Our students come from a variety of countries and cultures, bringing vastly different life experiences with them to be part of our graduate student community. Learn about some of the ways that are students are distinguishing themselves and strengthening their research portfolio.
Searching for signs of life with Hanna Leapaldt
Hanna Leapaldt is a doctoral student researching signs of life on early Earth so that these techniques can one day be used to spot similar clues on Mars and other planets. She works under the direction of Miquela Ingalls, a sedimentary geochemist at Penn State.
Understanding a process that cleans our air with Patrick McFarland
Patrick McFarland, a doctoral student in meteorology and atmospheric science, fell in love with research the moment he got involved as an undergraduate student at Penn State. Now, he's seeking his Ph.D. hoping to shine a light on corona, a brief yet powerful process for cleaning the atmosphere.
Spotlighting climate related hazards with Harman Singh
Harman Singh is a geography and climate science Ph.D. student at Penn State but she grew up in India, watching threats from climate change increase in her city. She's working towards a career that helps people in her community and elsewhere respond to these threats and emerge with plans for a more sustainable future.
Inside Dr. Robinson's 2D materials lab
Alexander Vera, who is a doctoral student in materials science and engineering at Penn State, creates two-dimensional materials in Dr. Joshua Robinson's lab. The work reveals the unique properties 2D materials possess that's far different from those in bulk form. The research is critical to creating next-generation materials used in electronics, quantum computing, smart devices and renewable energy, among other areas.
Finding new materials from coal waste with Hannah Chop
Hannah Chop took advantage of our 4+1 program and earned both bachelor's and master's degrees at Penn State. For her graduate-level degree, she researched ways to create new and useful materials from coal waste. Many materials found in coal waste can be used to power the green energy revolution. She worked with Barbara Arnold, our expert in reclaiming mine waste. Now she's an environmental engineer at Rosebud Mining Company.