Emerging Chemical and Plastic Environmental Contaminants

The Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories (EESL) is a University-wide core user facility managed by the Institutes of Energy and the Environment. Emerging contaminants of varied types are pervasive in the modern world and this talk will introduce the expertise and capabilities available within EESL. Past and current projects involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) analyses will be used to highlight the lab’s capabilities.

Speaker: Hlengilizwe Nyoni | EESL Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory

Foundation Fundraising: Why, Who, When, and How

Are you a PI seeking to launch a new research project that is too early or too risky to receive federal support? Are you interested in fellowships to support your work, expand your research network, and enhance your career?  Come hear about the Office of Foundation Relations and learn the why, who, when, and how we assist PIs by working with over 250 foundations (like Simons, Sloan, Keck) in our portfolio or help you identify new foundation funders.

Sophie Penney Leach  |  Director of Foundation Relations

Karen Kemirembe  | Assistant Director of Foundation Relations

A Multi-disciplinary Approach to Rebuild the Domestic Supply Chain for Critical Minerals

Rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of lighter and stronger materials for energy applications such as gas turbines, wind and power systems, defense applications, electronics, and the medical industry. Currently China dominates the global supply of these minerals and obtaining these minerals from primary domestic mineral deposits is crucial for national security.  Secondary sources, including byproducts of coal mining and other energy-based waste products, are equally vital to developing a reliable supply chain. Recycling and reuse of lithium-ion and other batteries along with E-waste are essential for a successful transition to a sustainable energy future. This presentation will discuss recent developments and ongoing efforts at Penn State in multi-metal extraction from secondary sources and highlight global/regional opportunities and challenges.   |  Center for Critical Minerals

Sarma V. Pisupati
The Millennium Café Pitch Competition Winners (sponsored by PPG)

On May 23rd > 40 students competed for the top prize in the “Millennium Café Pitch Competition”.  Come to the Millennium Café on 6/6 for the opportunity to hear from the 2023 pitch winners and to join other researchers from across campus for a stellar cup of coffee.

Elisabeth Lloyd  |  Materials Science & Engineering

Dharani Abeysinghe  |  Chemistry

Aditya Sapre  | Chemical Engineering

The Millennium Café Pitch Competition (sponsored by PPG)

In the spirit of the Café, 45 students are competing for the top prize by pitching their research in two minutes or less.  Topics range from clean water, nanoscience, medicine, energy, materials, and much more.  This is a great opportunity to scout for new collaborations while enjoying a cup of coffee.  The competition starts at 10:00 in the 3rd floor Café Commons of the MSC Bldg and will be setup like a poster session - this enables attendees to individually engage the competitors.  Please be mindful of the judges as they need to evaluate every competitor in a short period of time.  PPG has once again generously provided funding to enable this fantastic event.

Presenters: 45 students | Engineering, Science, Earth & Mineral Sciences, Agriculture, Medicine, …

Healing Loneliness with Better Strategies for Connection

As the mental and physical impact of chronic loneliness continues to impact the college campus, how can we form the warm connections so vital for health and happiness? This talk showcases the Four Mindsets needed for warm connections, the Three Fresh Goals of kind conversations, and the Six Pathways for better conversations. With 10 minutes of simple strategies, we'll never get lost starting or continuing meaningful conversations. 

Presenter: Heather Holleman  |  English  |  Schreyer Honors College