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 Elizabeth Mamros:

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor(s): Mathematics and Spanish

Hometown: McMurray, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I have received the PNC Leadership Scholarship, the Academic Excellence Scholarship, and the Penn State Behrend Chancellor’s Scholarship.

On choosing Penn State Behrend: I had no idea where I wanted to go to college, so I applied to thirteen schools. I was accepted at University Park but had been in Erie doing an overnight at Gannon when I decided to visit Behrend. I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous landscape on campus, the faculty-to-student ratio, the abundant opportunities, and the school’s reputation. Receiving an acceptance letter into the Schreyer Honors College sealed the deal.

On choosing her major: If you look around the room you are in right now, engineers were likely somehow involved in the creation of everything you see. Engineers are the change-makers of the world. I chose mechanical engineering because I am an extremely curious person who enjoys problem-solving and using innovative thinking to make a difference. I also knew that my dream job would involve working on medical devices or designing amusement park rides, which both fall heavily into the mechanical side of engineering.

Campus involvement: I am the president of Reality Check and the vice president of Behrend Engineering Ambassadors. I serve as a student representative on the Student Activity Fee and Student Facility Fee committees. I am a Resident Assistant and was previously the webmaster for the Lion Entertainment Board and a staff writer for the Behrend Beacon. I am also a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Equestrian Club.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I spent a summer abroad in southern Spain (Ronda) taking classes and being fully immersed in the Spanish culture. I lived with a family who only spoke Spanish and had my first experience traveling alone. To say it put me outside of my comfort zone would be an understatement, but I am so incredibly grateful that I had the courage to pursue this dream come true.

Committed to serving others: I am a firm believer in paying it forward and using my skills and talents to help others through community service. I am also extremely passionate about being an inspiration/spark/beacon of hope for others so that they, too, will follow their dreams.

Who inspires her: Dr. Seuss has always been an inspiration to me. As a quote lover, I am blown away by the depth and truth in everything this man has ever said or written.

Advice for new students: Get comfortable being uncomfortable! Join clubs that offer things that you have always wanted to try. Sign up for school trips and conferences that will take you to new places. Plan ahead so you can study abroad and be immersed in another culture. Be innovative, and leave your mark on this campus. Let your college experiences be the springboard that helps you go further in life.

After her graduation in December 2018, Elizabeth plans to pursue a graduate engineering degree and work for an international engineering firm.