Read the latest news about research conducted by investigators in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Our faculty and students are continually advancing technology, creating solutions and expanding knowledge with new and innovative research.
Wang wins outstanding young researcher award at carbon dioxide conference
10/13/2017
10/13/2017
Xiaoxing Wang, an associate research professor in Penn State's Earth and Mineral Sciences Energy Institute, received the Outstanding Young Researcher Award at the 15th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization, held July 17-21 in Shanghai, China.
University leadership's plea to Penn Staters: write to legislators
10/12/2017
10/12/2017
University leaders are renewing their plea to Penn Staters and others, asking them to urge Pennsylvania legislators to release the University's state funds. Without critical state funding, Penn State would be forced to make "dramatic cuts and raise tuition, perhaps even for the upcoming spring semester."
Organic/inorganic sulfur may be key for safe rechargeable lithium batteries
10/11/2017
10/11/2017
We have come a long way from leaky sulfur-acid automobile batteries, but modern lithium batteries still have some down sides. Now a team of Penn State engineers have a different type of lithium sulfur battery that could be more efficient, less expensive and safer.
Science communication focus of 2017 Lattman Lecture given by meteorology alumnus
10/03/2017
10/03/2017
Jim Steenburgh, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Utah and Penn State alumnus, will give the 2017 Lattman Visiting Scholar of Science and Society Lecture. His talk, titled "Communicating Science in the 21st Century: Personal and Political Challenges and Opportunities," will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum on the ground floor of Deike Building. The event is free and open to the public.
Future of electric vehicles to be discussed on WPSU’s 'Digging Deeper' on Oct. 8
09/29/2017
09/29/2017
Penn State President Eric J. Barron will welcome professor Chao-Yang Wang and graduate fellow Ryan Longchamps from the Penn State BEST Center to discuss the advancements in lithium battery technology and the future of electric vehicles during the next episode of WPSU's "Digging Deeper." The show will air at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8 on WPSU-TV.
Making sustainable change: Penn Staters invited to join EcoChallenge
09/27/2017
09/27/2017
The Sustainability Institute has announced Penn State's participation in the 2017 EcoChallenge. Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the challenge by changing one or more personal habits over the course of two weeks, from Oct. 11-25.
Baka awarded fellowship to study impact of petrochemical plant on community
09/27/2017
09/27/2017
Jennifer Baka, assistant professor in the department of geography, has been at Penn State for a little more than a year, but she has a lifetime of experience assessing the implications of energy. She grew up in a coal mining region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and watching the relationship a rural community has with a global enterprise factored into her choice to become an energy geographer. It's a field that combines political and industrial ecology to look at how energy projects impact all segments of society.
Shaver’s Creek receives grant to install sustainable technologies
09/25/2017
09/25/2017
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center was awarded a $35,000 grant from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund to install sustainable energy technologies in the center's new construction. The grant is one of several efforts made to include eco-friendly elements.
Environmental inquiry minor encourages environmental curiosity, literacy
09/22/2017
09/22/2017
Addressing environmental concerns, enriching a wide range of majors and making an impact in the community -- those are some of the benefits the environmental inquiry (ENVI) minor offers, according to Larry Gorenflo, faculty-in-charge of ENVI and professor of landscape architecture and geography.
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences hosting free International Culture Night
09/14/2017
09/14/2017
People interested in learning about some of the world's foods, performing arts, cultures and more can attend the third annual International Culture Night to celebrate cultures from around the world and enhance their cultural experiences. The event will take place from 5:45 to 8 p.m on Tuesday, Sept. 19, on the ground floor of the Deike Building on the University Park campus.