Scientists find gut microbes that are PFAS sponges
| npr.org
New research shows that certain bacteria in the microbiome soak up "forever chemicals," or PFAS. The findings raise the possibility that probiotics could help remove some PFAS from our bodies. This podcast episode features an interview with Andrew Patterson, professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences.
Ukrainian scholars reconnect during virtual reunion hosted by Penn State
| psu.edu
As Ukraine works to secure its agricultural future, a growing network of Ukrainian scholars, past and present, recently reconnected virtually to share progress, explore collaboration, and strengthen ties between Penn State and Ukrainian institutions.
Penn State and Taipei Tech launch 2025 collaborative seed grant program
| psu.edu
The Materials Research Institute, Penn State Global and the National Taipei University of Technology have announced the 2025 Collaborative Seed Grant Program to support joint research projects in materials science and engineering.
Professor of statistics to retire after 26 years at Penn State
| psu.edu
David Hunter, professor and former department head of statistics in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State, will retire at the end of June 2025.
Lab Bench to Commercialization program broadens its scope
| psu.edu
The Eberly College of Science Lab Bench to Commercialization seed grant program is shifting emphasis to earlier development of research, focusing on societal impact and career readiness.
Ocean, atmosphere equally responsible for Atlantic ‘cold blob,’ scientists find
| psu.edu
A patch of the Atlantic Ocean just south of Greenland is cooling while much of the world warms. The origin of this “cold blob” has been linked to weakening ocean currents that help regulate global climate — called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Penn State researchers have found a weakening AMOC impacts not just the ocean but also the atmosphere, and that these two factors may contribute equally to the cold anomaly.
EMS faculty members earn National Academies US-African Frontiers Fellowships
| psu.edu
Two faculty members in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences have been awarded the prestigious U.S.-Africa Frontiers Fellowships by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to build high-impact research collaboration and strengthen capacity building with African scientists. In addition, three African scientists will be visiting Penn State.
Penn State's BEST Program trains next generation of Extension professionals
| psu.edu
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences hosted the fourth annual Broadening Extension through Student Training, or BEST, program in May, welcoming its largest group yet. For the first time, this year’s cohort included students and extension professionals from North Carolina State University.
Susan Stewart named assistant dean for academic support and global programs
| psu.edu
Susan Stewart, associate director of undergraduate studies and teaching professor of aerospace engineering at Penn State, has been named assistant dean for academic support and global programs, effective July 1. Stewart's promotion comes after 18 years of service to Penn State. She succeeds Christine Masters in the role, who recently retired after almost 30 years of service to the College of Engineering.
Penn State MANRRS students shine at national training and career expo
| psu.edu
Eight students from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences moved forward into their futures at the 39th Annual Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Training Conference and Career Expo, held in April in Memphis, Tennessee.
Seong Kim named chemical engineering department head
| psu.edu
Seong Kim has been named department head and holder of the Walter L. Robb Family Department Head’s Chair of Chemical Engineering at Penn State, effective July 1. Kim’s promotion follows over 20 years of committed service to Penn State as a faculty member, leader and interdisciplinary researcher.
O'Connor named acting director of Penn State Climate Consortium
| psu.edu
As acting director of the Penn State Climate Consortium, Jacqueline O’Connor will continue to advance interdisciplinary research efforts that address environmental challenges and serve communities in Pennsylvania and beyond.