Science Journal Summer 2021

Remote

Embracing education and research at a distance.

A message from the Dean

Tracy Langkilde for the Winter 2021 Science Journal.

Black History Month highlights

Howe underwater in scuba gear with american flag

A note from our guest editor

Julia Kregenow teaches astronomy in Bryce Jordan Center

Research in Action: Quasars, Black Holes, and a Cosmological Conundrum

A quest for the origin of the most-distant quasars in the early universe.

Yuexing Li with arms in the air and cosmic background

Research in Action: Secrets of the Warbler Genome

Penn State biologists use genetic tools to understand warbler evolution and diversity.

warbler hybrid being held by a human hand

Penn State and Croatian Forensic Scientists Partner to Identify Nun's Remains

Researchers from Penn State and the University of Split collaborated to identify the remains of a Croatian nun.

man in suit, nun, and archbishop
The portico of Old Main at the University Park Campus.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $1.4 million to a team of researchers led by John Asbury, associate professor of chemistry, to develop an ultrafast microscopy laboratory at Penn State. Credit: Nate Follmer
Magnitude Instruments: Making the Jump from Lab to Business
Students in BMB 490 write down their observations of cells while in the tissue culture room. Credit: Emily Bell, Penn State
A New Approach to Undergraduate Research

Statistical computing boot camp teaches crucial skills to life sciences undergraduates

David Chen in suit

New PIVOT Webinars Highlight Nonacademic Career Options

Computer screen with webinar and hands with notepad in front

Virtual Scientist Initiative Brings Chemistry into the Home

student demonstrating chemistry experiment

Graduating During a Time of Pandemic

Experiences of a 2021 graduate.

Seth Ragin in graduation robes

Fall Student Marshal

Michelle Wijaya represented the college during the virtual fall 2020 commencement ceremonies.

Michelle Wijaya in front of tree with red leaves

Spring Student Marshal

Mustafa “Sam” Memon represented the college during the spring 2021 commencement ceremonies.

Mustafa Sam Memnon in plaid shirt
The portico of Old Main at the University Park Campus.
Claudia Tatiana Galindo-Martínez collecting samples from a coral reef for the Summer 2021 issue of the Science Journal.
A World of Aquatic Discovery

Penn State’s Scientific Diving Program enables amazing underwater research that spans the globe

Molly Rathbun for the Winter 2021 issue of the Science Journal.

How a year of shutdowns and Zoom meetings has shaped the research and lives of the college’s next generation of scientists

Grad School: The Pandemic Year
“I am very passionate about learning about the brain, especially neurodegenerative diseases, and am currently doing research in a lab that studies how memories are stored and recalled. While it can be difficult to be from an underrepresented group in my field, the belief you show in me through your support makes me feel like I am right where I’m supposed to be.”

—Sofia Bennetts ’24 Biology, concentration in Neuroscience. Mahle Millennium Scholars Program Scholarship recipient.
Sofia wearing dress outside
Old Main at the University Park campus during the fall semester.

Your gift can support students like Sofia.

Contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (814) 865-5798 or science.alumni@psu.edu for more information.

The portico of Old Main at the University Park Campus.
Thomas and Hettsmanger in a restaurant
Early Career Professorship in Department of Statistics

Two Penn State professors emeriti have endowed a new Early Career Professorship to honor their friendship, families, and the important role that the field of statistics played in their lives.

Dave Lehr

A knack for problem solving helps a physics alumnus tackle big issues in the healthcare industry.

Alumni Spotlight: David Lehr
gift card, sticker, and carabiner with Eberly college logo

We want your opinion!

Take the Science Journal reader survey to share your thoughts about the magazine. You can also be entered to win one of several prizes, including a gift card to the Penn State Bookstore and Eberly College of Science swag.