Conservation may not be enough to sustain water supplies, researchers find
One policy prescription — pushing conservation — will likely be insufficient as a standalone fix to sustain some reservoirs, according to a study led by Penn State scientists published in the journal Water Resources Research.
Local Climate Action Program drives measurable statewide climate leadership
Since 2019, Penn State’s Local Climate Action Program (LCAP) has helped communities across Pennsylvania take measurable steps toward addressing climate change through applied research, greenhouse gas accounting, and student-driven planning assistance. The program, shared between Penn State Sustainability and the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, pairs state and local government with trained student teams to produce high-quality climate action deliverables that benefit both communities and students.
Center for Critical Minerals director receives high honor at alma mater
Professor Sarma V. Pisupati, director of the Center for Critical Minerals at Penn State, was granted The Osmania University College of Technology Alumni Association's highest distinction — the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Center for CO2 storage begins 2026 with interdisciplinary momentum
The Center for CO2 Storage Modeling, Analytics, and Risk Reduction Technologies (CO2-SMART)—a partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) focused on the development of practical strategies for underground carbon dioxide storage—has grown to involve faculty researchers in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, with plans taking shape for a workshop in 2026.
Shrinking materials hold big potential for smart devices, researchers say
Penn State researchers developed a scalable, versatile approach to designing and fabricating wireless, internet-enabled electronic systems that can better adapt to 3D surfaces, like the human body or everyday household items.
New environmental health and safety minor now available
Undergraduate students now can learn the fundamentals of environmental health and safety, thanks to a new minor offered by Penn State’s John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering.
Penn State faculty receive top awards from Society of Petroleum Engineers
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) recognized two faculty members in the John and Willie Leone Family of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) for their exceptional service and contributions to the professional society.
Amid renewable-energy boom, study explores options for electricity market
Chiara Lo Prete, an associate professor of energy economics in the John and Willie Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State, published findings in the journal Energy Economics that spotlight key questions confronting utility decision-makers and can shape more research into adjusting electricity markets.
Internship Spotlight: Priyasha Fernando
Priyasha Fernando, a Ph.D. candidate in energy and mineral engineering, spent time at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, upcycling grape marc—the solid residue from wine production—into biovaluable products using microbial electrofermentation.
Multidisciplinary team gains real-world experiences in energy exploration
A multidisciplinary team of Penn State students participated in the 2025 Society of Exploration Geophysicists' (SEG) EVOLVE program, a mentor-guided, six-month virtual internship that uses commercial data to give students real-world experiences on energy exploration and carbon solutions. The Penn State team, named Nittany Explorers, was composed of six graduate students from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.