Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

06/04/2026

The College of Agricultural Sciences’ College Relations and Communications team was proud to welcome athletes and families to Penn State this morning for the 2026 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games.

From June 4–6, Penn State is hosting Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s largest annual event, bringing together 1,850 athletes and 1,100 volunteers at University Park. We were honored to help make move-in day a warm and memorable experience as competitors prepared for an incredible weekend of competition, camaraderie, and achievement.

Best of luck to all the athletes—we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! 💙🤍

06/03/2026

Meet Kenny Kane, a 2014 Penn State Forest Science alum and president/owner of Generations Forestry. 🌳

From managing private timberland across Pennsylvania and New York to helping landowners plan for forests 100 years from now, Kenny’s work is rooted in stewardship, connection, and doing what’s right for the land.

Read Kenny’s story and learn how Penn State helped shape his career in forestry: https://ow.ly/QcPA50Z6KBM

06/03/2026

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension were proud to participate in Capitol Days in Harrisburg, joining leadership, faculty, staff and advocates for a day of celebrating the impact of our land-grant mission across the commonwealth.

Through world-class teaching, research and Extension, the college and Extension improve lives in Pennsylvania and beyond every day—supporting farmers and businesses, strengthening communities, protecting natural resources and preparing the next generation of leaders.

We were honored to share our story with legislators and stakeholders and highlight the many ways our college serves the people of Pennsylvania.

06/01/2026

05/19/2026

A Penn State researcher is leading groundbreaking work to better understand how climate change impacts the “living skin” of arid ecosystems.

Estelle Couradeau, assistant professor of soils and environmental microbiology in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, has received a $1.6 million, five-year award through the U.S. National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program.

Couradeau and her team will study how increasing temperature fluctuations affect biocrust microbiomes—thin communities of microorganisms that stabilize soil, cycle nutrients and support dryland ecosystems around the world.

Using innovative tools like SoilChips and global datasets, the research aims to better predict how these vital systems respond to climate stress and support future land restoration efforts.

The project also includes an educational component that will engage high school students in hands-on soil science research and create new resources to promote awareness of careers in soil science.

As drylands continue to expand globally, this work has important implications for soil health, food systems, ecosystem resilience and human health.

➡️

A Penn State soil scientist has received a $1.6 million, five-year grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to fund her team’s study of how increasing temperature fluctuations impact the biocrust microbiome — the complex, thin-layer microbe community that stabilizes soil, fixes nitrogen a...

05/16/2026

Thirty Penn State students are spending time in Ireland as part of ANSC 499: Ireland’s Equine Industry. 🇮🇪

Since arriving Tuesday, students have been immersed in Ireland’s equine industry while also learning more about Irish culture and agriculture. Their experiences so far have included visiting a farm that raises Irish Draught horses, touring a high-end show jumping yard, interacting with young eventing horses, and observing an eventing riding lesson.

05/15/2026

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering recently celebrated its graduating seniors as they presented their capstone projects—the culmination of a two-course sequence focused on solving real-world engineering challenges through innovation and collaboration. ⭐

Projects included:
— Designing a stormwater diversion system to help prevent erosion in the Juniata Terrace community
— Developing a system to connect a 40-hp tractor engine to a dynamometer for educational engine performance testing
— Creating a more cost-effective and gentle method for biological cell separation using inclined plate settlers

“I’m very proud of the time and effort that went into each project and the way the students defended their designs during the presentation,” said Jeff Catchmark, professor of agricultural and biological engineering.

Congratulations to these students on an impressive achievement and best wishes as they take the next step in their engineering journeys! 👏

05/14/2026

From undergraduate research to national product launches, alumna Leah Doctor is making her mark in the food science industry as a Senior Research Scientist on the Reese’s R&D Team at The Hershey Company.

A 2023 graduate in Food Science with a minor in Nutritional Sciences, Leah’s Penn State experience combined hands-on research, music performance, mentorship, and community. Through the Schreyer Honors College, she conducted undergraduate research exploring dairy and almond protein stabilization systems under the mentorship of Dr. Federico Harte and Dr. Grace Voronin.

Today, Leah contributes to nationally recognized launches including Reese’s Oreo, Reese’s Sugar Cookie Cups, Reese’s Red Velvet Cups, and Hershey Grinch bars—products consumers can now find on store shelves nationwide.

Leah credits Penn State’s strong alumni network, undergraduate research opportunities, and supportive Ag Sciences community for helping shape both her professional and personal growth.

“One of the things that really distinguishes Penn State is its alumni community. Penn Staters genuinely look out for one another.”

Outside of her work in food science, Leah continues her passion for music as a member of the Hershey Symphony and several ensembles.

We’re proud to celebrate alumni like Leah who continue to innovate, lead, and inspire. 💙🤍

➡️ https://ow.ly/GKXr50YW9SI

The Hershey Company
Penn State
Schreyer Honors College

05/11/2026

Congratulations to our College of Ag Sciences graduates. Your hard work, dedication, and achievements are worth celebrating today and always.

We are so proud of you! 🎓💙🤍

05/08/2026

🎓 Congratulations to graduating senior Michael Vignone of Berlin, Connecticut!

Michael majored in Plant Sciences with the Horticulture option and minored in Agribusiness Management. This spring, he was selected as the College of Agricultural Sciences’ commencement marshal—an honor recognizing his outstanding academic achievements and leadership.

A Schreyer Honors College Scholar and student farm manager, Michael earned numerous honors and awards, including the Academic Excellence Scholarship, Evan Pugh Award, and Oswald Award. He also participated in undergraduate research exploring the viability of biochar as a sustainable additive to potting media in greenhouse annual production.

After graduation, Michael will continue his internship in perennial product development with Ball Horticultural in West Chicago, Illinois.

Congratulations, Michael! We’re excited to see all you accomplish in the horticulture industry. 🌱

Schreyer Honors College
Penn State