You're the type of person who stands back in a crowd, taking it all in. When out with a group of friends, you linger on the edges, contributing to the conversation only when you feel you have something worthwhile to share. You avoid being the center of attention.

For some reason, though, you're drawn to the stage. You don't want to be a star; you want to act. But can a shy person succeed as an actor? Susan Russell, Penn State assistant professor of theatre, shares her perspectives.

In the wake of every school shooting, the nation struggles to make sense of senselessness, asking how and why such tragic violence could occur in places tasked with nurturing and protecting our children. Is it possible to reduce the risk of deadly violence in our schools?

By June 2012, Arctic sea ice had already melted to its lowest extent for the month since satellite record keeping began in 1979, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. How does this affect our weather in the short term and climate in the long term? In several ways, says Andrew Carleton, a Penn State professor of physical geography who specializes in studying sea ice and climate change.

The Johnson & Johnson company made news recently with the announcement that it plans to remove "a host of potentially harmful chemicals" from its U.S. product line by the end of 2015, becoming the first major manufacturer of consumer products to make a commitment of this kind to the public. It's likely that many consumers were not even aware that "ingredients of concern" were in personal care products to begin with. What are these chemicals and are they safe for use in cosmetics?

Most people misunderstand what corporate culture is and how to change it if it's not working well, said William Rothwell, professor of workforce education and development at Penn State. The culture of an organization is not just something that can be announced with a slogan, but rather the end result of actions taken, he explains. To change corporate culture, then, requires giving an organization a new experience.

Ancient wisdom tells us to stop and smell the roses and to live for the moment. Given our busy lives, it's no surprise that this advice is often easier said than done. Many of us multitask not only our physical chores, but our mental ones as well. But being mindful--which simply means bringing your attention to what's happening in the present moment--can have a profound, positive impact on interpersonal relationships, says Douglas Coatsworth, associate professor of human development and family studies.