Penn State Behrend’s class of 2017 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 Grace Waldfogle:

Major: Psychology, Human Factors and Design option

Hometown: Pittsburgh

On choosing to major in Psychology: I originally intended to major in Biology, but fell in love with the faculty research projects that were happening in the Psychology department. After my first year, I decided that Psychology was the right major for me.

Campus involvement: I’ve been involved in multiple organizations. I was the Student Government Association treasurer and sat on the SGA’s Academic Affairs Committee. I am the past president and vice president of Gamma Sigma Sigma (a national service sorority) and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and Psi Chi honor societies. I was also president of the Psychology Club.

On helping others: I’m passionate about helping others. I love to volunteer in my free time. I try to be the kind of person who people can lean on if they need help.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I’m most proud of the faculty-led research I’ve had the opportunity to do since my first year. I’ve been able to travel around the world to present our research work and have made connections with professionals in the field that have been very beneficial. With an extensive background in research, I am confident I will succeed in graduate school.

Awards: I received the Christopher M. Geitner award in the spring of 2016.

Priorities and puppy love: My priorities in the immediate future are to complete a Ph.D. program, obtain a tenure-track faculty position, and get a puppy.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I joke that I’m a 75-year-old woman stuck in a 22-year-old woman’s body. I love to stay home on weekends and read a good book.

Advice for current students: The first few weeks of college are stressful. Just remember that everyone is as nervous as you are. Don’t be afraid to be the person who walks up to a group of strangers and introduces yourself. That is how I made some of my best friends.

After her graduation in May, Grace plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Ph.D. in Human Factors and Applied Cognition.