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.
Investigational cancer compound receives FDA approval to begin human trials
06/29/2017
06/29/2017
An investigational compound developed by Penn State researchers that targets and destroys cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed has been approved for phase one clinical human trials by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Parizek receives Faculty Scholar Award
06/26/2017
06/26/2017
Penn State DuBois Associate Professor of Mathematics and Geosciences Byron Parizek has been honored with the University College Faculty Scholar Award. In its inaugural year, the award will be given annually to a full-time or part-time faculty member in Penn State's 14-campus University College system who has demonstrated excellence in research, scholarship and/or creative accomplishments. It is also in recognition of significant and sustained contribution of research, scholarship and creative accomplishments accumulated during their employment at Penn State, as well as with undergraduate students, and to those who have had a significant impact on their academic field of study.
DOE grant continues research into rare-earth elements extraction from coal
06/26/2017
06/26/2017
In 2016, a team of Penn State and U.S. Department of Energy researchers discovered a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to extract rare earth elements (REEs) from coal and coal byproducts. Now, through a $1 million grant from DOE's Office of Fossil Energy, this research may be headed one-step closer to commercialization.
For decades at Penn State, Pantano scratched the surface of glass research
06/20/2017
06/20/2017
At about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, Carlo Pantano gets hands-on with his teaching and research. That's when the Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering pulls melted glass from the crucible at his glass blowing studio in the ground floor of the Hosler Building and begins to shape a material that's he's dedicated almost 40 years to understanding. It's a storied career at Penn State that ends June 30.
Mann receives Schneider award for outstanding climate science communication
06/19/2017
06/19/2017
Michael Mann, distinguished professor of atmospheric science and director of the Earth System Science Center, Penn State, will receive the seventh annual Stephen H. Schneider Award for Outstanding Climate Science Communications from Climate One at the Commonwealth Club.
Japanese slow earthquakes could shed light on tsunami generation
06/15/2017
06/15/2017
Understanding slow-slip earthquakes in subduction zone areas may help researchers understand large earthquakes and the creation of tsunamis, according to an international team of researchers that used data from instruments placed on the seafloor and in boreholes east of the Japanese coast.
Researchers to discuss future of solar energy
06/15/2017
06/15/2017
Two Penn State researchers will present "Unwrapping the Power of Solar Energy" at 7 p.m. on June 20 at Liberty Craft House, 346 E. College Ave., in State College.
Grant focuses on 'hydrogen sponge' for use in fuel-cell vehicles
06/15/2017
06/15/2017
Finding practical hydrogen storage technologies for vehicles powered by fuel cells is the focus of a $682,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, awarded to Mike Chung, professor of materials science and engineering, Penn State.
Researchers create virtual mobile tour of University Park campus
06/13/2017
06/13/2017
A Penn State research group in the Department of Geography developed a mobile app that offers an immersive virtual tour of class gifts and public art across University Park.
Penn State graduate student selected for NASA astronaut program
06/07/2017
06/07/2017
Zena Cardman, a doctoral student in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, was named a member of NASA's 2017 class of astronauts on June 7. Vice President Mike Pence joined NASA officials in introducing the 12 men and women during a ceremony at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.