Brian Onishi, associate professor of philosophy at Penn State Altoona, has published a new book. “The Call of the Eco-Weird in Fiction, Film, and Games” is the first volume to identify the eco-weird as an umbrella term for the intersection of environmental thought and weird fiction.
As one of its strategies to improve student success, retention and persistence to timely graduation, Penn State Altoona today announced its participation in a new grant-funded, peer mentorship project from the Association of Public and Land Universities. This novel program will support six public universities in piloting, refining and establishing peer mentorship models that address barriers to student success.
Kelly Munly, associate professor of human development and family studies at Penn State Altoona, and Robin Yaure, professor of human development and family studies at Penn State Mont Alto, co-chaired and facilitated a two-day "Theory Construction and Research Methods" preconference workshop at the November 2024 National Conference on Family Relations in Bellevue, Washington.
Shihui Shen, professor of rail transportation engineering, has been conferred the status of distinguished professor, the highest professorial merit at the University. Shen is a leading scholar in railroad and highway infrastructure and materials.
The Office of Faculty Affairs has named 10 distinguished professors for 2025. The title recognizes outstanding academic contribution to the University.
Erin Murphy, professor of English, was the featured guest recently on the “Writers Association of Northern Appalachia” podcast. She also presented a reading as part of the Hometown Voices series and was featured in two literary journals.
A collaboration between Penn State and Shell USA Inc. is supporting efforts across the University’s mission of research, education and community impact. An initial commitment from Shell of more than $1 million is funding initiatives focused on energy transition, decarbonization, polymer recycling and biodiversity.
Penn State Altoona communications majors Adam Dotts, Mya Lutton and Zachary Kowalski were inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association’s official honor society, during a ceremony on Dec. 12.
