Berks Academics

Penn State Berks hosts evening exploring the power of AI on April 16

In celebration of AI Week, Penn State Berks will host an evening exploring the transformative power of AI for small- to medium-sized businesses on Wednesday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event will be held in the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) Center, located within the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building. Cost is $20 for dinner (exact payment accepted at the door) and is free for Penn State students with ID. All attendees must register in advance.
Berks student members of the team are pictured by the Lion Shrine.

Berks students receive award for pollution-cleaning robot in Nittany AI challenge

A team of Penn State Berks students recieved an award in the Prototype Phase of the Nittany AI Challenge, an annual competition sponsored by the Nittany AI Alliance that provides students from all campuses the opportunity to use AI and machine learning to address pressing global issues while gaining hands on experience. The students' project is B.E.A.N., which stands for "Bio Environmentally-friendly Aquatic Navigator."
Student and instructor working at MILL machine

Penn State Berks celebrates National Engineers Week, Feb. 17-21

Penn State Berks is celebrating its history while preparing students for the future through National Engineers Week events and activities, to be held Feb. 17 to 21. While the college’s roots in engineering date back to 1927, Penn State has offered engineering degrees for more than 125 years. 
Student winners of the challenge are pictured

Flemming CEED Center announces Innovation and Business Idea Challenge winners

From an aquatic robot that will remove pollution from the ocean to apps that help students connect and learn, winners of the Penn State Berks Flemming CEED Center Innovation and Business Idea Challenge developed creative and impactful solutions to address significant local and global challenges. The three winning teams were each awarded a $1,000 "IMAGINE Your Business" grant, funded by the County of Berks "Imagine Berks" Fund.  
Students looking at a poster display

Penn State Berks holds Sustainability Expo, open to the public

In December, Penn State Berks hosted its Sustainability Expo, "Connecting Campus and Community," organized and curated by Mahsa Kazempour, associate professor of science education and sustainability council chair. The expo showcased community effort from around Berks County including that of Penn State Berks students, Alvernia University students and organizations around the area.
Photo of Mike Fidanza

Penn State Berks professor receives Crop Science Society of America 2024 Award

The Crop Science Society of America recently announced that Michael A. Fidanza, professor of horticulture at Penn State Berks, has been honored with the Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Science Award. The annual awards are presented for outstanding contributions to crop science through education, national and international service, and research.