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.
News
Novel biogel may solve a hairy problem for wearable brain-monitoring systems
A vital tool for healthcare practitioners, electroencephalography (EEG) systems measure electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp, but getting reliable readings can be surprisingly difficult. Hair interferes with contact between the electrodes and skin, and the gels used to improve those connections often dry out over time, weakening signal quality.
Rwenzori Mountains’ first major fire in 12,000 years marked new era for climate
For the past several years, Penn State geoscientist Sarah Ivory and her students have been among a team of scientists scaling the East African Rwenzori Mountains, collecting sediment core samples from lakes formed at the end of the last ice age as glaciers began receding in the region some 12,000 years ago.
Remembering Herbert A. McKinstry, materials research pioneer
Herbert A. McKinstry, a pioneering materials scientist, educator, community activist and founding faculty member of Penn State’s Materials Research Laboratory, passed away at the age of 101. McKinstry devoted more than four decades to research and teaching at Penn State, helping establish the foundation for what would become the Materials Research Institute.
Sustainability expert to discuss food supply chains on May 19
Alex Neill, an associate lecturer and doctoral researcher in applied social sciences at Newcastle University in Tyne, England, will give the talk “Towards Zero Waste Dining: Evaluating the Impact of Interventions on Sustainable Consumer Behavior” from noon to 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, in 111 Borland Building on Penn State's University Park campus.
Geography research helps undergraduate student connect policy and place
For Sailor Walter, undergraduate research offered a chance to move beyond classroom discussion and study a complex issue close to home. Walter, who recently earned a bachelor of science degree in geography from Penn State, is from the Pittsburgh area and spent the spring semester working with Jennifer Baka, associate professor of geography, on research related to the petrochemical industry in Western Pennsylvania.
Penn State, Climavison partner to support the next generation of meteorologists
A new partnership between Penn State and weather technology company Climavision aims to open research and training opportunities for students and faculty, and potentially help advance weather detection and warning across the commonwealth. Through the partnership, Climavision will provide access to its supplemental network of high-resolution weather radars.
Sustainable Labs Program concludes fourth year, expands impact across campuses
The Penn State Sustainable Labs Program has concluded its fourth year, continuing to expand its reach across campuses while advancing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of research spaces. The 2025-26 cohort included 20 labs spanning multiple colleges, with seven labs recertifying after participating in the program’s inaugural 2022-23 cohort.
Long-Qing Chen named Evan Pugh University Professor
Long-Qing Chen, Hamer Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, has been named an Evan Pugh University Professor, the highest honor that Penn State bestows on a faculty member. This prestigious distinction, effective July 1, has been conferred by Penn State to only 84 faculty members since the designation’s establishment in 1960.
Penn State names five new Evan Pugh University Professors
Five Penn State professors have been named Evan Pugh University Professors, an elite and prestigious distinction conferred by the University on only 84 faculty members since the establishment of the designation in 1960.
Penn State Sustainability celebrates 2026 sustainability award winners
Penn State Sustainability has announced the 2026 recipients of its annual awards. These accolades, including the John Roe Sustainability Impact Award and the Student Sustainability Advisory Council Tree Award, commend the extraordinary contributions of students in spearheading sustainability initiatives.