Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

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Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

From our 1855 start as the Farmers’ High School, agriculture has been at the core of the Penn State mission and identity.

The College of Agricultural Sciences is a world leader in agricultural research and learning. The first of the colleges established at Penn State University, the College of Agricultural Sciences awarded the nation’s first baccalaureate degrees in agriculture in 1861. For more than 150 years, the College has been translating cutting-edge University research into practical education to improve the classroom, the field, and your community.

09/10/2026

From studying plant-insect interactions as an undergraduate to earning her Ph.D. in Entomology at Penn State, Karly Regan’s career has been shaped by a passion for connecting science with the people who can put it into practice.

Today, Karly is a Field Development Manager at Certis Biologicals, where she helps lead field trials, researches product efficacy, develops best-use practices, and provides technical expertise to customers and sales teams.

During her time at Penn State, Karly researched how improving soil health in organic cropping systems could impact pest control and beneficial insects. Her work with Extension also gave her valuable experience translating research findings for growers and learning directly from their needs.

Beyond the lab, Karly was involved in the Penn State Science Policy Society and Graduate Women in Science, and she fondly remembers weekly entomology craft nights as a way to connect with fellow students and unwind.

Her advice to current students? “Don’t sleep on opportunities while you have them.” From professional development to hobbies and networking, Karly encourages students to take advantage of the experiences available to them while they're on campus.

We’re proud to call Karly a Penn State Ag Sciences alum and to see the impact she’s making at the intersection of research, agriculture, and science communication.

Read Karly’s full alumni spotlight: https://ow.ly/20in50ZHHSP

09/08/2026

Penn State food scientists are helping bridge traditional agricultural knowledge and modern science to address a global food security challenge.

An international research team led by Penn State found that BioCC+, a plant-based formulation developed from traditional grain-storage practices in Côte d’Ivoire, effectively inhibited the growth of two Fusarium fungi that can contaminate stored corn and produce harmful toxins.

The research brought BioCC+ to Penn State for scientific evaluation, where researchers used microbiological and analytical approaches to better understand its antifungal potential.

The findings highlight how international collaboration and Penn State research can help advance affordable, locally produced solutions to protect food supplies, farmer livelihoods and public health.

Read more about the research: https://ow.ly/PQUO50ZIjIx

09/06/2026

Ag Live Tailgate is back! 🦁

The College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society invites the entire Ag Sciences community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends—to join us for our annual Ag Live Tailgate Celebration on November 14, 2026.

Come enjoy a fun and festive celebration featuring an auction like no other. Best of all, proceeds from the auction support the College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society First-Year Scholarship.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Mark your calendars and join us for a tailgate you won’t want to miss.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/vnz550ZFn7R

09/04/2026

Third time’s the charm for Penn State food science student Maggie Will! 🍫

After spending the past two summers interning with The Hershey Co., Maggie will return to the company in January — this time as a full-time research scientist.

Set to graduate in December after just three and a half years at Penn State, Maggie credits her internships, undergraduate research and experiences in the College of Agricultural Sciences with helping her build the technical, leadership and problem-solving skills she’ll take into her career.

“I’m excited to come back home,” she said. “I’ll be working with people I know, and thanks to my education at Penn State, I have the skills I need to thrive.”

Read more about Maggie’s journey from Penn State food science student to Hershey research scientist: https://ow.ly/bQJM50ZIjyR

09/03/2026

Planning to study abroad this winter break or spring semester? Funding is available!

The College of Agricultural Sciences Study Abroad Award can help provide financial support toward your international experience.

Students participating in an eligible winter break or full Spring semester study abroad program should apply for funding by September 15.

Ready to apply?
— Complete the Study Abroad Funding Application for your upcoming program.
— Submit your application by September 15 to be considered for an award.
— Review funding information and requirements before applying.

Don’t miss your opportunity to get funding support for your study abroad experience: https://ow.ly/MUoL50ZFJjq

09/02/2026

🌱 Finding new ways to get involved and exploring new connections.

Last Thursday, students came together right outside the Berkey Creamery for this year's College of Ag Sciences Involvement Fair. Penn State offers more than 40 student clubs through the College of Agricultural Sciences.

This annual event highlighted the many ways students can get involved and make the most of their Penn State experience. From discovering new interests to meeting fellow students and finding a community on campus.

A big thank you to all of the student organizations and clubs, faculty, staff, and students who helped make the day a success!

Here’s a look back at a great day of connection and opportunity in Ag Science 🌾

09/01/2026

Could seed banks help save black ash?

The invasive emerald ash borer has decimated black ash trees across North America, but researchers at Penn State are working toward a future where this ecologically and culturally important tree can return to U.S. and Canadian forests.

In a new study published in Annals of Botany, researchers analyzed more than 35,000 black ash seeds from across the species’ geographic range. Using X-ray imaging, machine learning, climate modeling and common garden experiments, they found that black ash populations have substantial genetic diversity, including differences in seed traits, early growth and survival.

That diversity could be critical for future restoration and breeding for emerald ash borer resistance.

Researchers established three common gardens in Pennsylvania, New York and Quebec to better understand how genetics and climate influence black ash growth. The team hopes this work will help identify the right seeds for future reforestation efforts.

“From a conservation perspective, many of the populations represented in these collections are trees that don’t exist on the landscape anymore,” said study senior author Jill Hamilton. “We like to consider this a little bit like the Noah’s Ark for black ash.”

Black ash is more than a forest species. It plays an important role in wetland ecosystems and is deeply connected to the basketry and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, including Wabanaki, Iroquois and Great Lakes tribes.

The research highlights the importance of preserving genetic diversity—and of collaboration across borders—to give black ash a chance to thrive again. 🌱

🔗 Read more about the research: https://ow.ly/bHVf50ZFigT

08/31/2026

Heading to a Penn State Football home game? 🏈

Make the College of Agricultural Sciences Dean’s Tailgate part of your game-day schedule! Join Dean Troy Ott and his wife, Colleen, at Snider Ag Arena for an opportunity to connect with fellow Penn Staters and friends of agriculture.

The tailgate opens 2.5 hours before kickoff.

🗓️ 2026 Home Game Tailgates
September 5 vs. Marshall — Opens at 1:00 p.m.
September 19 vs. Buffalo
October 10 vs. USC
October 31 vs. Purdue
November 21 vs. Rutgers

Stop by, say hello and connect with alumni, industry partners, agricultural leaders, elected officials and friends of Penn State Agriculture.

We’ll see you at the tailgate!

08/29/2026

From Penn State to Washington, D.C. 🌱

For Darryl Blakey ’15, his Penn State education was about more than earning a degree in Animal Science. It helped prepare him to work hard, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and find his voice in rooms where important decisions are made.

Today, Darryl serves as Senior Manager, Government Affairs at BASF Corporation, where he works on issues ranging from corporate tax and the bioeconomy to digital and AI policy.

His journey took him from a 2+2 experience at Penn State Berks and involvement in student government and MANRRS to Washington, D.C., where he worked on the House Committee on Agriculture and the 2018 Farm Bill.

One lesson from Penn State continues to shape his career: “One has to be able to connect with people and understand that everyone has unique experiences and backgrounds that influence their way of thinking.”

Darryl’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, agriculture and, above all, finishing what he starts.

Read his full alumni spotlight: https://ow.ly/H93g50ZEW4u

08/28/2026

And just like that… the first week of classes is done.

Address

College Of Ag Sciences
University Park, PA
16802

Website

https://agsci.psu.edu/, https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ad85#NON-DISCRIMINATION%20STATEMENT

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