Penn State Energy and Environment News

The first Arctic researchers

| by Hester Blum

For millennia, Inuit communities have served as stewards of the Arctic, intimately attuned to its rhythms. Their observations and adaptations offer invaluable scientific insights. When researchers join forces with these communities, a more comprehensive understanding of climate change emerges.

Designing and assessing market designs to improve electrical grid reliability

| psu.edu

A project co-led by two Penn State professors has been selected to receive up to $815,959 from the Grid Deployment Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The team will evaluate prospective market design changes to efficiently integrate batteries and other unconventional resources into wholesale electricity markets, with the aim of improving electrical grid reliability.

Engineering professor elected fellow of two professional societies

| psu.edu

Tak Sing Wong, professor of mechanical engineering and of biomedical engineering, was elected a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Firefly populations at risk due to climate change, urban development

| psu.edu

Catching fireflies is an iconic summer experience for many people living in North America, but the flickering beetles are on the decline. A new study by a team that includes Penn State researchers has identified factors that may be contributing to declining populations.

Threads for Med Ed student club prioritizes sustainability in innovative ways

| psu.edu

Threads for Med Ed, or T4ME, a medical student club at Penn State’s College of Medicine, is taking a creative, multidimensional approach to addressing issues of sustainability. T4ME collects donations of professional clothing from College of Medicine faculty and staff to redistribute to medical students in preparation for their clerkships and/or interviews.

Applications now open to faculty for Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program for 2025-26

| psu.edu

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program's 2025-26 competition is now open for faculty, staff and administrators, featuring more than 400 awards offered in more than 135 countries. The awards cycle is open until Sept. 16.

Rural health advocate receives Health Equity Champion Award

| psu.edu

Lisa Davis, director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, was presented with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Office of Health Equity 2024 Health Equity Champion Award. The award was presented during the 2024 Pennsylvania Health Equity Summit.

For millions of Americans, high-speed internet is unavailable or unaffordable − a telecommunications expert explains how to bring broadband to the places that need it the most

| theconversation.com

Affordable access to high-speed internet brings educational opportunities, economic development and better access to health professionals. This article quotes Christopher Ali, Pioneers Chair of Telecommunications.

Geography student explores food sustainability at Taproot Kitchen

| psu.edu

Geography undergraduate student James Schafer has found a way to apply his geography education to address local issues, particularly around food sustainability and social empowerment, through volunteering with Taproot Kitchen.

Capstone Design Conference to showcase student innovation and creativity

| psu.edu

Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology will hold its annual Capstone Design Conference from 12:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 26, on campus.

College of Ag Sciences faculty, extension leader engage in leadership program

| psu.edu

Two Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences faculty members and an assistant director with Penn State Extension recently furthered their knowledge of leadership principles by completing the LEAD21 leadership development program, a national yearlong program to develop leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners who link research, academics and extension and can navigate an increasingly complex environment to lead more effectively in their current or future leadership positions. 

$1 million gift to create scholarships and upgrade engineering facilities

| psu.edu

Ronald and Martha Tirpak have stepped forward with a $1 million commitment to expand affordability through scholarships and to ensure the College of Engineering has access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities.