Science Journal Winter 2026

Artificial Intelligence, Genuine Knowledge

How the Eberly community is thoughtfully using machine learning and other AI tools to propel research and elevate teaching.

Much like the internet reshaped business, industry and higher education a generation ago, AI is redefining how we teach, learn and discover. We see this moment as an opportunity to lead and innovate.

Tracy Langkilde, Verne M. Willaman Dean

Dean's Message

Adopting, Advancing, and Adapting to AI

How the college community is thoughtfully refining and integrating machine learning and other AI tools to elevate teaching and propel research on health, data analysis, materials science, and more .

Adopting, Advancing, and Adapting to AI AI 101 Opportunities and Challenges

illustration of a man looks up at letters AI with networks behind it

Foundational Questions: How to Compare Distributional Data Reducing Data Complexity with Machine Learning Q&A: Can Mathematics Reveal the Depth of Deep Learning?

Foundations of AI

hand points to whiteboard with stats and math equations

Improving the rigor of AI tools for genomic analysis Deep learning, image processing, and Cyro-EM Personalizing Alzheimer’s treatment with digital replicas of patients Dealing with data: Molecular and cellular biology

Elevating Health Sciences with AI

Justin Silverman, Nicole Lazar, and Maxwell Konnaris

AI-generated materials for dark matter detection Improving the search for exoplanets with AI Q&A: How can deep learning improve physics and engineering? Dealing with data: astronomy surveys

Informing Physical Sciences and Engineering with AI

hubble image of a galaxy cluster with a blue hue

computer with ChatGPT slide in foreground with Morgan Vincent and students in back

Elevating teaching with AI

Adding AI to the curriculum How AI is shaping teaching and learning in higher education Is AI for exam prep cheating? Providing detailed feedback to students in large classrooms

Marina Feric and student work at lab bench

Who Needs a Membrane?

How droplet-like membraneless structures in mitochondria are related to aging and disease

Research in Action

illustration of nebula with bright star in corner and ring of dust

A selection of research news from the Eberly College of Science.

Research Highlights

Research Now - Winter 2026

New stamp

The Cosmic Image on a New US Stamp

Image of Kevin Luhman holding a U.S. stamp

Automating Assistance

Supporting Prehealth Students through Automation

A student and recruiter at a recent expo talking in front of a Penn State "We Are" banner.

Share your pride

Stay for SCIENCE

College News

New faculty New neurobiology major New Innovation Fellows program

Undergraduate Education at a Glance

3,448

undergraduates enrolled

20% of Eberly undergraduates

are first-generation college students

90% of University Park undergraduates

take an Eberly class

Developing educational materials

From University Park to Tarangire

Students develop educational materials for schools in Tanzania

school students in Tanzania fill out worksheets

BOAST apps

We've Got an App for That

Statistics apps for students, by students

students and faculty stand in front of poster

Fun with Science

Ferris Wheels, Funnel Cake, and Fun with Science

Annual outreach event brings science education to the Centre County Grange Fair

man in penn state shirt holds snake in front of kids

Astronomy and Psychology Student Shines Light on Light Pollution

Undergraduate helps develop and assess impact of planetarium shows.

Elise Abbott

Graduate student Colin Howe’s journey into marine science.

Colin Howe

A Lifelong Love of the Ocean

I have big dreams to change the world and the field of science. Being able to focus on my education without financial stress has been so helpful, especially as a first-generation college student. More importantly, knowing that other people believe in me and are investing in my future success motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Jonaliz Lebron, ’29 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Recipient of the Mahle Millennium Scholars Program Scholarship

Robin Tuluie

How Can Deep Learning Improve Physics and Engineering?

Q&A with former Penn State postdoctoral scholar Robin Tuluie, now CEO of PhysicsX.

Robin Tuluie holds microphone while presenting a talk

I Love Math Scholarship

Supporting Current and Future Students

Gift from alumni Carlos and Donna Alves honors the skills and friends gained during their time at Penn State.

Carlos and Donna Alves with scholarship-awardee Abigail Littlefield

Eberly College Impact

Science Matters: Spotlight Sessions

New Spotlight Sessions allow alumni to converse with Eberly scientists.

A hand reaches for a smartphone sitting on a table.

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