By Heather Cass
Publications Manager, Office of Strategic Communications,  Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2018 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 Maura Franks:

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Gibsonia, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the LORD Corporation Scholarship twice.

On choosing her major: When I was growing up, I actually wanted to be a geologist. But later, I saw how much my older sister enjoyed engineering and decided to look into different types of engineering. I chose mechanical engineering because of its diversity in jobs and opportunities, and because I wanted to choose a career path that would continuously challenge me.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being able to maintain a high GPA while working as an intern at LORD Corporation, taking classes, and teaching a computer lab for first-year students.

Campus involvement: I am currently the vice president of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, and I was a Bible study leader during my first and second years at Behrend.

Free-time fun: Some of my interests/hobbies include playing the alto saxophone, fishing, photography, and riding all-terrain vehicles.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: In my spare time, I help out at a dairy farm.

On her faith: I’m passionate about my faith in God. It has helped me learn more about myself, appreciate all the amazing people in my life, and grow as a person.

Who inspires her: My dad inspires me. He is the most hard working and intelligent man I have ever known.

Advice for new students: Do an internship in your field of study. I’ve learned a lot about engineering by getting hands-on experience and working with professional engineers.

Following her graduation in May, Maura hopes to begin her engineering career in Erie.