As demand for solar energy rises around the world, scientists are working to improve the performance of solar devices — important if the technology is to compete with traditional fuels. But researchers face theoretical limits on how efficient they can make solar cells.
Nickolas Sotiropoulos Jr. has been selected to represent the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as the student marshal for Penn State's summer commencement, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, in the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.
Penn State’s Institute for Computational and Data Sciences awarded this year’s seed grant program, offering funds to Penn State scientists to help them start research projects.
Digital information is everywhere in the era of smart technology, where data is continuously generated by and communicated among cell phones, smart watches, cameras, smart speakers and other devices. Securing digital data on handheld devices requires massive amounts of energy, according to an interdisciplinary group of Penn State researchers, who warn that securing these devices from bad actors is becoming a greater concern than ever before.
A method of highly accurate and sensitive virus identification using Raman spectroscopy, a portable virus capture device and machine learning could enable real-time virus detection and identification to help battle future pandemics, according to a team of researchers led by Penn State.
Inspired by the structure of muscles, an innovative new strategy for creating fiber actuators could lead to advances in robotics, prosthetics, and smart clothing, according to a Penn State led team of scientists who discovered the process.
David L. Allara, distinguished professor emeritus of chemistry and materials science and engineering at Penn State, has been named a 2022 Kavli Prize Laureate in the field of nanoscience by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
The Materials Research Institute (MRI) has announced that Zoubeida Ounaies, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Convergence Center for Living Multifunctional Material Systems (LiMC2), will serve as acting director of MRI during the upcoming sabbatical of Clive Randall, director of MRI and distinguished professor of materials science and engineering. In addition, Ounaies has been named an associate director of MRI.
Shashank Priya, associate vice president for research and director of strategic initiatives in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR), has been named vice president for research at the University of Minnesota and will conclude his tenure at Penn State on Sept. 29. Senior Vice President for Research Lora Weiss said the University plans to conduct a national search for Priya’s replacement.
Robert Hickey has been promoted to associate professor of materials science and engineering effective July 1, 2022.