Fungi into the Future

January 29, 2024

Mushrooms, and specifically the common white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, are big business in Pennsylvania. The state grows almost two-thirds of all Agaricus produced in the United States. Penn State’s leadership in research and education has shaped and supported the industry since its beginnings. In recent years, however, mushroom-related research at Penn State has expanded, fungus-like, across departments and even colleges into new and surprising areas, from food science to environmental clean-up to architecture and design.

College of Ag Sciences recognizes faculty, staff for research achievements

November 21, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences lauded outstanding accomplishments in research during the 2023 Research Awards Ceremony, held Nov. 1 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.

$7M grant funds project to develop new ways to protect mushroom crops

November 16, 2023

A new grant for more than $7 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will fund an upcoming project led by Penn State researchers, who aim to develop new pest management tools for mushroom crops.

Plant pathologist to research plant diseases in organic vegetables

October 24, 2023

Sharifa Crandall, a plant pathologist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study plant diseases in organic vegetable operations.

Gugino to enhance impact of agricultural research in new role in Ag Sciences

October 1, 2023

A longtime faculty member and research leader in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will serve in the newly created role of associate director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station. The Agricultural Experiment Station is the college's umbrella organization for managing and reporting state and federally funded research.

Penn State professor elected to Mycological Society of America leadership

September 12, 2023

David M. Geiser, professor of mycology in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, was elected to the executive leadership of the Mycological Society of America, where he will serve successive terms as vice president, president-elect, president and past president over the next four years.

One Health Microbiome Center honors creativity and mentoring with award series

September 7, 2023

The One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State has named eight recipients for its 2023-24 Inaugural Award Series, which reflects on a profound year of impacts and achievements and recognizes the talents of the OHMC community.

One Health Microbiome Center's 2023-24 Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellows

August 22, 2023

The One Health Microbiome Center in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State has named five recipients for its 2023-24 Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellowships program, which aims to promote collaborative training opportunities for center members and research development.

Penn State faculty member elected to plant pathology society leadership

August 2, 2023

Carolee Bull, professor of systematic bacteriology and plant pathology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected to the presidential lineage of the American​ Phytopathological Society.

Under the canopy: Penn State researchers study beech leaf disease in PA forests

June 22, 2023

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences are studying the effects of beech leaf disease, spearheading efforts to learn more about the disease and how to combat it.

Penn State international agriculture students explore careers at the capital

May 22, 2023

A group of Penn State undergraduate students recently traveled to the nation’s capital to meet with governmental and nonprofit leaders in the international agricultural sector. The visit was an opportunity to learn about current issues from those actively working in the industry.

Penn State student awarded prestigious NSF grant for nematology research

May 17, 2023

Mariah Kidd, a Penn State student earning her master’s degree in plant pathology in the College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program grant for her research in nematology.

Penn State doctoral student receives prestigious agriculture research fellowship

May 8, 2023

Theo "Chelsea" Newbold, a doctoral student in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been awarded the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellowship for 2023–26.

2023 Undergraduate Exhibition welcomed 237 participants

April 28, 2023

A total of 237 Penn State undergraduates presented during the Undergraduate Exhibition from April 10-12, showcasing their research, projects and performances during a virtual and in-person event.

Penn State Global announces 2022-23 faculty, staff, student awards

April 7, 2023

Penn State Global has announced the 2022-23 recipients of its annual awards that recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and academic programs at Penn State who have helped to advance the University’s global engagement goals.

Thirteen graduate students honored with Alumni Association Dissertation Award

April 6, 2023

Thirteen graduate students received the Alumni Association Dissertation Award, one of the most prestigious awards given to Ph.D. candidates at the University. The award was made possible through a gift from the Penn State Alumni Association and provides funding and recognition to outstanding full-time research doctorate students who have passed their comprehensive examinations and have received approval of their dissertation topic.

Graduate students author textbook on global agriculture and food security

February 28, 2023

"Everyone Needs to Eat: An Introduction to Food Security and Global Agriculture” is an online textbook written by graduate students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. The book is an in-depth examination of the ecological, economic, social, political and technological factors that influence whether a person, community or nation is considered food secure.

Five Penn State faculty elected to 2022 cohort of AAAS Fellows

January 31, 2023

Five Penn State faculty members have been elected to the 2022 cohort of fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society.

Penn State assists Cameroonian refugees with specialty mushroom ventures

January 17, 2023

Specialty mushrooms such as oyster are relatively easy to grow on a small scale, making them attractive to those looking to diversify a farm, engage in a hobby or launch a small business. Research-based information from Penn State Extension about producing specialty mushrooms also may benefit people from a war-torn region of Africa.

Center for Socially Responsible AI awards seed funding to 6 projects

January 11, 2023

The Penn State Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence recently announced the results of its third seed funding competition. The center awarded $145,000 to advance six interdisciplinary research projects that feature researchers from eight colleges and institutes.

Indigo Ag creates fellowship to further efforts of Penn State Microbiome Center

December 19, 2022

In support of the Penn State Microbiome Center, Indigo Agriculture created the Indigo Agriculture Graduate Fellowship in the College of Agricultural Sciences through a $200,000 gift, matched 1:1 by the University through the now-concluded Graduate Scholarship Matching Program.

Corn-colonizing fungus may help the crop repel disease, grow larger

December 14, 2022

A fungus that can colonize, or grow within, corn plants doesn’t just leave the plant unharmed — it also can help the plant stave off harmful bugs and other fungi, according to a new study by Penn State researchers.

Kothattil passes qualifying exam

December 14, 2022

Congratulations to Swathi Kothattil on passing the PPATH PhD Qualifying Exam.

Shittu passes qualifying exam

December 14, 2022

Congratulations to Olanrewaju Shittu on passing the PPATH PhD Qualifying Exam.

Neupane passes qualifying exam

December 14, 2022

Congratulations to Ram Neupane on passing the PPATH PhD Qualifying Exam.

Newbold passes qualifying exam

December 14, 2022

Congratulations to Theo (Chelsea) Newbold on passing the PPATH PhD Qualifying Exam.

Miller passes qualifying exam

December 14, 2022

Congratulations to Avalon Miller on passing the PPATH PhD Qualifying Exam.

Buckner passes qualifying exam

December 14, 2022

Congratulations to Evan Buckner on passing the PPATH PhD Qualifying Exam.

New grant looks to biomaterials to help reduce construction waste

December 13, 2022

A new grant from the American Institute of Architects will allow a Penn State-led research team to study whether fungal biomaterials can replace synthetic acoustic insulation, potentially reducing construction waste.

Global mentoring program builds skills, international connections for students

December 1, 2022

Graduate students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences were offered mentorship through the college’s participation in the Global Challenges University Alliance 2030. The alliance, called GCUA, is a network of more than 15 universities worldwide with a shared vision of contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through international collaboration and research.