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.
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.
Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology Student Symposium, April 21-22
he Penn State Student Association of Environmental Science and Engineering (SAESE) will hold the 20th annual Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology Student Symposium (ECMSS) from 5-9 p.m. on April 21 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on April 22 in the Forest Resources Building. Abstract submission deadline is March 24.
Penn State ties second place as top producer of 11 Fulbright Scholars 2016-17
Penn State once again has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as one of the U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most Fulbright Scholars in the 2016-17 awards cycle. This year, 11 scholars were recipients of this prestigious grant and Penn State tied for second place.
Professorship money enables undergraduate students to conduct senior research
An endowed professorship is opening doors for two Penn State students to obtain laboratory experience as undergraduates. These materials science and engineering majors, Atraphol Sae-Tang and Evan McHale, are conducting research for their senior theses in the Millennium Science Complex with Susan Trolier-McKinstry, Steward S. Flaschen Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.
Grad students create interactive EMS Museum exhibit on ocean acidification
Geosciences graduate students worked to create a new exhibit in the EMS Museum & Art Gallery. The exhibit focused on several students' research and employs numerous hands-on activities to create an interactive exhibit.
National Science Foundation funds supercomputer cluster at Penn State
The Penn State Cyber-Laboratory for Astronomy, Materials, and Physics (CyberLAMP) is acquiring a high-performance computer cluster that will facilitate interdisciplinary research and training in cyberscience and is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
Method to predict surface ozone pollution levels provides 48-hour heads-up
A novel air quality model will help air quality forecasters predict surface ozone levels up to 48-hours in advance and with fewer resources, according to a team of meteorologists.
Local women in STEM-related professions to be highlighted in new WPSU web series
WPSU Penn State’s “Women in Science Profiles” features five local women working in STEM-related professions. The series aims to inspire young women to enter STEM-related fields while dispelling misconceptions about STEM professionals and their lives.
Deep groundwater aquifers respond rapidly to climate variability
Changes in climate can rapidly impact even the deepest freshwater aquifers according to Penn State and Columbia University hydrologists.
Broader updrafts in severe storms may increase chance of damaging hail
Strong updrafts — currents of rising air — in severe thunderstorms are a prerequisite for hail formation. The width of these updrafts may be an indicator of an increased hail threat, according to Penn State meteorologists.