Good morning, State College.

State College Food Bank will host its second Great Big Fight to End Hunger Concert at State Theatre on Monday, Sept.

14 at 7:30 p.m., featuring Grammy Award-winning band A Great Big World with Ian Axel, guitarist Chris Cubeta, and a cellist to thank community donors and support food access.

Graduate students from across the country attended Penn State’s two-week Mixed Methods Summer Intensive for Practice-Based Researchers hosted by Prof Ray Block Jr. to learn community-engaged research + the program featured workshops and group projects funded by the Democracy and Power Innovation Fund.

Penn State's Scott Milner discussed his upcoming book on writing and presenting for scientists and engineers, set to publish later this year through MIT Press.

He shared practical advice for turning research into engaging writing based on decades of experience in both industry and academia.

This summer, Penn State Earth and Mineral Sciences students gained hands-on experience through travel, research, and internships, expanding their classroom learning (from projects abroad to local fieldwork) and building new skills in science.

The Fox Graduate School has added six new faculty members to its Ombudsperson Program, boosting the volunteer pool from two to eight + giving graduate students a first point of contact for academic support.

Graduate students are encouraged to email ombudspersons for confidential guidance on academic matters.

Ava Ciabattoni, a fourth-year pharmacology and toxicology major at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, was named a fellow in the Rachel Carson Council’s 2026-27 National Environmental Leadership Fellowship.

The yearlong program offers mentorship and funding to help her advance environmental projects (including PFAS research) and strengthen community outreach.

Penn State and Battalion Advanced Technology Ltd. signed two research agreements on July 16 to fund projects at Penn State’s Materials Research Institute that test gallium nitride semiconductors and high-temperature alloys for national security and next-generation systems over the next three years.

The Centre Area Transportation Authority board expanded the free youth pass program so school-aged riders can use CATA bus and CATA Go year-round.

Students must show valid ID at the customer service center at 108 E. Beaver Ave — and those with paid September passes should call customer service for refunds.

State College parking rules stay for the Marshall game weekend; the no parking 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. rule and one- and two-hour limits remain from Friday, Sept.

4 to Monday, Sept. 7. A special event pilot in Highlands, Holmes-Foster, and College Heights begins Saturday, Sept. 5 by HONK Mobile.

Penn State scientists found that proteins with a natural knot are more likely to fold wrong (93% more likely) and nearly half avoid cell cleanup, which could let them build up and possibly lead to aging and disease.

Transfer defensive end Alex McPherson from Colorado joined Penn State after praising the coaching staff and its winning tradition.

He gained 20 pounds during offseason training and looks forward to showing his improved defensive skills during Saturday’s season opener at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State women’s hockey announced team captains Taya MacDonald and Grace Outwater, with Abby Stonehouse and Nicole Hall named as alternates.

The team will start its regular season on Sept. 24 against Ohio State at Pegula Ice Arena.

Defensive end Alexander McPherson improved his strength by gaining 20+ pounds over the offseason with help from coaching staff and nutritionists.

He said he remains agile and is eager to help the Nittany Lions win when he takes the field Saturday.

Head coach Matt Campbell explained his role for the upcoming season as he will monitor game pace and support play calls while relying on coordinators Taylor Mouser and D’Anton Lynn at Penn State.

He also stressed linking current players to the program’s heritage — inviting Sue Paterno to inspire the team.

Penn State Lady Lions will host Saint Joseph’s on Nov.

22 and James Madison on Dec. 2 at Happy Valley — former standout Jill Jekot returns for her second game on campus as the team expands its non-conference schedule with games against Arizona State, Bowling Green, Baylor and Fordham.