Our department's faculty are conducting research that is helping address some of society's most pressing challenges. An intensive public debate is occurring in states with competitive electricity markets about the future of their existing nuclear generation plants. A team of Penn State researchers examined the set of studies that has been used in legislative discussions to provide evidence in support of subsidy programs.
Zuleima Karpyn, a professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering at Penn State, says better understanding extraction methods for oil and natural gas means that we will be able to keep up with society's energy demands with less impact on the environment.
Our faculty have been recognized as leaders by national academies, professional societies, and across Penn State. Below is a selection of awards received by Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences faculty.
Seth Blumsack, associate professor of energy policy and economics, looks at issues facing the power grid. As the world shifts toward renewable sources of energy, Blumsack researches ways to ensure that electricity is clean, reliable and affordable.
