Energy University
Penn State is stepping forward as the higher education energy leader. From biofuels to buildings to batteries, 12 of our research areas rank in the top 10 nationally. We are among the Top 10 Elite in energy according to the American Energy Society. Energy-related research and education are taking place across the entire University, including all academic colleges and all twenty-four campus locations, including the online World Campus.
Inspired Leader in Energy
Penn State has a vast network of faculty, staff, and students within many centers, institutes, colleges, and departments all focused on tackling the most pressing energy and environmental issues facing the world today. Our educational offerings in energy include more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, Penn State offers more than 20 workforce development and continuing education programs. We are leading in research by generating the knowledge and technology that will drive the next energy revolution; in education by preparing a workforce that is both highly trained and highly adaptable, ready for global careers and collaboration; and, in service by partnering with industry to address urgent, real world needs for energy production and policy. We have built strong connections to industry through research partnerships and philanthropic relationships with energy companies ranging from the local to the multinational. The Institutes of Energy and the Environment is the central coordinating structure for energy and environmental research at Penn State. The five research themes that are the focus of the Institutes for Energy and the Environment are:
- Climate and Ecosystem Change: As the climate changes so do ecosystems. In order to manage the risks of anthropogenic, or human-driven, climate change poses, Penn State researchers are confronting the challenges at the nexus of natural and social sciences, ethics, engineering, and mathematics.
- Health and the Environment: Just as humans affect the environment, the environment affects humans. Penn State researchers are collaborating on ways that human health is being impacted, from pollution and toxins to infectious disease and climate change.
- Integrated Energy Systems: New sources of power generation are needed to meet skyrocketing world energy demand. Penn State researchers innovate solutions and lead efforts that support scalable, abundant, safe, affordable, and clean energy.
- Urban Systems: With cities growing and more and more people moving to urban areas, the need to find and implement sustainable, healthy, and affordable solutions is essential and urgent. Penn State researchers collaborate across disciplines to identify and implement solutions on a global scale.
- Water and Biogeochemical Cycles: Population growth, development, and environmental changes are increasing stress on water resources throughout the world. At Penn State, researchers work to understand and manage water and biogeochemical cycles as coupled earth systems to ensure a sustainable future.
- The Sustainability Institute supports the sustainability movement at Penn State as consultants and coaches who guide and bolster sustainability efforts across the University.
- The EMS Energy Institute is located in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
- The Engineering, Energy & Environmental Institute is located in the College of Engineering.
- Advanced Research Efficiency Centre – USA is led by Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.
- Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science is located in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
- The Earth and Environmental Systems Institute is part of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
- The Rock Ethics Institute is part of the College of Liberal Arts.
Resources and Links
Institutes of Energy and the Environment
The Institutes of Energy and the Environment works to build interdisciplinary teams of researchers to see how new partnerships and new ways of thinking can solve some of the world’s most difficult energy and environmental challenges.
Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories
The Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories are shared multi-user instrumentation facilities at Penn State that tie together world-class instrumentation and expertise in a broad array of analytical techniques covering materials in all phases.
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Learn how Penn State materials research is revolutionizing nearly every aspect of the energy sector. Composites and super alloys are leading to lighter, stronger wind turbines and improved vehicle fuel efficiency. Ceramic and glass research is producing efficient and dynamic “smart” building materials. Nanomaterials are being explored for their application in advanced solar technologies. And so much more!
Battery and Energy Storage Technology Center
Penn State is leading the emerging research field of energy storage with the Battery and Energy Storage Technology Center. The center was formed in 2011 to bring together the campus-wide expertise in energy storage, foster collaboration, and provide a focal point for research and education activities.
Biomass Energy Center
The mission of the Biomass Energy Center is to coordinate and facilitate research and outreach across the university, building teams to address the complete value chain of biomass energy systems.
Drawdown Scholars
Drawdown Scholars is a competitive 10-week summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program open to all majors and institutions. Drawdown Scholars work closely with Penn State faculty mentors and their respective graduate students to conduct laboratory, field, and/or modeling research to advance Drawdown strategies for reversing global warming.
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individual investigators contribute to energy research at Penn State
To find out how your company can engage with Penn State’s work around energy, talk to the Corporate Engagement Center today.
Featured Events
Our featured events highlight signature corporate engagement opportunities from around the University.
Career Fairs
Biannually Spring and Fall
Held every spring and fall semester, Penn State Career Fairs provide opportunities to meet your internship, co-op, and full-time recruiting needs.
Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference
Annually in the Fall
The Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference is one of the largest tech startup conferences in the Mid-Atlantic.
Materials Day
Every October
Hosted by the Materials Research Institute, this event spotlights faculty research, offers student engagement, and opportunities to participate in formative discussions on trends and opportunities in materials research.
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)
Every November
GEW Penn State, managed by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), celebrates relationships between members of the University and the local entrepreneurial communities.
