Podcasts about penn state university

As many as ten thousand people attempt to illegally cross the border between the US and Mexico each month, braving deserts, rivers, and other environmental hazards in the process. But the very illegality of that crossing has an environmental history, writes Penn State University assistant professor Mary Mendoza in Deadly Divide: How Insects, Pathogens, and People Defied the US-Mexico Border (University of North Carolina Press, 2026). It was diseases, microbes, insects, and animals which, in part, hardened the border from a porous array of landscapes into the militarized zone seen on the news every night. However, despite the ecological and political difficulties of doing so, people continue to cross the border between the two countries, defying environmental odds and risking death along the way. In Deadly Divide, Mendoza explains why, underscores the risks involved, and shows how we got to this point, keeping an eye on the border region's stark landscape with every step of the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

As many as ten thousand people attempt to illegally cross the border between the US and Mexico each month, braving deserts, rivers, and other environmental hazards in the process. But the very illegality of that crossing has an environmental history, writes Penn State University assistant professor Mary Mendoza in Deadly Divide: How Insects, Pathogens, and People Defied the US-Mexico Border (University of North Carolina Press, 2026). It was diseases, microbes, insects, and animals which, in part, hardened the border from a porous array of landscapes into the militarized zone seen on the news every night. However, despite the ecological and political difficulties of doing so, people continue to cross the border between the two countries, defying environmental odds and risking death along the way. In Deadly Divide, Mendoza explains why, underscores the risks involved, and shows how we got to this point, keeping an eye on the border region's stark landscape with every step of the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

As many as ten thousand people attempt to illegally cross the border between the US and Mexico each month, braving deserts, rivers, and other environmental hazards in the process. But the very illegality of that crossing has an environmental history, writes Penn State University assistant professor Mary Mendoza in Deadly Divide: How Insects, Pathogens, and People Defied the US-Mexico Border (University of North Carolina Press, 2026). It was diseases, microbes, insects, and animals which, in part, hardened the border from a porous array of landscapes into the militarized zone seen on the news every night. However, despite the ecological and political difficulties of doing so, people continue to cross the border between the two countries, defying environmental odds and risking death along the way. In Deadly Divide, Mendoza explains why, underscores the risks involved, and shows how we got to this point, keeping an eye on the border region's stark landscape with every step of the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

As many as ten thousand people attempt to illegally cross the border between the US and Mexico each month, braving deserts, rivers, and other environmental hazards in the process. But the very illegality of that crossing has an environmental history, writes Penn State University assistant professor Mary Mendoza in Deadly Divide: How Insects, Pathogens, and People Defied the US-Mexico Border (University of North Carolina Press, 2026). It was diseases, microbes, insects, and animals which, in part, hardened the border from a porous array of landscapes into the militarized zone seen on the news every night. However, despite the ecological and political difficulties of doing so, people continue to cross the border between the two countries, defying environmental odds and risking death along the way. In Deadly Divide, Mendoza explains why, underscores the risks involved, and shows how we got to this point, keeping an eye on the border region's stark landscape with every step of the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

As many as ten thousand people attempt to illegally cross the border between the US and Mexico each month, braving deserts, rivers, and other environmental hazards in the process. But the very illegality of that crossing has an environmental history, writes Penn State University assistant professor Mary Mendoza in Deadly Divide: How Insects, Pathogens, and People Defied the US-Mexico Border (University of North Carolina Press, 2026). It was diseases, microbes, insects, and animals which, in part, hardened the border from a porous array of landscapes into the militarized zone seen on the news every night. However, despite the ecological and political difficulties of doing so, people continue to cross the border between the two countries, defying environmental odds and risking death along the way. In Deadly Divide, Mendoza explains why, underscores the risks involved, and shows how we got to this point, keeping an eye on the border region's stark landscape with every step of the way.

Most people only know one of the Ryukyu Islands: the island of Okinawa, home to sandy beaches and one of the U.S.'s most important bases in Asia. There are lots of myths about this island chain, which stretch from southern Japan down to the island of Taiwan: That it owed loyalty to China, given its place in the imperial tribute trade; that it was a pacifist kingdom; that it was quasi-sovereign even within Japan. Gregory Smits tackles a lot of these myths in his expansive history of the islands, titled The Ryukyu Islands: A New History from the Stone Age to the Present (University of Chicago Press: 2025). His book, and today's conversation, dives into all the ways that the Ryukyu Islands will frustrate anyone trying to fit this place into an easy historical or political narrative.  Gregory Smits is professor of history and Asian Studies at Penn State University. He is the author of several books, including Early Ryukyuan History: A New Mode (University of Hawaii Press: 2024), Maritime Ryukyu, 1050-1650 (University of Hawaii Press: 2019) and Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics (University of Hawaii Press: 1999) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Ryukyu Islands. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at @nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Most people only know one of the Ryukyu Islands: the island of Okinawa, home to sandy beaches and one of the U.S.'s most important bases in Asia. There are lots of myths about this island chain, which stretch from southern Japan down to the island of Taiwan: That it owed loyalty to China, given its place in the imperial tribute trade; that it was a pacifist kingdom; that it was quasi-sovereign even within Japan. Gregory Smits tackles a lot of these myths in his expansive history of the islands, titled The Ryukyu Islands: A New History from the Stone Age to the Present (University of Chicago Press: 2025). His book, and today's conversation, dives into all the ways that the Ryukyu Islands will frustrate anyone trying to fit this place into an easy historical or political narrative.  Gregory Smits is professor of history and Asian Studies at Penn State University. He is the author of several books, including Early Ryukyuan History: A New Mode (University of Hawaii Press: 2024), Maritime Ryukyu, 1050-1650 (University of Hawaii Press: 2019) and Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics (University of Hawaii Press: 1999) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Ryukyu Islands. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at @nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

Most people only know one of the Ryukyu Islands: the island of Okinawa, home to sandy beaches and one of the U.S.'s most important bases in Asia. There are lots of myths about this island chain, which stretch from southern Japan down to the island of Taiwan: That it owed loyalty to China, given its place in the imperial tribute trade; that it was a pacifist kingdom; that it was quasi-sovereign even within Japan. Gregory Smits tackles a lot of these myths in his expansive history of the islands, titled The Ryukyu Islands: A New History from the Stone Age to the Present (University of Chicago Press: 2025). His book, and today's conversation, dives into all the ways that the Ryukyu Islands will frustrate anyone trying to fit this place into an easy historical or political narrative.  Gregory Smits is professor of history and Asian Studies at Penn State University. He is the author of several books, including Early Ryukyuan History: A New Mode (University of Hawaii Press: 2024), Maritime Ryukyu, 1050-1650 (University of Hawaii Press: 2019) and Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics (University of Hawaii Press: 1999) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Ryukyu Islands. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at @nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/chinese-studies

Most people only know one of the Ryukyu Islands: the island of Okinawa, home to sandy beaches and one of the U.S.'s most important bases in Asia. There are lots of myths about this island chain, which stretch from southern Japan down to the island of Taiwan: That it owed loyalty to China, given its place in the imperial tribute trade; that it was a pacifist kingdom; that it was quasi-sovereign even within Japan. Gregory Smits tackles a lot of these myths in his expansive history of the islands, titled The Ryukyu Islands: A New History from the Stone Age to the Present (University of Chicago Press: 2025). His book, and today's conversation, dives into all the ways that the Ryukyu Islands will frustrate anyone trying to fit this place into an easy historical or political narrative.  Gregory Smits is professor of history and Asian Studies at Penn State University. He is the author of several books, including Early Ryukyuan History: A New Mode (University of Hawaii Press: 2024), Maritime Ryukyu, 1050-1650 (University of Hawaii Press: 2019) and Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thought and Politics (University of Hawaii Press: 1999) You can find more reviews, excerpts, interviews, and essays at The Asian Review of Books, including its review of The Ryukyu Islands. Follow on Twitter at @BookReviewsAsia. Nicholas Gordon is an editor for a global magazine, and a reviewer for the Asian Review of Books. He can be found on Twitter at @nickrigordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/asian-review

In this episode, host Pierce Salguero sits down with Linda C. Ceriello, a scholar of mysticism and popular culture from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Linda is one of the foremost scholars of metamodernism, with particular focus on contemporary spirituality and mystical experiences. She talks with us about what this concept of metamodernism means, and how it can open up new kinds of more capacious thinking. I'm sure you will agree that a lot of what we've been doing on the Black Beryl podcast over the past 4 years — juxtaposing different perspectives, exposing our full selves, exploring the dark sides of spirituality, leaning into sincerity, etc. — has all embodied a metamodern sensibility. Anyway, I think she's the perfect guest to talk with as we launch season 4, and I hope you'll enjoy the show. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in multidisciplinary conversations about Asian healing and mystical traditions, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Also check out our members area on Substack (blackberyl.substack.com), as each episode our guests share downloadable PDFs of articles, book chapters, and other materials for you. One last thing: we are planning an “Ask Me Anything” episode coming up soon, so reach out via Substack or my website here, and let me know your questions. Ok, on with the show! Resources mentioned in this episode: “What is Metamodern?” website “What is Metamodern? Conversations” on YouTube Bloomsbury Press series: Studies in Metamodernism, Theory and Criticism Across the Disciplines Vermeulen and van den Akker, “Notes on Metamodernism” (2010) Kersten, Polo, Wilbers, Glocal Metamodernisms: European Fiction After Postmodernism (2026) Disambiguation video Recorded lecture: “An Overview of the Academic Research on Metamodernism” (2023) Recorded panel: “A Bodhisattva Move: Popular Mysticism's Influence on the Metamodern Turn?” (2021) Subscribe on blackberyl.substack.com to unlock our members-only benefits, including these PDFs of Linda's work: Metamodern Mysticisms (2018) “Toward a metamodern reading of Spiritual but Not Religious mysticisms” (2018) “The Metamodern Bend: Theorizations for Religious Studies” (2022) Black Beryl's host Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. See www.piercesalguero.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Where do scientific breakthroughs really begin, and how much space do we leave for curiosity, intuition, and creative thinking along the way?In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Auni Williams, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State University, for a thoughtful and refreshing conversation about “night science.” Together, they explore the idea that behind every polished grant, publication, or protocol is a messier, more human process driven by curiosity, imagination, and the freedom to explore unconventional ideas. From historical examples of scientific breakthroughs to personal stories from the lab, this episode invites listeners to rethink how discovery really happens.In this episode, you'll learn:What “night science” is and why embracing early, unpolished ideas is critical for innovation and discovery.How modern research culture can unintentionally suppress creativity – and what institutions and leaders can do to protect exploratory thinking.Why communicating science as a human, curiosity-driven process is essential for engaging both scientists and the public.Tune in to learn how making space for curiosity, creativity, and night science can reignite passion for research and lead to the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.Links:Connect with Auni Williams, PhD, and learn more about Penn State University.Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine.Learn more about François Jacob, Barry Marshall, August Kekulé, Operation Everest, American Heart Association Funding, and Cormac McCarthy's essay.Listen to our previous episode with Walter Isaacson.Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer.Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

In this episode, host Pierce Salguero sits down with Linda C. Ceriello, a scholar of mysticism and popular culture from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Linda is one of the foremost scholars of metamodernism, with particular focus on contemporary spirituality and mystical experiences. She talks with us about what this concept of metamodernism means, and how it can open up new kinds of more capacious thinking. I'm sure you will agree that a lot of what we've been doing on the Black Beryl podcast over the past 4 years — juxtaposing different perspectives, exposing our full selves, exploring the dark sides of spirituality, leaning into sincerity, etc. — has all embodied a metamodern sensibility. Anyway, I think she's the perfect guest to talk with as we launch season 4, and I hope you'll enjoy the show. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in multidisciplinary conversations about Asian healing and mystical traditions, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Also check out our members area on Substack (blackberyl.substack.com), as each episode our guests share downloadable PDFs of articles, book chapters, and other materials for you. One last thing: we are planning an “Ask Me Anything” episode coming up soon, so reach out via Substack or my website here, and let me know your questions. Ok, on with the show! Resources mentioned in this episode: “What is Metamodern?” website “What is Metamodern? Conversations” on YouTube Bloomsbury Press series: Studies in Metamodernism, Theory and Criticism Across the Disciplines Vermeulen and van den Akker, “Notes on Metamodernism” (2010) Kersten, Polo, Wilbers, Glocal Metamodernisms: European Fiction After Postmodernism (2026) Disambiguation video Recorded lecture: “An Overview of the Academic Research on Metamodernism” (2023) Recorded panel: “A Bodhisattva Move: Popular Mysticism's Influence on the Metamodern Turn?” (2021) Subscribe on blackberyl.substack.com to unlock our members-only benefits, including these PDFs of Linda's work: Metamodern Mysticisms (2018) “Toward a metamodern reading of Spiritual but Not Religious mysticisms” (2018) “The Metamodern Bend: Theorizations for Religious Studies” (2022) Black Beryl's host Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. See www.piercesalguero.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

In this episode, host Pierce Salguero sits down with Linda C. Ceriello, a scholar of mysticism and popular culture from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Linda is one of the foremost scholars of metamodernism, with particular focus on contemporary spirituality and mystical experiences. She talks with us about what this concept of metamodernism means, and how it can open up new kinds of more capacious thinking. I'm sure you will agree that a lot of what we've been doing on the Black Beryl podcast over the past 4 years — juxtaposing different perspectives, exposing our full selves, exploring the dark sides of spirituality, leaning into sincerity, etc. — has all embodied a metamodern sensibility. Anyway, I think she's the perfect guest to talk with as we launch season 4, and I hope you'll enjoy the show. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in multidisciplinary conversations about Asian healing and mystical traditions, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Also check out our members area on Substack (blackberyl.substack.com), as each episode our guests share downloadable PDFs of articles, book chapters, and other materials for you. One last thing: we are planning an “Ask Me Anything” episode coming up soon, so reach out via Substack or my website here, and let me know your questions. Ok, on with the show! Resources mentioned in this episode: “What is Metamodern?” website “What is Metamodern? Conversations” on YouTube Bloomsbury Press series: Studies in Metamodernism, Theory and Criticism Across the Disciplines Vermeulen and van den Akker, “Notes on Metamodernism” (2010) Kersten, Polo, Wilbers, Glocal Metamodernisms: European Fiction After Postmodernism (2026) Disambiguation video Recorded lecture: “An Overview of the Academic Research on Metamodernism” (2023) Recorded panel: “A Bodhisattva Move: Popular Mysticism's Influence on the Metamodern Turn?” (2021) Subscribe on blackberyl.substack.com to unlock our members-only benefits, including these PDFs of Linda's work: Metamodern Mysticisms (2018) “Toward a metamodern reading of Spiritual but Not Religious mysticisms” (2018) “The Metamodern Bend: Theorizations for Religious Studies” (2022) Black Beryl's host Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. See www.piercesalguero.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/spiritual-practice-and-mindfulness

In this episode, host Pierce Salguero sits down with Linda C. Ceriello, a scholar of mysticism and popular culture from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Linda is one of the foremost scholars of metamodernism, with particular focus on contemporary spirituality and mystical experiences. She talks with us about what this concept of metamodernism means, and how it can open up new kinds of more capacious thinking. I'm sure you will agree that a lot of what we've been doing on the Black Beryl podcast over the past 4 years — juxtaposing different perspectives, exposing our full selves, exploring the dark sides of spirituality, leaning into sincerity, etc. — has all embodied a metamodern sensibility. Anyway, I think she's the perfect guest to talk with as we launch season 4, and I hope you'll enjoy the show. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in multidisciplinary conversations about Asian healing and mystical traditions, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Also check out our members area on Substack (blackberyl.substack.com), as each episode our guests share downloadable PDFs of articles, book chapters, and other materials for you. One last thing: we are planning an “Ask Me Anything” episode coming up soon, so reach out via Substack or my website here, and let me know your questions. Ok, on with the show! Resources mentioned in this episode: “What is Metamodern?” website “What is Metamodern? Conversations” on YouTube Bloomsbury Press series: Studies in Metamodernism, Theory and Criticism Across the Disciplines Vermeulen and van den Akker, “Notes on Metamodernism” (2010) Kersten, Polo, Wilbers, Glocal Metamodernisms: European Fiction After Postmodernism (2026) Disambiguation video Recorded lecture: “An Overview of the Academic Research on Metamodernism” (2023) Recorded panel: “A Bodhisattva Move: Popular Mysticism's Influence on the Metamodern Turn?” (2021) Subscribe on blackberyl.substack.com to unlock our members-only benefits, including these PDFs of Linda's work: Metamodern Mysticisms (2018) “Toward a metamodern reading of Spiritual but Not Religious mysticisms” (2018) “The Metamodern Bend: Theorizations for Religious Studies” (2022) Black Beryl's host Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. See www.piercesalguero.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

Send us Fan MailAbout Dr. VolkertDr. Kayla Volkert is the founder and optometrist behind See La Vie Eyecare & Eyewear, a boutique eye care practice she opened in 2022 with the goal of bringing personalized, state-of-the-art eye care to the Main Line.Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Dr. Volkert now lives in Bryn Mawr with her husband and their two young sons. She loves the walkability, charm, and strong sense of community that make the Main Line such a special place to live and raise a family—and she is proud to serve the neighborhood she calls home.Dr. Volkert earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State University, where she majored in Life Sciences and minored in French and Psychology. During college, she spent a semester studying abroad in Montpellier, France—an experience that shaped her appreciation for culture, connection, and thoughtful design.She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, where she was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and received clinical honors across her rotations. While in optometry school, Dr. Volkert served as President of the Private Practice Club, reflecting her long-standing interest in improving the patient experience and building a practice rooted in personalized care. Her clinical training included advanced rotations at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, with a focus on pediatric contact lenses, and the Baltimore VA, where she gained extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.After graduation, Dr. Volkert practiced optometry in Charleston, South Carolina for several years before returning to Pennsylvania to open See La Vie. Through her practice, she combines medical expertise with an elevated, boutique approach to eye care—offering comprehensive eye exams, advanced technology, and a highly personalized experience designed to help patients look, see, and feel their best.

Sean Hayes has built performance programs at every level—from playing at Harvard University to coaching at Penn State University, the Houston Texans, WWE, and now serving as Director of Player Performance for the UFL.In this episode, Sean shares lessons from his mentors, building WWE's first comprehensive strength program, coaching NFL stars like J. J. Watt, and preparing UFL players for NFL opportunities._$1 Trial Membership to SCN

In this episode Dr. Robert Farrell is talking about his book 'The Science Behind Alien Encounters'. The reader will have a brief history of UFO sightings and encounters. How is the religious community dealing with the prospect of extraterrestrial life more advanced technologically and perhaps, spiritually? Why are the governments of the world so desperately trying to hide the existence of ETs? Despite governments' downplaying the ET question, there is continuing research to find evidence of ETs beyond Earth and even on Earth in the form of designs in crops. What is the ET connection to the world's oldest civilization in Sumer as well as that in Egypt? Many researchers over the decades have concluded that UFOs propel themselves by using gravitational fields. How is it theoretically possible to create a gravitational field? How has it been done in laboratories and even through serendipity? With such advanced technology, why do UFOs crash? What are these extraterrestrial visitors up to? In 2016, two species of bodies dated to have died over one thousand years ago, were found near Nazca, Peru. Both species are bipedal and tridactyl. One has only a 25% match to human DNA! The other appears to be reptilian and has DNA that does not match any known living organism! Are these two species extraterrestrials? Bio Dr. Robert E. Farrell received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, his MBA from Western New England College and his Doctor of Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. He is now retired from Penn State University as Associate Professor Emeritus. For most of his life, Dr. Farrell has been interested in ufology. Twenty years ago, he began doing serious research for his science fiction series of novels, Alien Log, Alien Log II: The New World Order, and Alien Log III: The Dulce Affair (Spring 2013). He believes good science fiction is based on good science. To that extent, Dr. Farrell is following the style of Michael Crichton (Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park, and many others) and Arthur C. Clarke in his Odyssey series. Recently, he has completed a nonfiction book The Science Behind Alien Encounters. It is available as both an E-book print version. This book is based on his lecture series of the same name. Another nonfiction book in the works is a co-authored work explaining how the universe began WITHOUT a Big Bang. Dr. Farrell has lectured many times at universities, science centers, MUFON meetings, book stores, clubs, and senior centers around the country, and has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows including Coast-To-Coast AM with George Noory. https://www.amazon.com/Science-Behind-Alien-Encounters/dp/0996358714 http://www.alienlog.com/ https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/alienufopodcasthttps://simonbown.com/My new book, Aspects of Alien Abduction https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GRRPCT9YZen AI bit.ly/zenAI_bpp_ufo Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many winegrape growers don't realize that grapevine roots are constantly growing, dying, and regenerating throughout the season. In this episode, David Eissenstat, Professor Emeritus at Penn State University, explains how decades of root research have challenged the myth that roots only grow at bloom and after harvest. He shares how underground research techniques reveal the hidden life of grapevine roots, why young roots drive water and nutrient uptake, how root growth changes with temperature and moisture, and what growers should know about managing vineyards with a deeper understanding of root biology.  Resources:   281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity Crop load – physiology, modelling and relationships to root growth in grapevines  David Eissenstat Importance of internal hydraulic redistribution for prolonging the lifespan of roots in dry soil The Efficiency of Nutrient Acquisition over the Life of a Root  Support the Podcast:  Make a Donation  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing 

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Susanna Räisänen, Assistant Professor at Aarhus University, discusses the growing importance of histidine in dairy cow nutrition. She explains how lower-protein diets affect amino acid balance, the role of microbial protein, and the challenges of improving nitrogen utilization while maintaining milk production. Learn how histidine may shape future dairy nutrition strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!"In a meta-analysis compiling all histidine studies, histidine supplementation increased dry matter intake and increased milk protein, milk yield, and energy-corrected milk yield."Meet the guest: Dr. Susanna Räisänen is an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University specializing in nitrogen utilization in lactating dairy cows. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Animal Science from SLU in Sweden and completed her Ph.D. at Penn State University. Her research focuses on amino acid nutrition, protein efficiency, and sustainable dairy production. Listen to Dr. Susanna Räisänen on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!Dr. Sonia Rodríguez: Improving Milk Production with Gut Health Strategies | Ep. 125Dr. Lance Baumgard: Stress Impact on Gut Health | Ep. 130Dr. Richard Paratte: Lysine and Milk Production | Ep. 133What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(03:31) Histidine interest(06:08) Low-protein diets(07:31) Supplementation responses(08:28) Feed sources(09:46) Practical limits(14:38) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Vetagro* Adisseo* Fortiva* Barentz* Kemin- DietForge- Esmilco Inc.- Virtus Nutrition

Now more than ever, the international community plays a central role in pressing governments to hold themselves to account. Despite pressure to adhere to global human rights norms, governments continue to benefit from impunity for their past crimes. In an age of accountability, how do states continue to escape justice? Escaping Justice: Impunity for State Crimes in the Age of Accountability (Cambridge UP, 2025)presents a theory of strategic adaptation that explains the conditions under which governments adopt transitional justice without a genuine commitment to holding state forces to account. Cyanne E. Loyle develops this theory through in-depth fieldwork conducted over the last ten years in Rwanda, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. Research in each of these cases reveals a unique strategy of adaptation: coercion, containment, and concession. Using evidence from these cases, Loyle traces the conditions under which a government pursues its chosen strategies and the outcomes of transitional justice. Our guest is Professor Cyanne Loyle, who is the Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science at Penn State University and a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Now more than ever, the international community plays a central role in pressing governments to hold themselves to account. Despite pressure to adhere to global human rights norms, governments continue to benefit from impunity for their past crimes. In an age of accountability, how do states continue to escape justice? Escaping Justice: Impunity for State Crimes in the Age of Accountability (Cambridge UP, 2025)presents a theory of strategic adaptation that explains the conditions under which governments adopt transitional justice without a genuine commitment to holding state forces to account. Cyanne E. Loyle develops this theory through in-depth fieldwork conducted over the last ten years in Rwanda, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. Research in each of these cases reveals a unique strategy of adaptation: coercion, containment, and concession. Using evidence from these cases, Loyle traces the conditions under which a government pursues its chosen strategies and the outcomes of transitional justice. Our guest is Professor Cyanne Loyle, who is the Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science at Penn State University and a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Now more than ever, the international community plays a central role in pressing governments to hold themselves to account. Despite pressure to adhere to global human rights norms, governments continue to benefit from impunity for their past crimes. In an age of accountability, how do states continue to escape justice? Escaping Justice: Impunity for State Crimes in the Age of Accountability (Cambridge UP, 2025)presents a theory of strategic adaptation that explains the conditions under which governments adopt transitional justice without a genuine commitment to holding state forces to account. Cyanne E. Loyle develops this theory through in-depth fieldwork conducted over the last ten years in Rwanda, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. Research in each of these cases reveals a unique strategy of adaptation: coercion, containment, and concession. Using evidence from these cases, Loyle traces the conditions under which a government pursues its chosen strategies and the outcomes of transitional justice. Our guest is Professor Cyanne Loyle, who is the Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science at Penn State University and a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

Now more than ever, the international community plays a central role in pressing governments to hold themselves to account. Despite pressure to adhere to global human rights norms, governments continue to benefit from impunity for their past crimes. In an age of accountability, how do states continue to escape justice? Escaping Justice: Impunity for State Crimes in the Age of Accountability (Cambridge UP, 2025)presents a theory of strategic adaptation that explains the conditions under which governments adopt transitional justice without a genuine commitment to holding state forces to account. Cyanne E. Loyle develops this theory through in-depth fieldwork conducted over the last ten years in Rwanda, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. Research in each of these cases reveals a unique strategy of adaptation: coercion, containment, and concession. Using evidence from these cases, Loyle traces the conditions under which a government pursues its chosen strategies and the outcomes of transitional justice. Our guest is Professor Cyanne Loyle, who is the Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science at Penn State University and a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Now more than ever, the international community plays a central role in pressing governments to hold themselves to account. Despite pressure to adhere to global human rights norms, governments continue to benefit from impunity for their past crimes. In an age of accountability, how do states continue to escape justice? Escaping Justice: Impunity for State Crimes in the Age of Accountability (Cambridge UP, 2025)presents a theory of strategic adaptation that explains the conditions under which governments adopt transitional justice without a genuine commitment to holding state forces to account. Cyanne E. Loyle develops this theory through in-depth fieldwork conducted over the last ten years in Rwanda, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. Research in each of these cases reveals a unique strategy of adaptation: coercion, containment, and concession. Using evidence from these cases, Loyle traces the conditions under which a government pursues its chosen strategies and the outcomes of transitional justice. Our guest is Professor Cyanne Loyle, who is the Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science at Penn State University and a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now more than ever, the international community plays a central role in pressing governments to hold themselves to account. Despite pressure to adhere to global human rights norms, governments continue to benefit from impunity for their past crimes. In an age of accountability, how do states continue to escape justice? Escaping Justice: Impunity for State Crimes in the Age of Accountability (Cambridge UP, 2025)presents a theory of strategic adaptation that explains the conditions under which governments adopt transitional justice without a genuine commitment to holding state forces to account. Cyanne E. Loyle develops this theory through in-depth fieldwork conducted over the last ten years in Rwanda, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. Research in each of these cases reveals a unique strategy of adaptation: coercion, containment, and concession. Using evidence from these cases, Loyle traces the conditions under which a government pursues its chosen strategies and the outcomes of transitional justice. Our guest is Professor Cyanne Loyle, who is the Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science at Penn State University and a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

Now more than ever, the international community plays a central role in pressing governments to hold themselves to account. Despite pressure to adhere to global human rights norms, governments continue to benefit from impunity for their past crimes. In an age of accountability, how do states continue to escape justice? Escaping Justice: Impunity for State Crimes in the Age of Accountability (Cambridge UP, 2025)presents a theory of strategic adaptation that explains the conditions under which governments adopt transitional justice without a genuine commitment to holding state forces to account. Cyanne E. Loyle develops this theory through in-depth fieldwork conducted over the last ten years in Rwanda, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. Research in each of these cases reveals a unique strategy of adaptation: coercion, containment, and concession. Using evidence from these cases, Loyle traces the conditions under which a government pursues its chosen strategies and the outcomes of transitional justice. Our guest is Professor Cyanne Loyle, who is the Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science at Penn State University and a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Send us Fan MailJeremy Engels is a distinguished professor of communication and ethics at Penn State University, specializing in rhetoric. He is acclaimed for his exploration of the intersections between yoga, mindfulness, and community building. Jeremy is a prolific author whose works include "Living Namaste: A Practical Guide to Yoga, Mindfulness, and Building Community" and "On Mindful Democracy". His academic and personal journey incorporates a deep engagement with yoga, meditation, and the foundational principles of rhetoric, making him a unique voice in the fields of philosophy and mindfulness.Visit Jeremy: https://jeremydavidengels.com/Key Takeaways:The embodiment of "Namaste" involves recognizing and honoring the divine within ourselves and others, promoting harmony and community.Engaging in yoga and mindfulness practices can alleviate loneliness and cultivate a sense of belonging and connection within communities.Jeremy's experience as a rhetoric professor highlights the powerful role of language in shaping human interactions and nurturing democratic values.Bridging philosophical concepts with physical practices like yoga fosters a balanced approach to addressing personal and societal challenges.The pursuit of understanding complex philosophical and ethical principles can significantly impact personal development and community well-being.Check out:

Penn State University announced the closure of seven satellite campuses even as it adds more capacity to its flagship campus at University Park in State College, PA. The university is now looking at closing programs. All of this led the Penn State faculty to vote 3-1 in favor of unionization. Sunil Dasgupta speaks to Penn State, Berks, Political Science Professor Randy Newnham about the reorganization at the university, unionization, and what it means for the future of higher education. Music from Seth Kibel's brand new album, Clarinet Without A Net.

Send us Fan Mail1969 unsolved stabbing death of a student inside the library on the campus of Penn State University.Merchhttps://jrlawman-shop.fourthwall.com/...https://www.statecollegemagazine.com/...https://www.aetv.com/articles/penn-st...https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/cold...    • Murder in the Stacks: A Tragic Story  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_... 

The Supreme Court's 2025-26 term has been punctuated with some high-stakes cases: birthright citizenship, voting rights, presidential powers and consequential civil rights cases. Some of the most anticipated and significant cases have yet to be decided. As the justices make the final sprint to the end of the term in early July, we take stock of how the Supreme Court evolved from the weakest branch of government to the powerhouse arbiter it is today. This episode originally aired in 2020.Guests:Larry Kramer, former dean of Stanford Law School and author of The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial ReviewRachel Shelden, associate professor of History and director of the George and Ann Richards Civil War Era Center at Penn State University, and author of The Political Supreme CourtLucas Powe Jr., professor of Law and Government at the University of TexasSupport shows like Throughline with NPR+. Sign up today at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Embedded Insiders, Dr. Kavyashree Keremane, a postdoctoral researcher in materials science and engineering, and Dr. Bed Poudel, a research professor at Penn State University, join the podcast to share their work exploring something that sounds almost futuristic, but is quickly becoming very real: using synthetic DNA as a medium for data storage.Watch the video interview here: https://youtu.be/_GupJZZypn4Read the story here: https://embeddedcomputing.com/technology/storage/how-synthetic-dna-for-data-storage-could-help-the-memory-crisisNext, Rich and John Grady, the CEO of Ayla Networks, discuss the challenges of supporting IoT across various regions. For more information, visit embeddedcomputing.com

In this episode, Joe Crane sits down with Joe Bergin, Co-Founder of Commonwealth M&A, a boutique sell-side M&A advisory firm based in West Chester, PA. After spending over a decade handling high-stakes corporate acquisitions and venture capital deals at Johnson & Johnson, Joe founded Commonwealth M&A to bring Fortune 100-caliber deal rigor to lower-middle market business owners navigating the most significant financial decision of their lives. Joe shares invaluable insights into how business owners can bridge the gap between their companies and private equity buyers, avoid common pitfalls, and properly prepare for a lucrative exit. Episode Resources: https://www.commonwealthmna.com   About Our Guest Host Joe Bergin is the Co-Founder of Commonwealth M&A, a boutique sell-side M&A advisory firm based in West Chester, PA. Before founding the firm, Joe spent more than a decade at Johnson & Johnson one of the world's most sophisticated corporate acquirers in a series of roles culminating in hands-on work analyzing, structuring, and executing M&A and venture capital transactions. He is a Certified Management Accountant and holds dual degrees in Finance and Economics from Penn State University. Joe founded Commonwealth M&A to bring Fortune 100-caliber deal rigor to the lower-middle market, working exclusively on behalf of business owners navigating one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. The firm has closed more than $100 million in transaction value and earned the M&A Source Platinum Award given to fewer than four firms nationally.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.  

Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode features the article “How Variability Within and Between Natural Turfgrass and Synthetic Athletic Fields Impacts Athlete Safety and Performance” written by Ava Veith, Dr. David McCall, Dr. Chase Straw, Dr. Daniel Sandor, Dr. Jay Williams, Elisabeth Kitchen, Kevin Hensler, Aaron Tucker and Dr. Caleb Henderson Authors Note and Context Ava Veith is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant Science at Penn State University under the advisement of Dr. Chase Straw, where her research focuses on studying within-field variability and athlete–surface interactions. However, the research presented in this article was conducted during her master's program at Virginia Tech under Dr. David McCall. This study served as a foundational investigation into how variability within and between natural turfgrass and synthetic turf athletic fields influences athletes. The findings from this work have shaped the direction of subsequent doctoral research. Building on this foundation, the planned Ph.D. project aims to examine athlete lower-limb joint biomechanics across natural turfgrass, synthetic turf, and hybrid (natural turfgrass reinforced with synthetic fibers) surfaces using multi-segment inertial measurement units. At the conclusion of this article, the next phase of research will be briefly outlined to demonstrate how it has grown from the master's study. In this way, the Virginia Tech study presented here represents both a completed project and the starting point for a broader, ongoing effort to better understand how the playing surface can affect athlete movement and injury-relevant mechanics. Introduction A safe playing surface is essential for athletic competition. Natural turfgrass and synthetic turf are common playing surfaces used for field sports, and extensive research has been conducted to compare these two surface types. However, limited attention has been given to within-field variability and its impact on athlete safety and performance. Studies often classify athletic fields broadly as synthetic or natural, overlooking critical surface metrics that fluctuate both within and between fields. Key field characteristics such as surface hardness, rotational resistance, soil moisture, thatch depth, and infill depth (for synthetic fields) play a crucial role in assessing field quality. Variability in these factors can be influenced by environmental conditions, management practices, and field usage patterns. Despite the known importance of these factors, current research often fails to account for field-specific inconsistencies, limiting the effectiveness of broad comparisons between surfaces. To improve field safety and optimize athlete performance, interdisciplinary collaboration among turfgrass scientists, sports scientists, and sports medicine professionals is necessary. Evidence-based field management strategies must be developed to ensure more consistent playing conditions, reducing the risk of injury. Wearable technologies such as STATSports GPS trackers (STATSports, 2025) and ankle inertial measurement units (IMUs) (IMeasureU, 2019) provide critical insights into athlete biomechanics, load monitoring, and more. These technologies allow researchers to quantify how different surface conditions influence athletes during performance, offering valuable data for injury prevention strategies. Beyond data collected by wearable technologies, athlete perceptions of field conditions also play a role in performance and injury risk. Unpredictable surface variability can affect player confidence, movement efficiency, and risk-taking behaviors, making perception-based data collection essential. Understanding how athletes experience and perceive different playing surfaces can inform future improvements in field construction and maintenance. The objective of this study is to quantify the impact of surface variability on athlete safety and performance, both within and between natural turfgrass and synthetic turf surfaces. This research will quantify how variations in key surface metrics, including surface hardness, rotational resistance, soil moisture, thatch depth, and infill depth, affect athletes utilizing data from wearable technologies, such as STATSports GPS trackers and ankle IMUs. Additionally, to further understand the influence of field surfaces, athletes will be surveyed before and after performing drills to gather insights into their perceptions of how surface variability impacts their performance. Methodology Athletic Fields Tested This research was conducted in August of 2024, where four athletic fields on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia were studied. Two of these fields were natural turfgrass (bermudagrass), while the other two fields were synthetic turf. For both field types, one field was classified as ‘low usage', while the other was classified as ‘high usage'. This was determined based on traffic frequency, field age, and management practices. Preliminary Data Collection Before live athletes were introduced, surface hardness was assessed on all four fields using a Clegg hammer, with 100 measurements collected per field. The data were then analyzed using ArcGIS Pro to generate surface hardness heatmaps, highlighting variability between and within each field. These maps allowed us to identify specific locations for the athletes to perform drills, where one selected area within each field was slightly harder than the rest of the field, and the other being slightly softer. Additionally, 20 measurements of rotational resistance (using Deltec's rotational resistance tester), thatch depth (using a soil profile sampler), soil moisture (using a TDR 350 Soil Moisture Meter), and infill depth (using a Turf-Tec Professional Model Infill Depth Gauge) were taken in both the softer and harder areas to further characterize each field and understand the relationship between surface conditions and athlete performance. Data Collection During Athlete Involvement Fourteen female athletes participated in the study, equipped with STATSports GPS devices (to measure running speed) and ankle IMUs (to measure lower limb impact intensity) to quantify their movements during drills. The athletes were each given new Nike cleats prior to participation to eliminate variation based on cleat configuration. They completed three drills, including a drop landing or drop jump drill, a T-drill, and a modified acceleration-deceleration drill, which were designed to replicate common athletic movements. Each drill was performed three times in both the softer and harder areas identified within each field. Additionally, each athlete completed pre- and post-performance surveys designed to capture their perceptions of field quality before and after completing the drills, providing insight into how different surfaces may have influenced their performance. Results and Discussion Surface Hardness Data Heatmaps highlight surface hardness variability within each studied field. Surface hardness data (n = 100 per field) were analyzed using analysis of variance, and means were separated using Fisher's protected least significant difference (LSD) test at α = 0.05 to evaluate statistical differences between locations. Both synthetic turf fields had significantly harder surfaces than the natural turfgrass fields (p < 0.0001), and for both surface types, the high-usage field had a significantly harder surface than the low-usage field (p = 0.0029 for the natural turfgrass fields and p < 0.0001 for the synthetic turf fields). Both synthetic fields tested in this study were not constructed with a shock pad, which is typically placed beneath the layer of material that supports the synthetic fibers and utilized to help replicate the cushioning effect of natural turfgrass. The absence of a shock pad, along with the tendency of synthetic turf to harden over time due to infill material compaction from athlete foot traffic, may explain the harder surface values observed on the synthetic fields compared to the natural fields. Further, increased use or foot traffic on both natural turfgrass and synthetic turf leads to compaction, which causes the playing surface to harden over time. Therefore, it is anticipated that the high-usage fields exhibited higher surface hardness compared to the low-usage fields. Data Within Each Hard and Soft Area Resulting rotational resistance, thatch depth, soil moisture, and infill depth (synthetic fields only) measurements taken within each hard and soft area on all four fields are presented in Table 1 (available in the Spring 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Turfgrass magazine). These measurements (n = 20 per both hard and soft areas within each field) were analyzed using analysis of variance, and means were separated using Fisher's protected least significant difference (LSD) test at α = 0.05 to evaluate statistical differences between locations. Although the fields tested in this research were not professional-level fields, it is insightful to compare the results with the FIFA natural-pitch rating system (FIFA, 2022). All rotational resistance values fell within FIFA's ‘excellent quality' and ‘satisfactory quality' thresholds, which is important because excessive rotational resistance has been linked to increased lower extremity injuries due to the foot becoming entrapped in the surface during pivoting movements, and too little resistance can increase the risk of slipping. However, soil moisture values exceed 35%, which FIFA classifies as ‘unacceptable quality'. This elevated moisture is likely the primary cause of the low surface hardness values observed on the natural turfgrass fields, which were lower than FIFA's 70-85 Gmax ‘excellent quality' range. Additionally, FIFA considers thatch depths over 25 mm as unacceptable, and 10–15 mm satisfactory. Excessive thatch can cause athlete's cleats to become caught within the surface, increasing knee ligament stress. The low-usage natural turfgrass field had more thatch despite regular maintenance, while the high-usage natural turfgrass field had less, likely due to recent sprigging the summer before. Soft areas in both natural turfgrass fields exhibited higher thatch levels than the hard areas, consistent with previous findings that core cultivation reduces both thatch and surface hardness (McCarty et al., 2007; Atkinson et al., 2012). This supports the understanding that increased thatch can act as a cushioning layer, absorbing impact and thereby reducing surface hardness. The high-usage synthetic turf field exhibited significantly less infill and greater surface hardness compared to the low-usage synthetic turf field, and the soft areas within both synthetic fields had more infill than the hard areas. This aligns with previous research indicating that infill depth decreases with use, which in turn leads to higher surface hardness (Dickson et al., 2022). Additionally, the low-usage synthetic field exhibited greater variability in infill depth between the selected hard and soft areas, likely due to its relatively young age (only one year old at the time of the study). Compared to the older high-usage field, which was approximately ten years old, the infill in the low-usage synthetic field had less time to settle, making it more susceptible to displacement from foot traffic (Fleming et al., 2016). STATSports GPS Unit Data In our study, STATSports GPS units were securely attached to each athlete's upper back. These devices were used to determine if athlete running speed varied based on field type (natural turfgrass or synthetic turf), field usage level (high or low), or hardness (hard or soft areas within each field). However, no statistically significant differences were found. This consistency in speed across conditions is important because running speed can directly affect impact forces and biomechanical measurements. Prior studies have shown that faster running increases the ground reaction force and ultimately lower limb impact load (Leatham, 2004; Jiang et al., 2024). If athletes had run at different speeds on one field type compared to another, it could have affected the reliability of our ankle IMU data. However, since no significant speed differences were found across field types, usage, or hardness, we can confidently attribute the observed differences in the resulting ankle IMU data to the playing surface. Ankle IMU Data Ankle IMUs were utilized to record a metric called average intensity, which is defined as the mean impact intensity derived from every impact propagated into both limbs (IMeasureU, 2022). This metric is recorded in units of gravitational force (g). These devices were securely attached to each athlete's ankle and recorded data as they performed drills on all four fields studied. After running statistical tests that accounted for individual differences between athletes, significant differences were found based on field, field usage, and hardness. Across all three drills, field type had a noticeable impact (p < 0.0001) where athletes showed higher average intensity on synthetic turf fields compared to natural turfgrass. For the drop jump drill, the average intensity was 19.73 g [standard error (SE) ± 1.88] on natural turfgrass and 22.73 g (SE ± 1.82) on synthetic turf, placing the synthetic turf value within the IMU Step ‘high intensity' foot strike range of 21.5–26.7 g (Wong and Finch, 2018). A similar trend was seen in the t-drill, with average intensities of 15.84 g (SE ± 1.20) on natural turfgrass and 18.07 g (SE ± 1.16) on synthetic turf. For the modified acceleration-deceleration drill, average intensity was 17.72 g (SE ± 1.15) on natural turfgrass and 21.35 g (SE ± 1.10) on synthetic turf. Field usage also made a difference in the t-drill (p < 0.0001), where the average intensity on high-usage fields was 18.14 g (SE ± 1.24), compared to 16.49 g (SE ± 1.24) on low-usage fields. Hardness played a role as well, especially in the t-drill (p = 0.0073) and the modified acceleration-deceleration drill (p < 0.0001). In the t-drill, hard areas resulted in an average intensity of 17.43 g (SE ± 1.22), slightly higher than the 17.05 g (SE ± 1.22) on soft areas. For the modified acceleration-deceleration drill, intensity averaged 20.38 g (SE ± 4.28) on hard areas and 18.85 g (SE ± 3.81) on soft areas. Overall, the synthetic turf fields, high-usage fields, and hard areas within fields exhibited higher average intensity values than the natural turfgrass fields, low-usage fields, and softer areas within fields. This aligns with our surface hardness findings, as synthetic turf fields were significantly harder than natural turfgrass fields on average. Additionally, hard areas within synthetic turf were harder than those on natural turf, and high-usage fields were harder than low-usage fields for both surface types. Thus, our data suggest that harder surfaces may explain the higher average intensity values recorded on the athlete's lower limbs compared to softer surfaces. This trend has been heavily supported, as running on harder surfaces increases impact stress, which can ultimately contribute to lower limb injuries. However, all surface hardness values in this study were below 100 Gmax, which is the threshold deemed unsafe by the National Football League (NFL) guidelines (Sports Turf Managers Association, 2019) and unacceptable by FIFA. Yet, a potential positive correlation between surface hardness and impact was observed, as recorded by the ankle IMUs. While further research is needed, it is hypothesized that surface hardness exceeding 100 Gmax could significantly increase injury risk over time due to excessive impact on athletes' lower limbs. Additionally, establishing threshold values for ankle IMU metrics is crucial to determine the point at which these values may lead to injury. Survey / Athlete Perception Data Athletes completed pre- and post-performance surveys to assess field quality and its impact on their performance. Individual responses were recorded and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance to assess statistical differences between fields. Post-hoc comparisons were conducted using Fisher's protected least significant difference (LSD) test at α = 0.05. The low-usage natural turfgrass field received the highest quality rating for both pre- and post surveys, while the high-usage natural turfgrass field, hindered by weeds and poor maintenance, scored the lowest. Synthetic turf fields ranked in between the two natural fields (with the high usage synthetic turf field being ranked lower than the low-usage synthetic turf field), indicating a preference for synthetic surfaces over a poorly maintained natural field. Conclusions Considerable variation in surface hardness was observed both within and between fields, with synthetic turf fields generally being harder than natural turfgrass fields. High-usage fields, regardless of type, were significantly harder than low-usage fields. Other metrics, such as rotational resistance, soil moisture, thatch depth, and infill depth, also showed variability. For natural turfgrass fields, higher soil moisture led to lower surface hardness, while synthetic turf fields exhibited a negative relationship between field usage and infill depth, where frequent foot traffic reduced infill and increased surface hardness. Although achieving perfect field uniformity is not possible, these findings emphasize how field usage and maintenance impact surface variability. Additionally, our data suggest a potential link between surface hardness and the mechanical load on athletes' lower limbs. While this trend was observed, further research is needed to investigate its long-term effects on athlete health, particularly on surfaces that exceed acceptable hardness thresholds. Survey data revealed athletes rated the quality of the low-usage natural turfgrass field the highest, likely due to its softer surface and better aesthetics. In contrast, the high-usage natural turfgrass field, which suffered from poor maintenance and weed pressure, received the lowest ratings, underlining the importance of field condition in shaping athlete perceptions. These results highlight the role of field management and athlete feedback in optimizing field quality. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into how different sports surfaces impact athletes. Our findings suggest that harder surfaces, such as synthetic turf or high-traffic areas, can increase impact and loading on the lower limbs. These results highlight the critical importance of effective field management, maintenance, and consideration of field conditions prior to athletic competition. Next Phase of Research: Ph.D. Project Overview Building on the findings of the Virginia Tech study, this doctoral research at Penn State expands the investigation from impact loading to full lower-limb joint biomechanics during sport-specific movements. While the Virginia Tech study demonstrated that harder surfaces were associated with increased lower-limb impact intensity, the next question is whether different playing surfaces subtly alter how athletes move at the joint level during high-risk tasks such as cutting and decelerating. The planned Ph.D. project uses a multi-segment inertial measurement unit (IMU) configuration placed on the athlete's dominant limb, including sensors at the foot, shank, thigh, and pelvis. Positioning sensors closer to the ground improves sensitivity to surface-related differences, allowing evaluation of not only impact but also ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics derived through inverse kinematics workflows. Female athletes will perform sport-specific movements, including a single-leg drop-landing followed by a 90° cut, as well as an acceleration to deceleration drill, on four playing surface types: natural turfgrass, synthetic turf, carpet-type hybrid reinforced turfgrass, and stitched fiber hybrid reinforced turfgrass. Each athlete will complete multiple trials on each surface in a within-subject, repeated-measures design, allowing direct biomechanical comparisons across surface types. Female athletes are of particular interest given they experience substantially higher rates of non-contact ACL injury compared to their male counterparts, highlighting the importance of understanding how the playing surface may influence movement. Joint angles of interest include knee flexion and frontal-plane knee motion (dynamic valgus), as well as hip and foot orientation variables commonly discussed in the context of non-contact ACL injury mechanisms. Because hybrid systems are increasingly used in elite stadium environments and are required for upcoming international competitions (e.g., the FIFA World Cup), understanding how live athletes respond biomechanically to these surfaces is of particular interest. To date, most hybrid research has relied primarily on mechanical testing devices rather than human movement data. An additional component of the project involves comparing human biomechanical responses to mechanical surface testing metrics, including measurements from the fLEX testing device (Dickson and Sorochan, 2022; SGL System, n.d.). If consistent relationships are identified between device measurements and athlete joint mechanics, field managers may ultimately be able to more confidently use standardized mechanical testing tools as practical indicators of athlete–surface interactions. Collectively, this progression advances a more comprehensive framework that integrates both the playing surface and athlete biomechanics. By focusing on human movement responses within real field environments, this work strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration across field management, kinesiology, and sports medicine. Ultimately, it aims to generate practical knowledge that supports both performance and safety in sport. A full list of references as well as accompanying figures, photos and tables are available with this article in the Spring 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Turfgrass magazine available on www.TheTurfZone.com. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post How Variability Within and Between Natural Turfgrass and Synthetic Athletic Fields Impacts Athlete Safety and Performance appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Robert "Bob" Voigt, Professor with Penn State University about "Educating the Future Manufacturing Leaders". Overview The conversation highlights the importance of the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, scheduled for November 3-5, 2023. The Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, features an interview with Robert Voight, a professor at Penn State Behrend, discussing the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program. Voight emphasizes the hands-on experience provided to students, including foundry visits and practical metal casting. He also discusses the evolution of materials like austempered ductile iron and the integration of digital technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality. Voight's contact information is available for those interested in learning more. Outline Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress Announcement Scott introduces the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, emphasizing its importance for cybersecurity professionals.The event is scheduled for November 3-5 in Barcelona, with networking opportunities and expert discussions.Scott mentions their own participation and encourages listeners to mark their calendars.Contact information for the event is available on Industrial Talk. Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast The podcast focuses on industry professionals and their contributions to innovation and problem-solving.Scott reiterates the podcast's mission to celebrate industry heroes and their achievements.The podcast is broadcasting from the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program at Penn State Behrend. Introduction of Robert Voight and METAL Program Scott introduces Robert Voight, also known as Bob, and highlights his role in the METAL program.The METAL program focuses on metal-related education and business involvement.Scott praises the hands-on experience provided by the program, including foundry visits.Bob shares his excitement about teaching real-world skills to students. Hands-On Experience at Foundries Scott describes the hands-on experience of pouring aluminum and working in foundries.Bob emphasizes the importance of practical experience in metal casting.The program includes business involvement, with foundries being accommodating and supportive.Bob discusses the excitement and passion that comes from working with metal. Challenges and Solutions in Metal Casting Scott asks Bob about the challenges of metal shrinkage and quality control.Bob explains the process of solidifying metal and ensuring it meets specifications.Bob shares his background, including his education at the University of Wisconsin and his transition to Penn State.The importance of having talented people in the metal casting industry is highlighted. Passion and Future of Manufacturing Scott and Bob discuss the passion and dedication required in manufacturing.Bob emphasizes the need for top talent to attract and retain employees.The conversation touches on the generational aspect of manufacturing and the importance of passing on skills.Bob shares his experience with internships and the benefits of practical training. Evolution of Metallurgy and Material Innovation Scott and Bob discuss the evolution of metallurgy and the development of new materials.Bob explains the importance of balancing performance and manufacturability.The conversation covers the history of materials like steel and aluminum and their continuous improvement.Bob shares insights into the development of austempered ductile iron and its applications. Digital Technologies in Metal Casting Bob discusses the use of digital technologies in metal casting, including computer simulations.The digital twin concept is introduced, where simulations help in achieving real-world success.Bob emphasizes the importance of a digital thread in connecting various manufacturing details.The conversation highlights the benefits of digital technologies in improving efficiency and quality. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott expresses admiration for Bob's work and the METAL program.Bob provides his contact information for those interested in learning more about the program.Scott encourages listeners to support programs like METAL and get involved in the world of metallurgy.The podcast concludes with a reminder of the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress and its importance for cybersecurity professionals. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! ROBERT "BOB" VOIGT'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: rcv2@psu.edu METAL Website: https://www.metalforamerica.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-voigt-788487b/ Company Website: https://behrend.psu.edu/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/WfHHge8z-Mo THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

Mike Joseph is the Assistant Athletics Director and Head Football Strength & Conditioning Coach at West Virginia University, where he has led the Mountaineers' strength and conditioning efforts since 2008. A pioneer in integrating sport science, recovery, nutrition, and performance technology, Joseph oversees athletic performance development across the department with a primary focus on football.Rece Poulin is the Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Merrimack College, where he oversees Men's Ice Hockey, Women's Basketball, and Women's Lacrosse. A former Merrimack graduate fellow, he earned his master's degree in Exercise and Sports Science and was honored with the prestigious Lance Vermeil Award from the CSCCa for his commitment and potential in the strength and conditioning profession.Kristina Jeffries is the Associate Director of Athletic Performance at Penn State University, where she currently oversees Men's and Women's Hockey. Since joining Penn State in 2014, she has worked with multiple programs, including Track & Field and Men's Soccer.Dr. Bill Burghardt is the Director of Sports Science at Michigan State University, where he leads efforts to optimize athlete training, performance, and return-to-sport through the integration of sport science, technology, and data analytics. He previously served as Director of Football Sports Science and spent several years on the Spartans' strength and conditioning staff.Scott Swanson is the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Strength & Conditioning at United States Military Academy, where he oversees the physical development of more than 1,000 cadet-athletes across 28 varsity sports. Now in his 24th year leading the program, Swanson directs one of the most unique and comprehensive strength and conditioning operations in collegiate athletics.Jordan Nilson joined Auburn University in 2024 and oversees all aspects of strength and conditioning for Auburn's Olympic sports while serving as the primary performance coach for women's tennis. Prior to Auburn, she spent several years at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she worked with gymnastics, women's tennis, and softball while also leading internship education and athlete leadership initiatives.Kelly Powers is the Athletic Director at Saint Ursula Academy. Prior to this she was the Associate Athletic Director for Olympic Sports Performance at University of Cincinnati, where she oversees Olympic sports performance and nutrition while serving as the head strength and conditioning coach for women's basketball and volleyball. Since joining Cincinnati in 2008, she has helped lead the growth of the department's performance and athlete wellness initiatives.

Many of us think of the Bible as a book written in Hebrew and Greek, overlooking the important role of Aramaic—the lingua franca of much of the ancient Near East. In this episode, Helen and Lloyd climb into the Time Machine with Tawny Holm, one of the world's leading experts on Aramaic, to explore the language's history, literature, and cultural significance. Who spoke and wrote Aramaic? What kinds of texts were composed in it? And how can Aramaic literature beyond the Bible help us better understand the Aramaic passages within it?Tawny M. Holm is Professor of Hebrew and Aramaic Studies at Penn State University. Her main research areas are the Hebrew Bible in its Ancient Near Eastern context, early Judaism and Aramaic studies. She is the author of Of Courtiers and Kings: The Biblical Daniel Narratives and Ancient-Story Collections (Eisenbrauns, 2013), and, most recently, Aramaic Literature from Egypt and the Levant, published in May 2026 in SBL's series, Writings from the Ancient World (Volume 30). Support the showTheme music written and performed by Dave Roos, creator of Biblical Time Machine. Season 4 produced by John Nelson. 

Family rituals face pressure from digital distractions while Patrick examines the sway of social media over young adults, and as listeners call in, he grapples with misunderstandings around Jewish identity and explores the subtle boundaries between faith traditions, generational conflict, and societal expectations. A man crashed a stolen car outside St. Joseph Shrine. Then he bolted. The Rector heard the crash, and someone yelled "stop him." So, Rev. Jean-Baptiste Commins — in full cassock — tackled him, and held him until the police came. - https://x.com/acloudofsaints/status/2062167287327510734 (01:35) Roland (email) - Is it okay for me to attend my 24-year-old daughter’s immediate-family-only reception the day after her private Catholic church wedding (with only siblings as witnesses), even though my wife questions the marriage’s validity and we’re both disappointed by the no-guests decision amid ongoing mother-daughter tensions? (06:23) Josh - I want to drill down on people saying, 'the Jews'. There isn't one consensus among the Jews. You get many varied viewpoints and people need to understand that. Also, I struggle with faith because of antisemitism. Any advice? (17:45) Audio: This college professor (Sam Richards, a sociology professor at Penn State University) speaks out amazed at 'how many people hate Jews' - https://x.com/DangerousThinkg/status/2036529945350992288Joel (26:16) Joel (14-years-old) - How does it make sense for Christians to be antisemitic when Jews wrote most of the Bible? (28:36) Albert - I grew up Catholic. Why are men and boys entering Church wearing shorts? (30:45) Mark Swartzberg joins the conversation (36:31) Kurt - Why are Coptic, Catholic and Orthodox Churches being destroyed in southern Lebanon. Israeli soldiers defile icons. (40:13) Michael - In our culture, we are kind of focused on the powers that be and blaming them for our problems. Why can't we focus on our problems? What can we do as neighbors? (48:57)

In this episode, we revisit the unionization efforts at Penn State University. Things that bring us joy this week: Welcome to Wrexham Project Hail Mary Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

(00:00:00) Opening (00:00:46) MIdweek BONUS Stupidity (00:52:36) Insane Week In Review (01:05:16) Genius Awards (01:18:41) Closing You would expect a computer to do a better job at announcing a graduating class than those careless humans. But not Glendale Community College in AZ. The AI had a total meltdown. If you live in State College, PA like I do, you already know of the bargains you can find in a dumpster outside a dormitory at Penn State University. But now, other people living on college campuses are finding out how profitable it can be to dumpster dive on college campuses. Graduation is always a special time for celebrations...especially for little tykes moving out from Kindergarten. However when the parents spar for prime seating to watch their little cherub receive their "diploma", you get ringside seats at a WWE match.In this Midweek BONUS Episode...Naked FL Man Arrested for Destroying a Neighbor's Spazzing Motion LightAustralian Shoppers Find Live Frog (Named Greg) In Grocery Store LettuceHidden Cameras Found Tucked in Bushes in Quiet CA NeighborhoodMI High School Student Almost Shot by Police During Sr. Prank Using A Water GunAZ College Used AI To Read Graduate Names and It Ended up MalfunctioningFL Teacher Removed From Classroom After Hanging Black Doll by Cord in Front of StudentsFL Teen Calls 911 on His Mom over Drunken SpeedingNew Side Hustle: Dumpster Diving...at College CampusesThe Case of the Colorado "Oatmeal Cream Pie Bandit"Stupid "Fancy Food Words" on Menus That Just Make You Roll Your EyesNJ Man Set Off Fireworks Inside a Walmart—to Steal $10,000 in JewelryA High School Accidentally Served a Dessert of..."Baked Dirt"Bolt CEO Let Go of His Entire HR Team for Creating Problems That Didn't ExistFL Woman accused of throwing feces at father during fightMysterious Poop On a Roof Leads Homeowner Face-to-Face With a MOUNTAIN LIONTX Steakhouse Offers Customers Refunds—IF They Can Eat A 72-oz. SteakLyft Driver Uses AI To Fake Car Damage–Charges Passengers Extra FeesFight Over Seating at Kindergarten Graduation Leaves A Person HospitalizedSurvey: 91% of new US citizens pass the 20-Question citizenship test—Only 36% of current Americans DoFL Dad Threatens School Bus Driver With For Yelling At His Kids—then Realized It Was The Wrong DriverSuddenly, NY Commits More SIN That Las VegasThe current events couldn't get any more stupid than the Insane Week In Review and the stupidity couldn't get any more stupendous than with the 7 "winners" in this week's Genius Awardsi!!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/insane-erik-lane-s-stupid-world--6486112/support.Real-time updates and story links are found on the TELEGRAM Channel at: https://t.me/InsaneErikLane  (Theme song courtesy of Randy Stonehill, ”It's A Great Big Stupid World”. Copyright ©1992 Stonehillian Music/Word Music/Twitchin' Vibes Music/ASCAP) Order your copy on the Wonderama CD from Amazon!This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Medina López, postdoctoral researcher in the Roman-Reyna Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Penn State University, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss phytobiomes, soybean cyst nematode, and biocontrol. She also discusses growing up in Puerto Rico, her time working on vaccine development, and her love of science. *Show Notes * Dr. Melanie Medina López PSU profile: https://plantpath.psu.edu/directory/mkm6528 Dr. Melanie Medina López google scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tegwxa8AAAAJ&hl=en This episode is produced by Association Briefings. Special Guest: Melanie Medina López.

HELLLLLOOO BESTIES! Happy Thursday! Today, Taylar goes first with the case of Penn State University student Betsy Aardsma. We need this case solved ASAP. Then Morgan covers one of the most famous UFO cases in history the Zimbabwe Ariel School Encounter... how hasnt she covered this? And then at the end... Taylar whips up a mini episode of Theodore Roosevelt off the top of her nogging, call it her Presidential Address if you will! Go to www.mood.com to find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for, and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. Use promo code CACBESTIES when you check out to save 20% on your first order. ---------------------- Need to Call Susan (Angel Wings and Healing Things)? Text Ellen at 704-562-3476 to book!! Make sure to tell her we sent you for a Besties only Special discount!! If you have a Creepy Account of your own you would like to submit, you can go to our Reddit (CreepsandCrimes) or email it to us at CREEPSANDCRIMES.CA@GMAIL.COM Creeps and Crimes Merch: ⁠⁠https://creepsandcrimesmerch.com/⁠⁠ Join our OG Pick Me Cult (Patreon): ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/creepsandcrimes⁠⁠ SUBSCRIBE AND SUPPORT WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS: - Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creeps-and-crimes/id1533194848⁠⁠ - Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0v2kntCCfdQOSeMNnGM2b6?si=bf5c137913dd4af7⁠⁠ - Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@creepsandcrimespodcast?si=e6Lwuw6qvsEPBHzG⁠⁠ Business Inquiries please contact Management: ⁠⁠maggie@MRHentertainment.com⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: Creeps and Crimes Podcast - Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/creepsandcrimespodcast/?hl=en⁠⁠ - Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/creepsandcrimespodcast/⁠⁠ - TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@creepsandcrimes⁠⁠ Taylar Jane (True Crime Host) - Insta: @Taylarj - TikTok (True Crime Channel): @TaylarJane98 - TikTok (Personal): @TaylarJane1 Morgan Harris (Paranormal & Conspiracy Host) - Insta: @morgg.m - Tiktok: @morgg.m Want More Info? Check out our Website: ⁠⁠www.creepsandcrimespodcast.com⁠⁠ Send Us Mail & Fan Art to our PO Box!!! CREEPS AND CRIMES PODCAST PO BOX 11523 KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 37939 Have a Creepy Account You'd like to share and be featured on the Podcast? Email it to: ⁠⁠CreepsAndCrimes.CA@gmail.com⁠⁠ Submit it through the Portal on our Website (Listed above) or Post in on our Reddit Thread with the tag "creepy account" Love our TBB episodes and want to get in on the Action or submit an AIMS? Head over to our Reddit Community: @creepsandcrimes Need to contact us or request sources? Email us at ⁠⁠creepsandcrimespodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Dr. Mark Rubeo, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering with Penn State about "Educating the Future Industrial Leaders". Overview Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. At Penn State University, the ACE (America's Cutting Edge) program, led by Mark Rubeo, addresses the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing. The program, designed pre-COVID by Tony Schmitz and his team, uses a hub and spoke model to provide training across the US. Rubeo, an assistant professor with a CNC machinist background, emphasizes the importance of manufacturing knowledge for mechanical designers. The ACE program aims to excite and educate future technicians and engineers, fostering a sense of accomplishment and high-tech skills in manufacturing. Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott welcomes listeners to the number one industrial-related podcast, celebrating industry professionals worldwide.The podcast is broadcasting on-site at Penn State University, specifically at the Baron campus in Erie, Pennsylvania.Scott humorously mentions the OSHA hazard of cables and the presence of snacks and coffee in Mark's class. Mark's Background and Role at Penn State Mark introduces himself as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State Behrend.He began his career as a CNC machinist, was laid off during the 2008 recession, and returned to school to earn a mechanical engineering degree.Mark completed his graduate studies in precision manufacturing and measurement science in Charlotte, North Carolina.He worked as a senior mechanical engineer in New Hampshire before returning to academia at Penn State Behrend in 2021. The ACE Program and Its Origins Mark explains the ACE program, which stands for America's Cutting Edge, designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing.The program was conceptualized pre-COVID by his former PhD advisor, Tony Schmitz, and his graduate students.A workshop at the NSF involved academia and industry professionals to identify the training needs in machining.The ACE program was piloted in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has since expanded using a hub and spoke model. Challenges and Goals of the ACE Program The ACE program aims to interest and educate people in the manufacturing field, from technicians to engineers.Scott emphasizes the importance of companies investing in training to address the shortage of skilled workers.Mark suggests using the ACE program as a pre-apprenticeship to filter out those not interested in the field before investing in in-house apprenticeships.The program is designed to be a week-long training to gauge interest and aptitude in the manufacturing field. Importance of Apprenticeships and Skilled Trades Scott and Mark discuss the decline of apprenticeship programs and the need to revive them to ensure future success in manufacturing.Mark highlights the benefits of apprenticeships, including the transfer of knowledge and skills from experienced workers to the younger generation.The federal government is recognizing the critical shortage of workers and investing in changing the narrative around manufacturing.Manufacturing is presented as a high-tech field that offers fulfilling and well-paying careers. Future of the ACE Program and Industry Collaboration Mark outlines the goal of the ACE program to excite people about manufacturing and get them into the industry.The program tracks outcomes and feedback to ensure it is effective in achieving its goals.Mark emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration and support in expanding the ACE program.The hub and spoke model allows for efficient training across the US, with Penn State Behrend serving as a central hub. Mark's Role in Expanding the ACE Program Mark is involved in training instructors and setting up ACE programs at other locations, such as Ohio State and LSU.He collaborates with local industry to provide tours and real-world experiences for students.The ACE program aims to highlight the high-tech nature of manufacturing and the camaraderie among professionals.Mark's background and experience in both industry and academia lend credibility and expertise to the program. Contact Information and Final Thoughts Mark provides his contact information for those interested in the ACE program, including his email and LinkedIn profile.Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Mark and other industry professionals to learn more about manufacturing careers.The podcast concludes with a call to support programs like Penn State's ACE program to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.Scott emphasizes the importance of storytelling in industry to inspire and attract new talent. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! DR. MARK RUBEO'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Email:  mar349@psu.edu ACE Website: https://www.americascuttingedge.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrubeo/ Company Website: https://behrend.psu.edu/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/NEKMn3Q4qek THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Daniela Carrijo, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Grain Crop Production at Penn State University, discusses practical grain crop management for corn, soybeans, and oats. She explains how cover-crop biomass can affect soybean water stress, how organic oats fit into Pennsylvania systems, and why nitrogen recommendations need better decision tools. Listen now on all major platforms!"Cover crop biomass can act as a mulch, conserve soil moisture, and help soybeans with water stress."Meet the guest: Dr. Daniela Carrijo is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Grain Crop Production at Penn State University. Her work focuses on corn, soybean, and small-grain systems, with an emphasis on sustainable intensification, water and nutrient use efficiency. She earned her PhD at UC Davis. Listen to Dr. Daniela Carrijo on The Crop Science Podcast Show, available on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:01) Introduction(01:56) Career background(05:23) Grain systems(10:08) Organic oats(13:33) Cover crops(17:45) Nitrogen tools(26:24) Final questionsThe Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Loam Bio

GOP Senators decided to take a break as the party mulls issues like the Trump 1.8 billion dollar fund; EPA rollback of clean water rules puts Tennesseans at risk; NC survivors reflect on mental health needs after Hurricane Helene; Penn State University faculty win SEIU union vote.

In a surprise move, Trump announces deployment of 5,000 US troops to Poland; The House cancels vote on Trump's war powers; Anti-nicotine advocates offer safe space during DC Black Pride; Advocates want NYC, NYS to maintain momentum on mental health; Penn State University faculty win SEIU union vote.

A week of major strike action as well as victories. We start with headlines from UC, American Axle, Belgian trade unions, Texas State University, Penn State University, Starbucks, and the government of Virginia. Samsung workers could shut down one of the largest and richest corporations of the world as the bosses refuse to share even a portion of the massive profits they are making. Workers and Indigenous groups in Bolivia have risen up against attacks on their living conditions.  Finally, we discuss the first strike on the Long Island Railroad in over 30 years. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX  Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter,  John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee

The Heartland Apicultural Society returns to Michigan State University May 30–31, 2026, bringing together beekeepers from across the region for two days of education, networking, and hands-on learning. In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck of Michigan State University and Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State University to preview the upcoming conference and explain why this event offers something valuable for everyone from beginning beekeepers to experienced sideliners. This year's conference emphasizes practical learning. Ana explains that Michigan State University is setting up apiaries near the conference center so participants can attend in-hive workshops covering colony inspections, splits, varroa management, queen finding, and other management topics. Unlike many spring conferences held during colder months, the late-May timing allows attendees to work directly with live colonies. The conference will also include laboratory workshops focused on honey bee anatomy, dissections, and microscopic diagnosis of bacterial brood diseases including American foulbrood and European foulbrood. Participants will have opportunities to work with microscopes and diagnostic techniques under the guidance of university researchers and instructors. Featured keynote speakers include Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda, Dr. Jeff Harris, Dr. Reed Johnson, and Dr. Robyn Underwood. Robin discusses her presentations on drones and drone congregation areas, spotted lanternfly honeydew honey, and efficient apiary inspections. Ana also outlines conference registration details, early registration pricing, and the limited-capacity laboratory sessions available for attendees who register early. Whether you are a first-year beekeeper or a seasoned beekeeper looking to deepen your knowledge, the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference offers a strong mix of science, practical management, and community. Registration and conference information can be found at: Heartland Apicultural Society 2026 Registration ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Laudy Allan, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Crayola LLC, brings nearly two decades of operational leadership to a conversation that challenges some of the most common assumptions about how organizations approach problem-solving. Responsible for U.S. manufacturing, global logistics, transportation, customer service, engineering, and facilities, Laudy has spent her career building the systems, cultures, and habits that allow teams to face problems with curiosity rather than avoidance. In this episode of People Solve Problems, she shares the principles behind that work. One of the central ideas Laudy returns to throughout the conversation is the importance of involving the right people early. For her, that means prioritizing those closest to the problem, not necessarily those with the most credentials or experience with structured tools. She describes how mixing people who are deeply embedded in a process with those who are naturally curious and driven creates productive tension. That diversity of thought, she argues, is where the best questions emerge and where genuine accountability takes root. Structured problem-solving is what makes that collaboration possible, because it gives people a shared process to move through together, opening up communication and keeping the conversation grounded in facts rather than abstract debate. Laudy also addresses the relationship between data and problem clarity. In manufacturing and logistics, data tends to be structured and measurable. But in areas like global new product development, the problems are fuzzier, and the data often doesn't exist yet. Her approach in those situations is to start small: identify three to five things worth measuring, make process health visible, and let curiosity drive the next question. She sees data not as a starting requirement but as something that, once collected, generates better questions and opens conversations that weren't possible before. When it comes to the tools of structured problem solving, Laudy is deliberate about not being attached to any one approach. A3s work well on the manufacturing floor because of their accessibility and simplicity. But her deeper conviction is that the tool matters most as a vehicle for developing mindset. People don't arrive with the right problem-solving instincts already formed. The structure of a tool gives them the scaffolding to build those instincts, and the mindset follows. Prioritization is another area where Laudy offers a perspective shaped by real experience. Faced with hundreds of potential problems to address, her answer is focused. Three to five active problem-solving efforts at a time, chosen based on impact and complexity, pursued with genuine follow-through. The logic is straightforward: spreading effort across thirty items is the most reliable way to complete none of them. The conversation closes with one of its most personal moments. When asked about the hardest adjustment she has made moving into senior leadership, Laudy describes the shift from doing to coaching. For someone known for tenacity and a strong bias toward action, learning to step back and let others work through problems without jumping in has been both the most difficult transition and the most rewarding. She connects that shift directly to the culture she is building at Crayola, one where people are genuinely excited about problems rather than inclined to hide from them. Laudy holds Project Management Professional and Agile Project Management certifications, is a Six Sigma Green Belt, and earned her degree in information systems from Penn State University. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Lehigh University. To connect with Laudy and learn more about her work, visit www.crayola.com or find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laudyallan/.

Today Pierce Salguero sit down with Prof. Jeff Kripal, noted scholar of religion at Rice University, to talk about extraordinary, mysterious, and “impossible” experiences. This is a conversation I've been waiting a few years to have. Together we explore what you can or can't talk about in the humanities — and what we risk when we break the rules. Along the way, we touch on paranormal phenomena, epistemological pluralism, conspiracy theories, Plato's cave, and why no one dresses up as a humanities professor for Halloween. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoy the show! Resources related to this conversation: Jeff Kripal's website Archives of the Impossible & Conferences Pierce Salguero, "Secret Lives of Buddhist Studies Scholars" (2024) Pierce Salguero, "The Fractal of Humanities" (2021) Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, "On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research" (2023) Jeff Kripal, The Flip (2020) Jeff Kripal, Secret Body (2019) Commonweal Podcast Subscribe here to unlock our members-only benefits, including: PDF of the introduction of Jeff's book, How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else (2024) Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. See here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Are men ashamed of their porn habits?The majority of men consume porn, and most use it for masturbation, but two thirds of men under 25 think porn should be harder to access, according to research from the Survey Center on American Life. There's a broader discussion now among some men about the role of porn and masturbation in their lives – and manosphere figures like Andrew Tate and Hamza Ahmed are urging their listeners to stop watching it. Some men are cutting it out entirely: they congregate on Reddit pages like r/pornfree or use porn addiction alleviation apps like Quittr and Fortify. But what do men think watching porn says about them? And is this just “purity culture for boys”? Brittany is joined by Rebecca Jennings, features writer at New York Magazine who wrote a piece about anti-porn men, and Scott Burnett, assistant professor of African Studies and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies at Penn State University, who has published research about men's anti-masturbation trends. For more episodes about gender, sexuality, and internet culture, check out:The price women pay for being onlineThe joy of breaking up with dating appsGen Z is afraid of sex — and for good reasonSupport Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy