Topics

Climate Change

The effects of human-caused climate change are rippling around the world. Penn State experts are at the forefront of the science behind the effects and possible solutions.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Economic and Industry Impact

Penn State has a wide range of faculty experts studying the many economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, from the global and domestic economic impact and gig economy to supply chain logistics and impacted industries like restaurants and hotels—all with a goal of informing best practices in recovery measures.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Infectious Disease Experts

Penn State has one of the largest clusters of infectious disease, data and policy scientists. Faculty members frequently serve as sources for major media and are readily available to speak on unfolding events of the coronavirus pandemic. Our experts are actively publishing research on COVID-19, as well as on dengue, zika, West Nile and measles, and zoonotic diseases like avian and swine flu.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Social and Educational Impact

The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact societies across the globe in ways far beyond the immediate health concerns. Penn State faculty are looking at the long-term consequences of these areas — all with an eye on how we can cope and what our changing societies may look like in the future.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Vaccines

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out across the United States, questions related to vaccine safety and effectiveness, side effects, variants, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation on social media, remain top of mind for many Americans.

Penn State researchers bring their deep knowledge in their fields of expertise to bear on these questions, providing simple explanations to the complex issues we face with these vaccines. Our experts are readily available to offer their insights during the pandemic’s constantly shifting landscape.

Cybersecurity

Penn State has experts in both the technical and policy aspects of cybersecurity.

Extreme Weather

In recent years some extreme weather events have been attributed to human-induced global warming, with Penn State studies indicating an increasing threat from extreme weather in the future.

Holidays and Observances

Upcoming observances like Pride Month, Juneteenth, and National Hispanic Heritage Month will happen during the peak of the vaccine roll-out. Penn State experts can discuss how these events developed, and why they are celebrated – while considering the effects the pandemic will have on summer gatherings.

Substance Misuse & Mental Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than 130 people die every day from opioid-related drug overdoses. Penn State hosts the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH), the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center and the newly-formed Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse (CCSA) to help find research-based solutions to adress substance misuse and mental health.

Summer Trends

Last summer, more people took to the outdoors because of the coronavirus pandemic. What will this summer bring? Penn State faculty experts are also available to discuss these summer trends in the context of relaxing COVID-19 restrictions.