The Old Main bell tower on Penn State's University Park campus.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State and Shell USA Inc. have announced the launch of a collaboration that will support efforts across the University’s mission of research, education and community impact. An initial commitment from Shell of more than $1 million will fund initiatives focused on energy transition, decarbonization, polymer recycling and biodiversity, and the creation of an inclusive and innovative energy workforce.
“Sustainability is a shared priority and responsibility that will require collaboration among industry leaders like Shell and research institutions like Penn State to develop the advances that will help our commonwealth, nation and world continue to thrive far into the future,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “I am grateful to Shell for its ongoing, multifaceted support of this important work, and I am excited to continue exploring how our collective expertise and belief in innovation can create far-reaching positive impacts.”
Emma Lewis, senior vice president for Shell U.S. Chemicals and Products, said, “Our strategy and our purpose is to provide more and cleaner energy for today and the future. This demands we support inclusive and economically vibrant communities. We believe Penn State can be an invaluable partner in achieving this progress. Cooperation among industries and academia represents the pathway to answer the challenges of the future.”
Shell support includes investments in opportunities for Penn State students to build capability and talent for the workforce of the future that will be vital to take on the challenges of a changing energy system. Student organizations in the colleges of Engineering and Earth and Mineral Sciences and the Smeal College of Business received funding for their activities, with a special focus on groups pursuing greater diversity, equity and inclusion in their fields. Shell also has provided resources for hands-on education through Penn State programs, including the Learning Factory in the College of Engineering and field courses in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Other funding initiatives include:
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Faculty at Penn State Behrend and Penn State’s Advanced Resource Efficiency Center will analyze the current state of polymer recycling in Pennsylvania — a critical question for economic development and industrial decision making. Polymers are prevalent in products such as tires and synthetic fabrics, and recycling them can mitigate the impact of plastics in the environment and create efficiencies in resource use.
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In the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Shell funding will help to assess Pennsylvania’s role as an energy producer in the Northeast, focusing on the demand for natural gas and the potential of renewables and biofuels as the commonwealth explores a future of net-zero carbon emissions that also allows for economic vitality.
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Both faculty and student researchers at Penn State Altoona will partner with Shell Pipeline Company LP to study the effects of pipeline right-of-way vegetation management on flora and fauna, with a goal of maintaining habitats and biodiversity through strategic conservation practices.
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In the College of Agricultural Sciences, home to some of the nation’s top food sensory and consumer scientists, research will explore consumer perception of polymer-based packaging, with funding from Shell Chemicals and Products going toward postdoctoral, undergraduate and staff members of the Sensory Evaluation Center.
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Support for a round table event to bring together industry, nonprofit, government and academic leaders to continue to build a diverse and interdisciplinary community dedicated to energy transition and decarbonization in the commonwealth.
“We are just beginning to tap the potential of this emerging partnership between Penn State and Shell,” said Andrew Read, the University’s senior vice president for Research. “Our faculty and students bring both expertise and enthusiasm to every discipline engaged in energy transition, decarbonization and related efforts, and Shell’s deep commitment to the commonwealth and the company’s global reach will help our research to have an impact close to home and around the world.”
About philanthropy at Penn State
Corporate partnerships advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.
