needs.
Objective 2. Assess the role played by social, economic, and policy factors in shaping farm families' ability and willingness to adopt health and safety practices.
The survey instrument was developed between August and December 2025 using a two- pronged approach: 1) Drawing on the literature and existing survey instruments connected to farmers' help-seeking, farm persistence, mental health care, and farm safety and 2) Data from 53 farmer interviews. The survey includes a mix of 61 closed and open-ended questions about financial and mental health challenges, resources used when experiencing challenges, perceptions of economic and social vitality of communities, and the local healthcare landscape. The survey instrument was then revised using feedback from 10 peers with expertise in agricultural health and safety, behavioral health, and extension programming, and 12 farmers. Deployment of the mixed-mode survey was also planned in collaboration with sample provider, Penn State Print and Mail center, and RedCap consultant. The survey is on track to be sent to 13K farmers in January 2026, per the original plan.
Objective 3. Explore the type of solutions desired by farm families to ease their ability to meet their health and safety needs.
Coding of the transcripts of the 53 farmer interviews also included a focus on their use of programs and resources when experiencing financial and mental health challenges, along with their perspectives around acceptability, accessibility, and affordability of these solutions. Data analysis will begin next year.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Farmers are the primary target audience in the early stages of this capacity project and 53 engaged directly as part of their participation in the interviews. Several shared the benefits that they experienced as a result of their participation. For example, one farmer wrote the following upon signing up to participate in the study: "I'm a rancher in South Dakota. Thank you for doing these well-being surveys." During the interviews, many shared their gratitude for this topic being discussed and a hope for policy and cultural change after shedding light on the financial and mental health challenges that farmers face. Further, when asked to support our research team by testing the survey before deployment, one farmer stated, "I'd love to. This subject is very near and dear to me. Unfortunately, in the last 6 months I have had 3 friends under the age of 35 take their life. So I am very willing to do anything I can to help."
Finally, farmers who attended Penn State's larger summer farm show expressed appreciation for research studying the underlying stressors that shape farmers' mental health.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
Work on the farmer mental health help-seeking project that began before this capacity grant provided several opportunities to share research findings with the broader public, including government agencies, farm organizations, farm service providers, health service providers, and researchers. This included the publication of one peer-reviewed article and the delivery of eight invited presentations to state, national, and international audiences reaching about 628 people. This also included two podcasts episodes and four presentations at academic conferences, including a keynote address.
Most recently, findings were presented through a national webinar sponsored by three of the four USDA-funded Regional Rural Development Centers. 157 people registered and 62 attended the live webinar. The overall rating score of the webinar on the post-survey was 4.63 out of 5.00. One participant shared, "I'm glad I joined in. I'm working in a rural healthcare setting. We have a program available to 65+ population in rural areas. It's an intensive outpatient program to help those in need. Financial responsibility is a huge factor in patients wanting to be in the program but can't afford to." When asked what they found most useful about the webinar, another participant added, "It is reinforcing my decision to focus on farmers as the population I want to serve in my future clinical role."
Comments
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments: In 2024, 19 people died of injuries suffered in farm-related incidents in Pennsylvania. The Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health Extension Program tracks and analyzes these incidents through its Pennsylvania Farm Fatal Injury Summary to identify hazards and guide safety training and outreach.
The 2024 total is lower than the 25-year average of 28 deaths per year, but fatalities vary widely year to year and are likely underreported because injuries are not consistently tracked. The victims came from 16 counties, with Lancaster and York reporting more than one death.
As in previous years, fatal incidents disproportionately affected young children and older adults. A quarter of the victims were under age 10, and almost half were 65 or older. More than 80% were male. Most victims (74%) were working at the time, but five young children—not working—were killed, primarily by farm equipment.
It's critical to supervise children and keep them away from hazards, but many families face challenges such as limited child care. Penn State Extension promotes practical strategies, including:
- teaching children to recognize hazards
- setting clear boundaries around high-risk areas
- using age-appropriate safety guidelines for farm tasks
Off-road and industrial vehicles remain the leading cause of farm fatalities in Pennsylvania, accounting for more than half of deaths. Seven victims died in tractor incidents, often overturns, on tractors that do not have a rollover protection structure (ROPS). Financial assistance for retrofits is available through Pennsylvania's partnership with the National ROPS Rebate Program, which Extension helps publicize.
Other fatal incidents involved equipment contact or compression (~25%), such as being struck by a piece of machinery, silo collapse, or tree fall. Animal-related incidents accounted for 12% of deaths.
Penn State Extension plays a key role in raising awareness and reducing risk of farm injuries across the state. Its agricultural safety and health program provides:
- workshops and on-farm training sessions
- online courses, videos, and fact sheets
- outreach on equipment safety, animal handling, and emergency preparedness
- guidance on personal protective equipment and child safety
Extension educators translate fatality data into targeted prevention efforts, helping farmers, families, and communities adopt safer practices.
Intergenerational strategies for promoting productive aging, supporting families, and strengthening communities
Project Director: Matthew Kaplan
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7005526
Annual Report 2025
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
During this reporting period, the project identified ways to address persistent gaps in evidence, coordination, and capacity in order to establish intergenerational (IG) interventions found to be effective in promoting health and well-being across the lifespan. Through continued IG scholarship, outreach education, and program development, the project responds to ongoing community and family challenges, including the needs of kinship and grandparent caregivers and the creation of more age-inclusive communities.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
Major project activities advanced intergenerational scholarship, outreach education, and program development through publications, presentations, pilot initiatives, and teaching. Scholarly outputs included a co-authored chapter in The Oxford Handbook of Intergenerational Connections; two peer-reviewed journal articles addressing multilevel IG practice and international IG engagement; and a practitioner-oriented article published in CSA News and Crops & Soils Magazine.
Knowledge dissemination and capacity-building occurred through national and international presentations, webinars, and guest lectures, including invited talks at the 2025 Generations United Global Intergenerational Conference, an international symposium organized by HelpAge India, and a Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development webinar highlighting rural intergenerational living pilots. Additional guest lectures were delivered across multiple universities, including Penn State, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Illinois State University, integrating IG perspectives into design, human development, and agricultural education curricula.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
The project's target audiences span multiple disciplines, sectors, and geographic contexts, including Extension educators, community planners, social service providers, designers, faculty, and program administrators. Project activities were intentionally tailored to participants’ disciplinary backgrounds, sector-specific needs, and cultural contexts to support practical application of intergenerational strategies.
Audiences benefited through increased knowledge, applied tools, and context-specific frameworks for designing, implementing, and evaluating IG initiatives. Examples include centering health and wellness outcomes in training for social workers at a nonprofit end-of-life care organization, and emphasizing intergenerational community planning and placemaking strategies when working with design professionals.
Ongoing engagement with multiple Penn State Extension teams (including Relatives as Parents Program, Leadership and Community Vitality, and Food, Families and Health), collaboration with international and Commonwealth campus partners, guest teaching, graduate committee service, and one-on-one consultations further supported capacity- building and program development among practitioners and educators.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The broader public benefited through increased access to evidence-informed intergenerational practices and examples that promote community well-being and civic engagement. Findings and applications from pilot projects, case reports, and intergenerational curricular resources were shared through conference presentations, community and statewide news outlets, podcasts, media interviews, and public-facing educational events.
Public visibility of intergenerational approaches was further amplified through recognition and dissemination efforts, including receipt of the 2025 Cross-Program Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals for rural Pennsylvania pilot projects addressing depopulation and community vitality. Resulting news coverage, project briefs, and invited presentations expanded public awareness of intergenerational strategies for strengthening families, communities, and local planning efforts.
Comments
Impact statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments: Penn State Extension’s Leadership and Community Vitality team is strengthening community capacity in rural Pennsylvania by building meaningful connections across generations. Through a cross- program effort that integrates the Extension Food, Families, and Communities unit, 4-H, and community development partners, the initiative brings together youth, older adults, and local stakeholders to address shared challenges such as depopulation, declining services, and social isolation.
Working in Ridgway (Elk County) and Freeport (Armstrong County), the team developed and tested a five-phase engagement framework for intergenerational community planning. The process emphasizes relationship-building, shared learning, and collaborative project development rooted in local identity and place. Activities such as asset mapping, cross- generational interviews, walking tours, and community visioning sessions created opportunities for residents of all ages to share perspectives and co-design solutions. This approach has led to visible outcomes. In Ridgway, teenagers and older adults collaborated to create a parade float celebrating the community's 250th anniversary, raising awareness of intergenerational engagement. The local senior center is working to expand programming to regularly include youth. A 4-H club and the senior center collaborated on technology-sharing activities that built mutual skills and understanding. In Freeport, the initiative strengthened connections among local organizations, such as Kiwanis, arts groups, businesses, and the local school districts, improving cooperation on community projects and increasing the community's ability to coordinate and act collectively.
A key finding is the importance of local champions—consistent leaders who help coordinate efforts, sustain momentum, and connect partners. The team also found that beginning with shared "identity anchors," such as local traditions and places, helps bridge generational divides and ground new ideas in community experience. Youth participants contributed forward-looking perspectives, while older adults provided historical context and social networks to support implementation.
Beyond individual projects, the initiative is strengthening social infrastructure—the relationships, organizations, and shared spaces that support long-term community resilience. The extension team is finalizing an 80-page curriculum to help other communities adopt the intergenerational building model, and early results have already generated interest from other Pennsylvania communities.
The project received national recognition as a 2025 Cross-Program Award winner from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, highlighting its innovative, collaborative approach. Relatives as Parents Program offers educational resources and support groups Nationwide, more than 2.5 million children are in kinship care, being cared for by relatives, keeping them out of the foster care system. Nearly 90,000 grandparents in Pennsylvania are raising their grandchildren because their parents are unable to. These children have usually experienced severe trauma in their lives. Many of these grandparents are thrust into the situation with little preparation.
The Relatives as Parents Program focuses on meeting the needs of kinship caregivers. The team hosted nine virtual Kinship Family Forums with 224 registrants on topics that help caregivers achieve healthier lifestyles, cope with grief, enhance their parenting skills, navigate legal issues, improve communication, make informed financial decisions, and increase awareness of resources. Events were recorded and posted on the website for future interested families. Participants included grandparents, educational professionals, health and human service providers, and community organizers. The participants reported that they gained a better understanding of kinship care families.
Educators created fact sheets with helpful information and resources and developed a curriculum for kinship family support groups. The Caring for Our Kin curriculum, designed for group leaders or organizations offering services to kinship families, continued to be piloted with organizations across the United States. The team conducted seven Kinship Cafes, with 95 registrants, as an online meeting space for users of the Caring for Our Kin curriculum. Through the forums and cafés, kinship caregivers benefit not only from expert guidance but also from the validation of their lived experiences and the connections they form with peers and professionals.
The lessons learned—particularly the importance of flexible delivery methods, collaboration with partners across sectors, and intentional spaces for caregiver voices— may be useful for other kinship caregiver initiatives as they design or expand their own programs.
Closing Out (end date 07/15/2026)
Supporting Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families through Dissemination and Implementation Science
Project Director: Daniel F Perkins
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 1026653
Promoting smooth Military-to-Civilian Transition
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a major life adjustment as the military's structure meets basic needs and forges a cohesive identity of its members through a regimented and communal lifestyle. As Service members transition, they navigate civilian life with a required self-sufficiency that contrasts with the culture and social identity they experienced during military service. Their families too also must adapt to this new non- military lifestyle, which can be stressful.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
There were several major activities conducted over the year that progressed us toward our aim of supporting service members, veterans, and their families .
- The launching of an empirically-based, comprehensive, veteran-focused well-being screener. This screener measures veterans’ risks and the support veterans need to enhance their transition and maintain their well-being. Moreover, this tool provides guidance to veteran-serving providers through the use of an empirical-tested screener that informs their investment decisions as they choose the best program components to support veterans.
- Since 2022 we have been actively engaged in an initiative to enhance the quality of non- partisan, evidence-informed policy that benefits Service members and veterans in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We have built a strong foundation that has culminated in the development of three veteran-policy priorities: data-driven decision-making, attracting and retaining veterans in PA, and resource navigation. In collaboration with local, county, and state leaders, the Clearinghouse has shared findings, shaped discussions, and supported action by offering timely, objective insights grounded in research. To date, we have created evidence-informed briefings, tailored technical assistance, and increased demand for our expertise. In December, we hosted our inaugural Veteran's Solution Forum at the PA state building in Harrisburg. The event focused on practical, tested models to help military medics rapidly transition into civilian healthcare roles, aiming to address the state's critical workforce shortages.
- We are currently conducting a rigorous evaluation of veterans' participation in four veteran-serving non-profit programs (Hire Heroes USA, Hiring Our Heroes, VetJobs, and Onward to Opportunity [collectively, "Programs"]). The project is a collaboration among representatives from the four above-named Programs. The evaluation employs a quasi-experimental approach using a sample of veterans from a longitudinal study as a comparison group to conduct rigorous evaluations. This design capitalizes on existing resources and increases the rigor of evaluation through propensity-matched comparison groups.
- We are continuing to support The Heinz Endowments' Veterans and Military Families Initiative (THE-VMFI) through three primary efforts: evaluating the Initiative, researching emerging veteran issues, and providing evaluation support to grantees. The findings from this effort culminate into several products, including an evaluation report, infographics, and presentations. Applied research activities include conducting comprehensive reviews of the empirical and gray literature related to emerging veteran issues, analysis of TVMIdata, and collaboration with other veteran partners to expand the use of data and problem-solving strategic solutions. As part of this effort, we also administer a needs assessment of veterans in the Pittsburgh region to identify the current needs of transitioned Post 9/11 veterans as well as the needs of newly transitioning veterans. Finally, we provide evaluation support to THE grantees through data analysis, evaluability assessment, development of robust evaluation plans, and implementation support for collecting evaluation data.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
First, understanding the challenges associated with the military-to-civilian transition can be adapted to the transition that civilian working adults have as they meet their own life transitions. Second, this effort is improving the government, at all levels, in its effectiveness and efficiency by implementing and maintaining programs that directly assist servicemembers, veterans, and their families through the military-to-civilian transition. Finally, the findings related to improving well-being are advancing our understanding of prevention and promotion with practical guidance as to how to advance humankind.
Comments
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
For the newest generation of U.S. veterans, transitioning to civilian life can pose significant challenges. Post-9/11veterans are younger and more diverse, and they face higher rates of trauma, mental health conditions, underemployment, and service-connected disabilities. To address these issues, researchers created an online assessment tool that helps veteran-serving organizations identify risks and deliver targeted support.
Developed by the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, with support from the May and Stanley Smith Foundation and federal capacity funding through USDA, the free Veteran Transition Screener (VTS) helps health care providers select personalized, evidence-based interventions. The findings were published in the Consulting Psychology Journal.
Each veteran brings unique experiences, strengths, and challenges to the transition process. The VTS gives providers a research-backed way to understand those differences and connect veterans with appropriate supports.
The VTS builds on findings from The Veterans Metrics Initiative (TVMI), a long-term study of nearly 10,000 post-9/11 veterans over more than 6 years after they left the military. Using data on employment, education, finances, health, and relationships, the VTS allows providers to screen across key areas.
The VTS links risk to real-world outcomes, helping providers move quickly from assessment to action. Unlike earlier tools, it uses predictive models from TVMI data to match a veteran’s profile—such as demographic, service, and health factors—to risk factors for poor transition outcomes. Each veteran receives a personalized report with targeted recommendations, such as resume help, education credit transfer, peer support, or mental health services.
The VTS can be customized and takes less than 20 minutes. All users complete core sections, and providers can add sections based on individual needs.
A 2022 pilot study with two veteran-serving organizations tested the tool with 32 veterans. Results showed that:
- about one-third of respondents reported difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
- 72% had combat deployments, 66% reported traumatic brain injury symptoms or moral injury, and
- 61% experienced adverse childhood experiences.
- 80% of veterans were employed full time, but more than one-third felt underemployed.
- 62% held a bachelor's degree or higher, and 59% were pursuing higher education.
- 37% reported financial trouble, and most carried debt.
- 64% reported ongoing physical or mental health problems.
- 7% experienced persistent social isolation.
Providers reported that the tool was easy to use, flexible, and a minimal burden for participants.
The VTS is based on post-9/11 veterans within three to four years of leaving service, but the researchers are working to validate the tool for other groups.
Critical Issue - Promoting Environmental Resilience
Conservation of Pennsylvania Biodiversity
Project Director: Julian Avery
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7007269
2025 Annual Report
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
We are working to understand anthropogenic impacts on species variety, including threatened and endangered turtle species. We are currently working in the Delaware River National Parks and northeastern forests of Pennsylvania.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
In two projects, we are working to understand how human habitat use influences species of conservation concern. In the Delaware River National Parks, we have completed two field seasons on turtle distributions to assess species composition and abundance. This information will help us understand where species are located and how human recreation could impact population success. In Pennsylvania forests, we are working to understand how different types of forest management impact habitat for declining reptiles. Our work shows the importance of managing forests for a range of goals and outcomes, including the design of forest openings that benefit both species of concern and game species.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Our work is currently under analysis and not ready for summary and distrubution.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The species we are studying are an important part of our natural heritage. The public will benefit when habitat management can be informed by our work, ensuring abundant species for recreation and their ecological services. We will work with the PA Game Commission and the National Park Service to incorporate our findings into future management plans and protocols.
Comments
Impact statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
Flathead catfish—native to the Mississippi River basin—were first detected in the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania in 2002. Since then, this invasive species has spread throughout the basin.
The impact of the large predator on the rivers food web was unknown, but researchers recently learned what Susquehanna flatheads are eating and how they may affect native river species.
The findings, published in Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, can improve management of the waterway. Researchers from Penn State, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey reported that flabellate heads are opportunistic, voracious feeders that prey on dozens of aquatic species and have become top predators in the river. Some flatheads from Pennsylvania waters exceed 4 feet and 65 pounds, so they have strong potential to affect native fish populations.
In this first Mid-Atlantic diet study of flathead catfish, researchers analyzed 576 fish collected over two years; 241 had recoverable stomach contents. Using DNA extracted from those contents, they identified 47 prey species. Most occurred infrequently. The most common were rusty crayfish, margined madtoms—a small catfish of conservation concern—and shiners. Diet varied by size: flatheads over 24 inches primarily consumed fish, and smaller fish ate invertebrates and fish.
Flatheads are consuming recreationally important species, such as smallmouth bass, rockbass, channel catfish, and walleye, and species of conservation concern, such as blueback herring and margined madtom. These findings help identify which species may be most at risk.
An unexpected result was the high consumption of rusty crayfish—another invasive species that is displacing native crayfish in the Northeast. This highlights how multiple invasive species can interact and reshape ecosystems.
Identifying the diet of flathead catfish is a key first step toward understanding their ecosystem-level impacts as the species continues to expand.
Funding for this research was provided by Pennsylvania Sea Grant, the Penn State Commonwealth Research and Development Program, the Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species, and the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture.
Predicting resilience: Investigating the role of evolutionary history and life-history traits onbee responses to environmental change
Project Director: Margarita Lopez-Uribe
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7007321
Predicting resilience: Investigating the role of evolutionary history and life-history traits on bee responses to environmental change
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
We continued statewide monitoring of bee populations in Pennsylvania, which allowed us to document 65% of all bee species ever recorded in the state, including 12 species never before reported. These expanded datasets are now being used to build speciesdistribution models and identify the habitats most important for different bee species, helping us make strong progress toward understanding their ecology and resilience. This foundational information directly supports our goals of linking bee populations with life-history traits and identifying species that may be better adapted to environmental change.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Our project directly benefited our target audiences by engaging Master Gardener volunteers in hands-on bee monitoring, giving them the opportunity to help share science-based information with their communities. Collaboration with DCNR strengthened efforts to survey bee pollinators of rare plants across Pennsylvania, providing agencies with data critical for land management and conservation planning. In addition, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we are helping inform assessments of the conservation status of Pennsylvania's bees, ensuring that state and federal partners have up-to-date information to guide protection efforts.
Predicting resilience: Investigating the role of evolutionary history and life-history traits on bee responses to environmental change
Project Director: Margarita Lopez-Uribe
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7007321
Predicting resilience: Investigating the role of evolutionary history and life-history traits on bee responses to environmental change
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
Declines in bee species and crop pollination services—driven by habitat simplification,pesticide use, and shifting microenvironments—pose significant risks to agricultural productivity in Pennsylvania and beyond. Although some pollinator species persist or even thrive in agroecosystems, we lack a mechanistic understanding of the traits and genetics underlying this resilience. This project addresses this gap to inform breeding, management, and conservation strategies that strengthen species-based sustainability in agriculture.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
We continued statewide monitoring of bee populations in Pennsylvania, which allowed us to document 65% of all bee species ever recorded in the state, including 12 species never before reported. These expanded datasets are now being used to build speciesdistribution models and identify the habitats most important for different bee species, helping us make strong progress toward understanding their ecology and resilience. This foundational information directly supports our goals of linking bee populations with life-history traits and identifying species that may be better adapted to environmental change.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Our project directly benefited our target audiences by engaging Master Gardener volunteers in hands-on bee monitoring, giving them the opportunity to help share science-based information with their communities. Collaboration with DCNR strengthened efforts to survey bee pollinators of rare plants across Pennsylvania, providing agencies with data critical for land management and conservation planning. In addition, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we are helping inform assessments of the conservation status of Pennsylvania's bees, ensuring that state and federal partners have up-to-date information to guide protection efforts.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The broader public benefited from this project through improved understanding of the bees that support food production, ecosystems, and home gardens across Pennsylvania. By generating statewide data on bee species and habitat needs—and sharing this information through trained volunteers, state agencies, and conservation partnerships—we helped ensure that communities have access to reliable guidance on bee pollinators. These efforts ultimately support healthier ecosystems, better crop pollination, and more informed conservation decisions that benefit all Pennsylvanians.
Comments
Impact statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
Several hundred bees in rural Pennsylvania and New York are fitted with tiny QR codes on their backs. The tags track when bees enter and leave their hives, helping researchers understand how long honeybees spend foraging for food. The work is a first step toward solving a long-standing mystery: how far bees travel to collect pollen and nectar.
The study found that most trips outside the hive last just minutes, but a minority of bees spend more than two hours away. The research, published in the journal HardwareX, opens new opportunities to bee behavior, and has implications for organic beekeeping.
The bees move freely in and out of the hive, but are tracked by an automated imaging system at the entrance. The QR codes—smaller than a person’s pinky nail—carry identification information that the system logs, including time, direction of movement, and temperature. This approach allows researchers to collect far more data than manual observations.
Organic beekeeping avoids synthetic chemicals and requires hives to be placed away from polluted areas. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed, but did not adopt, standards requiring a 1.8-mile chemical-free buffer around hives deemed organic. Although honey bees can fly about 6 miles, the team hypothesized that most foraging trips were much shorter. Better data could help refine organic certification guidelines.
To build the system, entomologists collaborated with electrical engineers to create a solar-powered, open-source monitoring setup suitable for rural environments. All equipment is commercially available and costs less than $1,500 per apiary (six colonies).
Every two weeks, researchers tagged young worker bees—eventually more than 32,000 individuals. Young bees were chosen because they are easier to handle and can be tracked from the start of their foraging life. Sensors recorded each bee's ID and movement, as well as environmental conditions.
Most trips lasted one to four minutes, and longer trips were typically under 20 minutes. However, 34% of tagged bees spent more than two hours away, which may reflect long foraging trips, failure to return, or missed detections. During periods with fewer flowers, bees spent more time foraging.
This study suggests that bees may live longer than previously thought. Earlier estimates put lifespan at about 28 days, but tagged bees were observed foraging for up to six weeks after beginning flight, and they don’t start foraging until they are about two weeks old.
Next, researchers plan to track other bee species and roles within the hive, such as drones and queens, to better understand colony dynamics.
Assessing the effects of conservation and beneficial reuse practices on PFAS and other emerging contaminants in high-priority Pennsylvania watersheds
Project Director: Heather Preisendanz
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7005711
Occurrence of PFAS and PPCPs in private wells in PA
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
More than 1 million private wells serve farms and rural homes throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA), providing potable water to approximately 3.5 million people in rural areas, with an estimated 20,000 new wells drilled annually. The Commonwealth does not have statewide construction standards for private wells, and therefore the types of wells used for potable water supply vary widely, from shallow hand-dug wells to deep wells protected by casing, and as a result, the majority of private wells in PA fail to meet at least one primary or secondary national drinking water standard. Rural residents are more vulnerable to poor drinking water quality than people on public water supplies, and the occurrence of PFAS and other emerging contaminants is understudied.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
Over a 3-year period (2021-2023), we ran a community-science campaign to test ~170private wells across PA for PFAS. The participants were recruited through Penn State Extension’s Master Well Owner Network (MWON) in fall 2021, 2022, and 2023 to sample their private wells for PFAS. About 20% of the wells were sampled over multiple years to assess temporal variability. Over the past year, we conducted a geospatial data analysis on the PFAS concentrations and developed a county-level map to identify regional hotspots for PFAS detection. This work also resulted in a peer-reviewed publication, several oral presentations and webinars, and Extension materials.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
This study evaluated geophysical and socioeconomic conditions within a more densely sampled region than previous studies to increase our understanding of PFAS contamination. Overall, 65% of the private wells sampled in the Commonwealth of PA were found to have detectable levels of PFAS, with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) detected most frequently, in 52% and 47% of the wells, respectively. Eighteen percent of the wells exceeded at least one health-related maximum contaminant level. The percentage of developed land and the Socioeconomic Score correlated positively with PFAS concentration for individual wells, and PFAS concentrations varied significantly between samplings. At the county level, developed land and total point sources were positively correlated with detection frequency, but the socioeconomic score was not. Results highlighted the importance of both temporal and spatial sampling to understand PFAS drivers. Targeted outreach and sampling of socioeconomically marginalized communities should be prioritized in future private well monitoring efforts. Additionally, the results have implications regarding prioritization of resource allocation for sampling, implementation of agricultural and rural best management practices, and development of other mitigation strategies.
Invited presentation:
Preisendanz, H. E. (November 18, 2025). "PFAS occurrence, transport, and impact in agroecosystems." Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School. Ocean City, MD. Invited. Regional.
Oral presentation:
Preisendanz, H. E. & Veith, T. L. (February 27, 2025). "PFAS fate and transport in agroecosystems and rural water supplies." PFAS Seminar Series, Penn State Institute for Sustainable, Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES), University Park, PA.Local.
Peer-reviewed publication:
Kosiarski, K., Veith, T. L., Kibuye, F. A., Fetter, J., Boser, S., Vanden Heuvel, J. P.,Thompson, C. L.,
& Preisendanz, H. E. (2025). Geospatial and socioeconomic factors of PFAS contamination in private water wells: Insights for monitoring and management. Journal of Environmental Management, 388: 125863. DOI:10.1016/j.envman.2025.125863
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The results of this sampling campaign were used to develop a county-scale risk map regarding where elevated levels of PFAS and other emerging contaminants are expected across the Commonwealth. The tool is being used to help Penn State Extension make recommendations to the broader public regarding whether or not a homeowner may want to sample their water for these contaminants or not. Additionally, the results have been disseminated to the general public through a webinar and Extension materials. We also presented the results of this study as part of a PFAS Forum held in Columbia County, PA. Members of the community are experiencing elevated levels of PFAS in their drinking water at levels up to 750 times higher than the current drinking water standards. As a result of the forum, some attendees reported feeling empowered to make informed decisions about managing PFAS risks. Some residents planned to seek water testing, while others left with reassurance knowing that the PFAS levels in their drinking water sources could be effectively managed by current treatment technologies when properly maintained.
Oral Presentation:
Preisendanz, H. E. & Kibuye, F. A. (November 21, 2025). "PFAS occurrence, transport, and impact in agroecosystems." Water Quality Insights Webinar Series, Penn State Extension, Virtual Webinar, Invited. State.
Extension materials:
Kosiarski, K., Kibuye, F. A., & Preisendanz, H. E. (2025). PFAS in Pennsylvania groundwater and factors influencing occurrence. Penn State Extension.
Kosiarski, K,, Kibuye, F. A., & Preisendanz, H. E. (2025). County-level summary of PFAS in Pennsylvania drinking water sources. Penn State Extension.
Comments
Describe and explain any major changes or problems encountered in approach:
TheEPA grant that was supporting this work was terminated early (April 2025 instead ofAugust 2025) and therefore although the approaches were not impacted, publication feesneeded to be covered from discretionary sources of funding. Had the grant not beenterminated early, the publication charges could have been covered by the grant.
Note opportunities for training and professional development if provided:
This research project provided training for one graduate student, Kelly Kosiarski, who began her PhD in the BioRenewable Systems program in Fall 2024.
Impact statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
In Pennsylvania, about 3.5 million people rely on private wells. To better understand potential groundwater contamination, a Penn State–led team conducted a three-year citizen science study of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—synthetic chemicals that can persist in the environment due to their unique structure—in 167 private wells.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, found that 65% (108of 167) of wells had detectable PFAS. About 18% (30 wells) exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water limits. All 20 tested PFAS compounds were detected at least once, and several appeared in nearly half of the wells.
Although PFAS were widespread, most levels were within federal standards and far lower than those reported in some heavily contaminated areas. Researchers noted that the levels detected are generally treatable with common household water-treatment technologies.
However, these results may not be representative of PFAS levels in all private wells in Pennsylvania, so concerned residents should have their water tested.
The highest concentrations of total measured PFAS were found in southeastern Pennsylvania. Many of the wells in which PFAS was not detected were in the central or western regions of the state. Wells near developed land were more likely to contain PFAS, and levels in individual wells could vary over time.
The connection between socioeconomic status and PFAS in wells was unexpected. Contrary to assumptions, the analysis showed no link between poverty and higher PFAS levels—actually, the opposite pattern appeared.
People often assume that lower-income areas face greater exposure to contaminants such as PFAS—for example, due to proximity to industrial sites. However, the study did not support this. Poverty showed a consistent inverse relationship with PFAS levels in private wells, suggesting that wealthier areas may have higher concentrations.
Researchers initially examined whether biosolids (treated sewage sludge used as fertilizer) contributed to PFAS contamination. But no clear link was found between PFAS levels and any single source, indicating that contamination likely comes from multiple pathways.
Private well owners were recruited through Penn State Extension's Master Well Owner Network, a program that trains volunteers in well management and water sampling. These volunteers have helped educate more than 60,000 well owners on proper construction, testing, and maintenance. In this study, participants collected water samples before anyin-home treatment.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, and the Penn State Cancer Institute funded this research.
Closing Out (end date 07/15/2026)
Landscape Transcriptomics as a New Tool for Natural Resources Management
Project Director: Jason Keagy
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 1026660
FFY25 Results Report for "Landscape transcriptomics as a new tool for natural resources management"
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
Although "landscape genetics" uses DNA sequence variation to identify landscape features affecting genetic connectivity and variability, it does a poor job of connecting genes, physiology, and landscape-level ecological processes. Transcriptomes, or snapshots of gene expression patterns, add key information about an organism's condition because gene expression patterns reflect reaction to stressors such as heat waves, disease, and poor nutrition. We will develop techniques we refer to as "landscape transcriptomics", the use of whole-genome gene expression data from many individuals across the landscape to address issues important to natural resources management.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
This year we conducted a lab experiment utilizing artificial streams to assess brook trout gene expression response to heatwaves under controlled conditions, addressing Objective 2 – experimental validation of candidate thermal stress biomarkers. Two different strains of brook trout were tested in two thermal environments and sampled repeatedly in the experimental streams.
We have also made significant progress on two new studies: 1) we are examining brown trout gene expression at three different time points in the year to assess how riparian buffer development (e.g., canopy cover) influences stress levels of fish, and 2) we are assessing gene expression in northern snakehead in lakes with low or high PFAS to understand how PFAS affects fish physiology and to determine potential biomarkers of PFAS exposure. These address Objective 1 – connecting gene expression to environmental variables. All samples have been collected from fish for both projects, RNA has been extracted, and sequencing will soon commence at which point analyses of the sequencing data can be completed.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
We have been working with and sharing data with the PA Fish and Boat Commission to improve fish management. We have also been sharing data and working with Clearwater Conservancy, a locally-formed, nationally-accredited land trust dedicated to conserving and restoring central Pennsylvania's natural resources through land conservation, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach. Over the last year, we have also forged partnerships with many private landowners.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
Our Master's students have been very active in public engagement. For example, Isaac Carachilo gave a presentation to the Little Juniata River Association as well as participated in the Halfmoon Field and Stream Day, hosted by ClearWater Conservancy, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Center County Conservation District. Isaac Carachilo and Matt Chotlos also gave Penn State Extension "Water Cooler" talks on riparian buffers and PFAS in lakes, respectively.
Comments
a. Describe and explain any major changes or problems encountered in your approach.
N/A
b. Opportunities for training and professional development if provided.
A postdoctoral research associate has been heavily involved in both Objectives 1 and 2and gave a talk at the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies meeting. The new Master's students presented their work at local meetings such as the 20th River Symposium at Bucknell University, where they won first and second best oral presentations. One of the Master's students gave an oral presentation at the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies meeting. Both Master's students have been heavily involved in outreach activities. Two undergraduate research assistants have beenheavily involved in sample collection and lab work.
c. Dissemination of results to communities of interest.
PI Keagy gave a talk at the Animal Behavior Society meeting in Baltimore, MD as well as an invited talk at the University of Rochester's Biology E2G2 Seminar. Master's students Isaac Carachilo and Matt Chotlos gave oral presentations at the 20th River Symposium at Bucknell University, and presented posters at the Penn State Water Conference. Isaac and our postdoc, Justin Waraniak also presented at the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies meeting at Bretton Woods, NH.
We published a paper addressing Objective 1 at Science of the Total Environment:
Waraniak, J., Batchelor, S.*, Wagner, T., and Keagy, J . 2025. Landscape transcriptomic analysis detects thermal stress responses and potential adaptive variation in wild brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) during successive heatwaves. Science of The Total Environment. 969: 178960.
Another paper addressing Objective 1 is in final stages of preparation:
Waraniak, J., White, S.L., Raines, C.D., Iwanowicz, L.R., Keagy, J, and Wagner, T. in prep for Evolutionary Applications. Quantifying inter-population and inter-individual variation in heat stress response mRNA expression profiles in wild brook trout Salvelinusfontinalis populations.
d. What the project or program plans to accomplish during the next reporting period to achieve the goals.
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
Scientists have known for years that brook trout—a recreationally important coldwater fish native to streams and lakes in the eastern U.S. and Canada—are highly vulnerable to warming temperatures. More than half of their habitats have been considered highly sensitive. Now, a study led by researchers at Penn State suggests that brook trout can mount a protective genetic response to thermal stress that can be passed to the next generation.
The study found that brook trout can acclimate to heat stress and increase tolerance to higher temperatures. During two heatwaves, gene-expression patterns were more pronounced in the second heatwave, suggesting that the first heatwave may have "primed" the response.
In findings published in Science of the Total Environment, the researchers reported that groups of genes related to immune response were upregulated, while those tied to oxygen transport were downregulated at higher water temperatures. These patterns were seen during two heatwaves in July and August 2022 in four small central Pennsylvania streams.
During FFY26 (until project end date), plans include submitting our initial 2021 brook trout study for publication (Objective 1), analyzing data from our experimental validation study and submitting it for publication (Objective 2), and completing data analysis of our new projects led by the two Master’s students (Objective 1).
Detecting these gene-expression fingerprints of thermal stress allowed the team to assess fish stress under real-world conditions. The team monitored temperatures and sampled 116 brook trout at multiple time points. Gene-expression patterns were consistent across streams.
The researchers identified 43 genes with consistent changes across both heatwaves, 42of which were linked to water temperature. Some, including those producing heat-shock proteins and cold-metabolism proteins, have been associated with temperature responses in other studies.
Brook trout begin to show reduced growth rate in water above 61°F and experience acute heat stress above 68°F, with critical limits near 84°F. Increasing extreme weather events are expected to shrink suitable habitat, especially when combined with land-use changes and competition from nonnative species.
Extreme weather events may be more important drivers of species decline than average temperature changes, posing a particular risk to cold-blooded animals whose body temperatures track their environment.
Studying fish in natural, variable conditions is complex. The researchers identified heatwaves using weather data and sampled fish at key points, including peak and recovery periods.
This study was among the first tests of landscape transcriptomics, an emerging field that uses gene-expression patterns to identify environmental stressors in wild animals. The findings demonstrate the value of this approach for understanding how species respond to short-term stress and may help predict how brook trout populations will respond to climate change.
This research was supported by grants from the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Critical Issue - Supporting Integrated Health Solutions
Understanding food choices, food pleasure, and consumer segmentation as a function of sensation, individual differences, and/or consumer attitudes and beliefs
Project Director: John Hayes
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 7006751
Results Report
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
Proper nutrition is essential to health, but the bioavailability of foods that are scraped into the trash is zero, which means that serving "nutritious" foods is a waste of time if the foods are not actually eaten. Accordingly, we work on 3 key research questions: (a) What do people like to eat, and why? (b) How do food preferences differ across people? (c) Can we formulate foods that preserve the pleasure from food while supporting healthful diets that are better aligned with nutritional guidelines?
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
This research program has two broad overarching goals. First, by better understanding factors that drive food preferences, we can enable food companies to make products that are better aligned with nutritional guidelines while still being enjoyable to eat. Second, we aim to train the next generation of industrial researchers who can balance the demands of reformulation for improved nutritional quality while not making products that consumers will refuse to eat. Since the initiation of the project in February 2024, we have made strong progress towards both of these goals, which are operationalized through the three specific research questions detailed above.
In the current reporting period (FY2025), we published peer reviewed papers on sour taste perception (D’Andrea et al. 2025a, 2025b), chili burn in a real world eating context (Cunningham & Hayes. 2025), sex differences in satiety mechanisms in children (Reigh etal. 2025), roasting and chocolate flavor (Loi et al. 2025), effect of particle size and salivary flow on fiber fortified beverages (Ma et al. 2025), and manipulation of eating rate andenergy intake of lunch meals (Cunningham, Smith, & Hayes. 2025).
In terms of workforce training, two BS students completed honors theses, graduated, and obtained industrial positions, (Polyak, Czyszczon), and three MS students graduated (D’Andrea, Tankard, Wiggins), two of whom obtained industrial positions. Also, a December 2024 doctoral graduate (Ma) obtained an industrial position in 2025, and one postdoc obtained a tenure track faculty position (Cunningham).
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
As noted in the original project proposal, there is a chronic shortage of formally trained Sensory & Consumer Scientists, so successful graduation and employment of trainees with these skills directly addresses this stakeholder need. Separately, our work on our on-sourcing perception, satiety, eating rate, and food intake all received specific interest from industrial partners and/or mass media. Finally, Dr. Hayes gave five invited or plenary talks at national or international meetings.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
Our work on texture perception, texture manipulation, and eating rate and energy intake may inform policy-making related to dietary guidelines and ultra-processed foods. Also, our work on sourness perception, eating behavior, and food intake each received national media coverage.
Comments
Peer Reviewed Papers
D'Andrea, A., Hopfer, H., & Hayes, J. E. (2025). Consumer segmentation for sourness: exploring perception, liking, personality, and intake. Food Quality & Preference (137:105811). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2025.105811
Cunningham, P. M., & Hayes, J. E. (2025). Minimal sensitization to repeated capsaicin exposure during consumption of a real food. Physiology & Behavior 301: 115066. DOI:10.1016/j.physbeh.2025.115066
Reigh, N. A., Rolls, B. J., Baney, B., Francis, L. A., Buss, K. A., Hayes, J. E., Hetherington,M. M., Moding, K., Kling, S., & Keller, K. L. (2025). Effects of apple form on satiety in 4-6year-old children: possible evidence of sex differences. Appetite 216: 108269. DOI:10.1016/j.appet.2025.108269,
D’Andrea, A., Hopfer, H., & Hayes, J. E. (2025). Perception of citric acid and citrate salt mixtures in humans. Chemical Senses (50:bjaf017). DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaf017
Loi, C., McClure, A., Hayes, J. E., & Hopfer, H. (2025). Olfaction modulates taste attributes in different types of chocolate. Food Quality and Preference 132: 105584. DOI:10.1016/j.foodqual.2025.105584
Cunningham, P. M., Smith, I. M., & Hayes, J. E. (2025). Increasing the spiciness of a lunch meal influences oral processing behaviors and decreases food and energy intake. Food Quality and Preference 131: 105566. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2025.105566,
Ma, K. K., Etter, N., & Hayes, J. E. (Author) (2025). Effect of Salivary Flow Rate, Particle Size, and Concentration on Sensations and Liking for Fiber-Fortified Beverages. Journal of Texture Studies e70009. DOI: 10.1111/jtxs.70009.
Media coverage
"Are food preferences determined by Nature or Nurture?" The Nourished Child, with Jill Castle. 7 August 2025.
"6 Tricky Foods That Affect Your Sense of Taste" Reader's Digest. 25 July 2025.
"The Surprising Health Benefits of Spicy Food" Time Magazine. 17 June 2025.
"Making this single change to your food can help you eat less overall — how to do it?" New York Post. 2 June 2025.
"How to Feel Fuller for Longer – Why New Science Says Chillis Help You Eat Less." Men's Health. 29 May 2025. https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/food-drink/a64914232/spicy-food-healthy/
Invited or Plenary Talks
Hayes, J. E. (August 21, 2025). "Faster and Cheaper Aren't Always Better: Sensory & Consumer Science in the Age of Tech, Machine Learning, and AI," Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. International Audience.
Hayes, J. E. (July 31, 2025). "All Mixed Up: a Sensory Scientist's view of food formulation and eating behavior," Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior (SSIB), Oxford, UK.International.
Hayes, J. E. (May 13, 2025). "Increasing oral burn of a lunch meal influences oral processing and affects energy intake," Food Oral Processing, Valencia, Spain.International.
Hayes, J. E. (April 25, 2025). "Playing with fire: if it hurts, why do we keep eating it?" Association for Chemoreception Sciences (AChemS), Ft Myers. National.
Hayes, J. E. (January 20, 2025). "Using mixed methods to understand pork consumption habits in GenZ consumers," FoodFluence, Berlin, Germany. International.
Impact Statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
Adding a little heat to meals may help reduce calorie intake, according to a new Penn State–led study. Scientists examined how increasing "oral burn"—the spicy sensation from ingredients such as chili pepper—affects how much people eat. The findings, published in the journal Food Quality and Preference, suggest that slightly spicier meals led participants to eat less.
Previous research shows that people who eat more slowly tend to consume fewer calories. The team suspected that spicier foods would slow eating and tested this idea.
Results confirmed that increasing spiciness with dried chili pepper reduced eating speed and total intake without lowering how much participants liked the food. This suggests that adding chilies could be a simple strategy to help prevent overeating. Portion control was not the main goal, but the findings indicate it may be an added benefit.
The study included three experiments with 130 adults. Participants were served either beef chili or chicken tikka masala in mild or spicy versions. Researchers adjusted heat levels by varying hot versus sweet paprika while keeping flavor consistent.
Participants were video-recorded during meals to measure eating behaviors, including intake, eating speed, bite size, and meal duration. Researchers also collected ratings of appetite, liking, and spiciness before and after eating.
Participants who ate spicier meals ate more slowly, which likely explains the reduced intake. Slower eating keeps food in the mouth longer, helping signal fullness and leading people to eat less. Meal enjoyment was not reduced.
Water consumption did not differ between spicy and mild meals, suggesting that drinking more water did not drive lower food intake. Appetite ratings before and after meals were also similar, indicating that participants still felt full despite eating less.
The findings highlight how small changes in food characteristics, such as adding "heat" through spice, can influence eating behavior and calorie intake.
This work was supported by the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, the McCormick Science Institute, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Animal Microbiomes in a One-Health Perspective: Leveraging technology to work towards sustainable and safe production of animal-based foods.
Project Director: Erika Ganda Ricotta
Organization: Penn State University Park
Accession Number: 1023328
Final Report - FY 2025 - 4752 - Microbiomes Hatch Final Result
In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe the issue or problem that your project addresses.
This project addressed the need to better understand how animal microbiomes influence health, productivity, and microbial exposures across food systems. A key challenge is developing reliable, scalable methods to characterize microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance in both animals and their environments. Resolving these gaps enables more effective decision-making for agricultural stakeholders who rely on timely, actionable microbiome-based evidence.
Briefly describe in non-technical terms how your major activities helped you achieve, or make significant progress toward, the goals and objectives described in your non-technical summary.
During this reporting period, we advanced microbiome characterization and AMR surveillance in multiple food-animal systems through invited presentations, workshops, and collaborative research outputs. These activities included the dissemination of new findings on Salmonella Dublin evolution, the impact of host-associated probiotics on multidrug-resistant Salmonella, and cross-species microbiome dynamics, as well as providing international training on laboratory and sequencing approaches. Collectively, these efforts supported the project's objective of translating microbiome and AMR insights into tools and frameworks that improve animal health and production outcomes.
Briefly describe how your target audience benefited from your project's activities.
Producers, veterinarians, public health analysts, and researchers benefited from updated evidence on microbiome-AMR interactions in cattle, poultry, household dogs, and broader One Health systems. Stakeholders gained practical knowledge through invited seminars (e.g., USDA PAG 32, CDC NARMS), international workshops, and dissemination of peer- reviewed studies that offer actionable insights on pathogen monitoring, microbiome management, and AMR mitigation. These activities strengthened their capacity to assess risks and adopt data-driven strategies in clinical and production settings.
Briefly describe how the broader public benefited from your project's activities.
The broader public benefited from research and outreach that support safer and more robust food-animal systems. By improving understanding of microbial risks and identifying strategies to reduce the spread of resistant pathogens, the project contributes to public health protection and informed decision making among stakeholders. Public-facing engagements, including podcasts and webinars, helped translate complex microbiome science into accessible, relevant information for consumers and community health.
Comments
Across FY 2025, the project generated substantial training, dissemination, and stakeholder-engagement impacts. Multiple peer-reviewed publications advanced understanding of microbial ecology, AMR mechanisms, and host–microbiome interactions across species relevant to food systems. International and national invited presentations, including at the University of São Paulo, PAG 32, and McGill University’s metagenomics symposium, expanded the project’s reach and facilitated cross-institutional scientific exchange. Hands-on microbiome workshops provided practical laboratory and sequencing training to students and professionals, strengthening both domestic and international capacity in microbiome science and AMR surveillance. Public-facing webinars and podcasts further disseminated research insights to nonacademic audiences. These activities collectively strengthened professional development opportunities, expanded collaborative networks, and accelerated translation of microbiome research into applications supporting animal health and food-system robustness.
Pertinent FY25 Activities (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025)
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Kenney SM, M'ikanatha NM, Ganda E. (2025). Genomic evolution of Salmonella Dublin in cattle and humans in the United States. Appl Environ Microbiol91:e00689-25. doi.org/10.1128/aem.00689-25
Siddique A., Ali R., Andleeb S., Akbar S., Hafeez Z., Imran M., Van Syoc E., Yue M., Ganda E., & Rahman A. (2025). Host-associated probiotics Lactobacillus reuteri and Enterococcus faecium mitigate multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica in broiler chicks. Microbial Pathogenesis, 107859. doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107859
Ginnan N., Crandall S. G., Imchen M., Dini-Andreote F., Miyashiro T. I., Singh V., Ganda E., & Bordenstein S. R. (2025). Ecologically expanding the One Health framework to unify the microbiome sciences. mBio, 16(6), e03147-24. DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03147-24
Kenney S. M., M’ikanatha N. M., & Ganda E. (2025). Antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic potential of nontyphoidal Salmonella from household dogs. Zoonoses and Public Health, 72(1), 84-94. DOI: 10.1111/zph.13174
Liu S., Rodriguez J. S., Munteanu V., Ronkowski C., Sharma N. K., Alser M., Andreace F., Blekhman R., Błaszczyk D., Chikhi R., … Ganda E., … Mangul S.(2025). Analysis of metagenomic data. Nature Reviews Methods Primers, 5(1), 26. DOI: 10.1038/s43586-024-00376-6
Ransom E., Clouser S., & Ganda E. (2024). Identifying knowledge gaps surrounding antimicrobial resistance: an exploratory study of antimicrobial-resistant genes on Pennsylvania dairy farms. Journal of Rural Studies, 111, 103405. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2024.103405
Siddique A., Tauqeer A., Ali A., Ahsan A., Iqbal S., Patel A., Moore T., Ganda E., & Rahman A. (2024). Whole-genome sequencing of three ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella Reading (ST93) strains, an emerging serovar in Pakistan's poultry sector. Microbiology Resource Announcements, 13(1), e00006-24. DOI: 10.1128/mra.00006-24
Invited Presentations (International & National)
- (February 27, 2025). "The One Health Problem of Antimicrobial Resistance - Resistência Antimicrobiana em Salmonella : Uma Ameaça a Saúde Única," Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
- (February 10, 2025). "From Barns to Bench to Bytes - One Health Insights Into Microbiomes and AMR in Animal Food Systems," 23rd Annual Meeting at Bellairs -Small but mighty - challenges of microbial and viral metagenomics, McGill University, Holetown, Saint James, Barbados.
- Ganda, E. (January 14, 2025). "One Health in Action: Bridging Animal and Human Health through Microbiome Research," The International Plant and Animal Genome Conference - PAG 32, San Diego, CA, USA.
Workshops & Training
- March 11–14, 2025 – University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil Intensive microbiome workshop (laboratory methods, sequencing workflows, interpretation).
Public Engagement & Dissemination
- March 25, 2025 – Penn State Alumni Association Webinar
Discussed microbiome science, agriculture, and One Health–related impacts. - March 24, 2025 – Cornell Cow Convos Podcast
Shared research updates on AMR and microbiomes in animal production. - December 19, 2024 – Matters Microbial Podcast
Public education on microbiome research and applications.
Relevant Leadership & Service Activities
- Vice-Chair, NIAMRRE Advisory Council (2024–Present)
Supports national coordination on AMR surveillance and science. - Convener, SAFES Critical Issue Initiative on AMR and Zoonotic Diseases (2024–Present)
Integrates microbiome and AMR research capacity across Penn State. - Member, Penn State Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee
Contributes expertise on microbial ecology and AMR detection strategies.
International Collaboration & Training Impact
- Engagements in Brazil strengthened AMR and microbiome training networks.
- Collaborative interactions at international symposia promoted harmonized approaches to microbial data generation, sequencing, and surveillance.
Impact statement for Annual Report of Accomplishments:
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a growing public health concern. The bacteria continue to evolve resistance to drugs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can get Salmonella from eating contaminated food or from infected people or animals—often through unintentional contact with feces. However, Penn State researchers found that household dogs are an overlooked transmission point for nontyphoidal Salmonella, which can cause sometimes severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
The findings, published in the journal Zoonoses and Public Health, suggest that close contact with dogs and antibiotic use in pets increase the risk for spreading antimicrobial- resistant Salmonella. Improved awareness and hygiene could reduce this risk. Dogs infected with Salmonella may or may not shows symptoms, and healthy dogs can carry the bacteria. Because of the close human–dog relationship, opportunities for transmission ("zoonosis") are frequent. Improper food handling and contaminated pet food also increase the infection risk.
To study this issue, researchers analyzed U.S. Food & Drug Administration data on nontyphoidal Salmonella from dogs (2017–2023) and compared it with human cases from a National Institutes of Health database. They identified 77 suspected zoonotic cases across 17 states. Most strains found in dogs were relevant to human health and contained resistance genes to antibiotics classified as critically important by the World Health Organization.
These findings highlight the need for antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance beyond human and livestock medicine. The One Health approach—linking human, animal, and environmental health—is crucial to managing this risk.
Although Salmonella is often associated with foods like eggs and beef, pets may also play a role in transmission. Although infections in dogs are relatively uncommon, outbreaks have been linked to contaminated pet food and treats.
Simple hygiene practices, especially handwashing, remain the most effective prevention strategy. Nearly 40% of Pennsylvania households include dogs, so awareness is important.
Pet ownership has well-documented health benefits, including reduced stress and increased physical activity. The goal is not to discourage pet ownership, but to promote safe practices that protect both people and pets.
Projects / Programs without a Critical Issue: 0
Office for Research and Graduate Education
Address
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- Email agresearch@psu.edu
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Office for Research and Graduate Education
Address
217 Agricultural Administration BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802-2600
- Email agresearch@psu.edu
- Office 814-865-3136
