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
'WE ARE for Science' advocates for science policy, communications and diversity
The science advocacy group WE ARE for Science, started by two graduate students, organized three buses to take 150 people to the March for Science on April 22 in Washington, D.C. The group seeks to promote science diversity, outreach and policy.
Rapid screening machine can read and separate protein sequences
The structural properties of proteins that could eventually become important materials for manufacturing and medicine are revealed by a novel optical technique that works rapidly to sort through amino acid sequences even inside living bacteria, according to a team of engineers.
When using the phrase ‘human rights’ hinders human-rights initiatives
Penn State geography doctoral student A. Marie Ranjbar's research explores the language of human justice in Iran: how certain phrases have become politicized and in some ways dangerous to use, and how some residents deal with this conundrum as they seek ways to speak up for themselves.
Additive manufacturing and design master’s degrees to be offered in fall 2017
In response to increased industry demand for experts in the growing field of additive manufacturing, Penn State will offer residential and online master’s degrees in additive manufacturing and design beginning in fall 2017.
College of Engineering Research Symposium winners announced
The Engineering Graduate Student Council has announced the winners of the 14th annual College of Engineering Research Symposium, held on Tuesday, April 4, at the Nittany Lion Inn.
Institute for CyberScience announces 2017 ICS Seed Grant recipients
The Institute for CyberScience (ICS) has announced that 20 Penn State faculty are recipients of 2017 ICS Seed Grant Program awards. The awards, ranging from $4,000 to $25,000, support researchers doing innovative interdisciplinary research, laying the groundwork needed to apply for large external funding awards.
Method improves semiconductor fiber optics, paves way for developing devices
A new method to improve semiconductor fiber optics may lead to a material structure that might one day revolutionize the global transmission of data, according to an interdisciplinary team of researchers.
Extreme weather events linked to climate change impact on the jet stream
Unprecedented summer warmth and flooding, forest fires, drought and torrential rain — extreme weather events are occurring more and more often, but now an international team of climate scientists has found a connection between many extreme weather events and the impact climate change is having on the jet stream.
Senior's published research could enhance water treatment processes
Jenna Bishop, a senior majoring in environmental systems engineering, has taken advantage of several opportunities as an undergraduate. From serving as president of the EMS Student Council, to playing the role of captain for Relay For Life, to dancing for THON, a student run philanthropy at Penn State, Bishop has no shortage of memorable moments. However, she says one of her proudest moments was publishing research as an undergraduate.
Women in Science
Erica Smithwick, ecologist and associate professor of geography, is among four women profiled who inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.