News

The research team for "Assessing Climate Futures through Environmental Data Analytics," led by Professor Erica Smithwick (middle). Credit: Erica Smithwick. All Rights Reserved.

Second round of Penn State-Auckland seed grant recipients complete projects

The 18-month term for the 2023-24 seed grant-funded projects recently concluded, with the teams submitting their final reports.

A printed prototype using the current version of the custom extrusion system for in-place 3D concrete printing. This iteration demonstrates the successful integration of continuous reinforcement with concrete deposition, marking a key step in the ongoing development toward structural-scale applications.  Credit: Ali Baghi. All Rights Reserved.

Manufacturing PA Innovation Program funds two Stuckeman-led research projects

Two projects led by Stuckeman School architecture researchers have garnered grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Manufacturing PA Innovation Program

The results of this study strongly suggest that Native Americans did, indeed, extensively use fire to manage their environment and both directly and indirectly promoted fire-adapted trees such as oak and beech. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Cultural burning by Indigenous peoples increased oak in forests near settlements

New study shows fire-tolerant trees were more abundant around historic Native American villages in southern New England

Celebrating James Marden: A Decade of Impact and a Lifetime of Achievement

After a decade of exceptional service to the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and a distinguished academic career spanning four decades, James Marden, professor of biology and associate director of operations, will retire from Penn State at the end of June 2025.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently appointed Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State, to an 18-member study committee to examine the status of insects in North America.  Credit: Christina Grozinger / Penn State. Creative Commons

Grozinger appointed to National Academies committee on insect declines

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently appointed Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State, to an 18-member study committee to examine the status of insects in North America.

The study found that increased salt content in tomato plants reduces fruitworm caterpillar feeding and limits the number of eggs that moths lay on these plants. Credit: Sahil Pawar. All Rights Reserved.

Feeling salty? Increased salt stress reduces tomato pest activity

Increased soil salinity can reduce damage from prominent tomato pests such as the tomato fruitworm, according to researchers at Penn State. They published their findings in the Journal of Plant, Cell and Environment.

On the latest episode of “Growing Impact,” a team of Penn State researchers discusses how their seed grant project aims to address nitrous oxide emissions from the agricultural sector by developing a system for real-time emissions monitoring and reduction.

Researchers working to address agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

On the latest episode of “Growing Impact,” a team of Penn State researchers discusses how their seed grant project aims to address nitrous oxide emissions from the agricultural sector by developing a system for real-time emissions monitoring and reduction.

Erika Machtinger researching in the field

Machtinger harnesses the power of collaboration to solve complex problems

Erika Machtinger is a veterinary entomologist whose work impacts wildlife, agriculture, industry, and public health across the U.S. Her efforts hinge upon the unique, interdisciplinary ecosystem of researchers and resources at Penn State.

The findings could be helpful to growers as they create management plans for their fields, according to the researchers. Credit: Waldemar/Unsplash. All Rights Reserved.

Insecticides may contribute to bigger problems with certain weeds

Insecticides may help growers hoping to protect their crops from harmful insects, but they also may contribute to a larger amount of some weeds, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State.

Penn State faculty speaking March 24 during the event “Research Scholarship and the Land Grant Mission: Why It Matters in Turbulent Times” include, clockwise from top left: Ray Block Jr., Brown-McCourtney Career Development Professor in the McCourtney Institute and associate professor of political science and of African American studies; Jennie Knies, University Libraries associate dean for Commonwealth Campus libraries; Erica Smithwick, distinguished professor of geography, director of the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and associate director of the Institute of the Energy and the Environment; and Rebecca Waltz, University Libraries associate dean for learning and engagement.  Credit: Provided by the speakers. All Rights Reserved.

Three deans co-host research scholarship and land grant impacts event March 24

Three Penn State deans are co-hosting an event focusing on role of the University as Pennsylvania’s land-grant institution, the similar role of U.S. land-grant universities and the impacts of scholarly research they produce.