News

Developing new ultrathin metal electrodes has allowed researchers to create semitransparent perovskite solar cells that are highly efficient and can be coupled with traditional silicon cells to greatly boost the performance of both devices, said an international team of scientists. The research represents a step toward developing completely transparent solar cells.

A Penn State scientist studying crystal structures has developed a new mathematical formula that may solve a decades-old problem in understanding spacetime, the fabric of the universe proposed in Einstein’s theories of relativity.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a renewal of funding for the Materials Innovation Platform (MIP) national user facility at Penn State’s Materials Research Institute (MRI), the Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium (2DCC). The 2DCC is one of four MIPs in the United States and was awarded $20.1 million over five years, an increase of 13% above the initial award in 2016.

Eleven students were named College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Academy for Global Experience, or EMSAGE laureates this spring semester. The honor shows these students excelled in broad categories of scholarship, experiential learning and global literacy, and service.

Titilayo Shodiya, a graduate of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, was one 16 recipients selected to receive the Alumni Achievement Award from the Penn State Alumni Association. The award recognizes alumni 35 years of age and younger for their extraordinary professional accomplishments. She was honored during a virtual ceremony on April 13.

Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) recognized exceptional students and faculty for their academic excellence, service and leadership during its annual Wilson Awards Celebration, held virtually on Sunday, April 11. The Wilson Awards are named in honor of Matthew and Anne Wilson, major benefactors of the college.

Two students have been selected to represent the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as marshals for the college’s spring 2021 commencement: Mingsong Chen will represent the college as the student marshal, the top graduate overall, and Madeline Vailhe will represent the college as the engineering honor marshal, the top graduate from an engineering discipline. They will be recognized during the college’s undergraduate commencement ceremony slated for 6 p.m. Sunday, May 9, in Beaver Stadium.

Penn State recognized its recipients for Student Organization and Involvement Awards and Student Service and Leadership Awards during the week of April 26. The Office of Student Activities congratulates all of its 2021 award recipients and all those who were nominated for their continued contributions to the University and community. Below is a list of all of the 2021 award winners.

Energy Days, an annual conference that brings together professionals working in all areas of energy, will be held on May 19 and 20. This year’s event will be virtual, and it is free and open to the public. Registration is now open.

Six Penn State faculty members have received 2021 Faculty Scholar Medals for Outstanding Achievement.

They are Amy Allen, liberal arts research professor of philosophy and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies in College of the Liberal Arts; Pamela Cole, liberal arts professor of psychology and human development and family studies in College of the Liberal Arts; Chad Hanna, associate professor of physics and astronomy and astrophysics in Eberly College of Science; Manuel Llinás, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and chemistry in Eberly College of Science; John Mauro, professor of materials science and engineering (MatSE) in College of Earth and Mineral Sciences; and Joshua Robinson, professor of MatSE in College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.