UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Nine Penn State researchers have been named fellows of the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) for 2024. The program recognizes and assists the exceptional achievements and unparalleled research impacts of highly successful researchers in the areas of energy and the environment. Nominees for the fellowship were submitted by the University community. 

“The IEE Fellows are transformative leaders at Penn State, whose pioneering interdisciplinary research in energy and the environment is making a profound impact on solving the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Bruce Logan, director of the Institute of Energy and the Environment. “Their work, recognized through significant extramural support and highly influential publications, is driving meaningful change, advancing sustainability, and shaping a better future through inclusive and collaborative efforts that extend far beyond the University.” 

The 2024 Institute of Energy and the Environment Fellows are: 

• Charles Anderson, professor, Department of Biology 
• Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri, associate professor, Department of Electrical Engineering 
• Karen Fisher-Vanden, distinguished professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education 
• Miriam Freedman, professor, Department of Chemistry 
• Enrique Gomez, professor, Department of Chemical Engineering 
• Armen Kemanian, professor, Department of Plant Science 
• Siela Maximova, research professor, Department of Plant Science 
• Heather Preisendanz, professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 
• Adri van Duin, distinguished professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Additionally, Penn State researchers who are named IEE Person of the Year will automatically become IEE Fellows. Li Li, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering who was named the 2023 Institute of Energy and the Environment Person of the Year, is an IEE fellow, as the Person of the Year for 2024 also will be. 

The IEE Fellowship Program provides discretionary research funding for three years in support of the groundbreaking energy and environmental work performed by fellows. IEE plans to continue this program and anticipates adding up to 10 fellows each year.  

IEE also recognizes research teams with awards and discretionary funding through the IEE Team Awards. A call for nominations for these awards will be released in the early fall.