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.
Professor awarded DOE grant to study corrosion in nuclear salt reactors
04/19/2023
04/19/2023
FeiFei Shi, assistant professor in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, received a $400,000 research and development award from the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) in the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) to develop foundational research on the corrosive damage caused by molten salt in nuclear salt reactors (MSRs).
First rapid test for mpox developed, tech adaptable for other emerging diseases
04/18/2023
04/18/2023
The first rapid test for mpox, more commonly known as monkeypox, has been developed by a team of researchers led by Penn State.
Real-time monitoring may improve understanding of fracture dynamics
04/18/2023
04/18/2023
Fractures in Earth’s subsurface play an important role in our energy systems – from providing pathways to extract fossil fuel from rock deep underground to supporting emerging green technologies like carbon storage and enhanced geothermal heat – but predicting the properties of these fractures remains challenging.
The Vikings abandoned Greenland due in part to sea-level rise, study finds
04/17/2023
04/17/2023
Why did the Vikings disappear from Greenland 400 years after settling there? New research led by Harvard University and Penn State using geologic and climate records found that sea-level rise likely contributed to the Viking’s disappearance from the island in the 15th century.
NSF grant to investigate the role of macrobiota in carbon cycling in estuaries
04/11/2023
04/11/2023
A Penn State-led interdisciplinary team of researchers across six institutions was awarded a $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the role that macrobiota, such as clams, salt marshes and seagrasses, play in carbon cycling in estuaries.
Wetlands, water quality in Chesapeake Bay focus of Van Meter NSF CAREER Award
04/05/2023
04/05/2023
From improving water quality to providing a haven for endangered species, wetlands are the unsung heroes of our planet.
Geosciences student reviews climate misinformation literature as class project
04/03/2023
04/03/2023
Enrolling in Geoscience 435 in fall 2021, fourth-year Penn State student Alysha Ulrich did not expect to end the course with a literature review on-track to be published in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
Climate-related projects awarded seed grant funding through RISE support
03/30/2023
03/30/2023
Two climate-related projects received seed grant funding through high-performance computing support and consultation.
EarthTalks lecture to focus on habitability of planets beyond our solar system
03/29/2023
03/29/2023
Bradford Foley, associate professor of geosciences at Penn State, will discuss habitability conditions of exoplanets at 4 p.m. Monday, April 3, in 112 Walker Building at University Park and on Zoom.
Q&A: What is glass and how is it shaping our world?
03/27/2023
03/27/2023
From fiber optic cables to smartphones, glass is playing a major role in emerging technology.