A researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is part of a team of scientists working to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Suresh Kuchipudi is a clinical professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences, and associate director of Penn State’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory.  With support from a nearly $3.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, the team aims to create a vaccine that will protect all segments of the population, especially older adults. The team has adapted an adenovirus typically found in cattle to prevent it from replicating.  They believe the effort will yield an effective COVID-19 vaccine and could make a significant contribution to flatten the pandemic’s trajectory, and help to manage a second wave.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has $400,000 in grant funding available for youth and adult environmental education projects in 2021–22.  Educators can learn how to apply for Environmental Education Grants during the free live webinar on Wednesday, October 14th, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Registration is required. 

PennDOT is partnering with multiple vendors to resume motorcycle safety training classes for Pennsylvania residents through a statewide pilot program for the rest of the calendar year. Classes were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic and are restarting with COVID-19 mitigation measures in place.  Classes operating under the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) are free to Commonwealth motorcycle permit and license holders.  Classes will be scheduled through the remainder of the 2020 calendar year, weather permitting, at multiple training sites throughout Pennsylvania.  PennDOT will continue to offer a virtual motorcycle training course for individuals under 18.  For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov. 

Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) will host a free community shredding event Saturday (October 10th) from 9:00 am to 11:00 am (or until the shredder is full) at Mount Nittany United Methodist Church on East Branch Road in State College.  Attendees must adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.  You must stay in your vehicle.  All shredding materials must be placed in the trunk or truck bed area of the vehicle.  Transport materials in containers you will not want returned.  The event is for residents only – not businesses. For information, call Benninghoff’s Bellefonte office at 814-355-3523.