Shell USA Inc., is sponsoring Penn State research in 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.”

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.”

According to the press release, other funding initiatives include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• In the College of Agricultural Sciences, 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.

“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.”