We were really small, only 25 employees at the time, and so we really needed to partner with some experts in the material science world to understand our new, disruptive technology, we were introduced to the Penn State Materials Characterization Lab (MCL) and they helped us be able to characterize the unique aspects of this surface technology.
By Jamie Oberdick
When optical networking company Infinera was acquired by telecommunications giant Nokia in early 2025, it was hailed as a strategic move that would solidify Nokia’s leadership in data transport technology. But behind this $2.3 billion deal lies a story of innovation that’s been quietly unfolding in central Pennsylvania, thanks to a long-standing partnership between Infinera and Penn State’s Materials Research Institute (MRI).
By Mallorie McIlwain
Penn State’s AI Week showcased the latest research on artificial intelligence (AI) systems and tools, with a specific focus on their applications across K-12 and higher education.
The annual event, most recently held April 14 through April 17, highlighted Penn State faculty and student research and excellence through panels, research showcases, immersive workshops and a poster session.
Swaroop Ghosh, Penn State professor of electrical engineering and computer science, and Vishal Monga, Penn State professor of electrical engineering, have been selected as 2025 fellows of the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA).
By Jamie Oberdick
Carbyne, a one-dimensional chain of carbon atoms, is incredibly strong for being so thin, making it an intriguing possibility for use in next-generation electronics, but its extreme instability causing it to bend and snap on itself made it nearly impossible to produce at all, let alone produce enough of it for advanced studies. Now, an international team of researchers, including from Penn State, may have a solution.
(e) bsw146@psu.edu
N-354 Millennium Science Complex
Penn State recently launched the Center of Excellence in Directed Energy (CEDE), a University-wide center designed to conduct basic research on focused energy — like lasers or microwaves — to develop new applications and build up a workforce skilled in the science and systems development of directed energy (DE).
(e) sam7808@psu.edu
(o) 814-865-5881
104 Benkovic Building
By Maria Lucas
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has drastically improved the uniformity and speed of metal parts manufacturing, but the printed parts are often plagued with defects, such as pores, that limit their performance. The process also requires an inspection of each part after printing, which can slow down production and limit where parts can be made.
By Adrienne Berard
From microscopic robots that can carry and deliver drugs inside the human body to tiny particles that can detect and break down microplastics, an emerging field called active matter is looking toward the microscale to solve some of the world’s biggest problems.