By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Catalina Stevenson.

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Norristown, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: My parents met in Erie Hall when they were both students here, so I grew up with Behrend on my radar! I like the smaller class sizes, the beautiful campus, and the strong engineering programs.

On majoring in Mechanical Engineering: I had intended to major in Chemical Engineering, but I didn’t want to move to University Park after two years and found that I was more passionate about Behrend than I was about chemistry, so I decided to try a different type of engineering. I found Mechanical Engineering to be a great fit.

Campus involvement: I am president of the Penn State Behrend Lion Ambassadors and am a resident assistant. I have also participated in Alternative Spring Break with the Reality Check club.

Proudest accomplishment: Being a resident assistant has given me many small, proud accomplishments at Behrend. It’s been awesome to help other students have a positive experience at Behrend, and help them make important decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I really love arts and crafts. Being able to create something beautiful with my hands, whether it’s a repurposed jewelry stand or a fun hand-lettered quote, is a stress-reliever for me.

Advice for current students: Get out of your comfort zone. You’d be surprised how much you grow when you become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sometimes that means changing your major, joining a club or organization, or moving away to a new city.

Following her graduation in May, Catalina will participate in a two-year rotational program at LORD Corporation with roles in engineering, manufacturing, and business at the company’s Erie and Cary, North Carolina, locations.