Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2025 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Hanna Long.

Major: Psychology

Certificates: Child Development

Hometown: Chesterfield, Virginia

Scholarships: Discover Award

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the small class sizes and the potential to do undergraduate research. I planned to do the 2+2 program but ended up staying at Behrend because of the research and internship opportunities I had here.

Why she chose her major: I felt a calling to work with children who have experienced mental illness. Also, while growing up, I had friends and family who struggled with mental health challenges. This is one of the reasons I chose Psychology. I want to be there to support others and be the person who listens when no one else does.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Presenting my research project “Changes in Anxiety Levels of College Students Due to Interactions with Virtual and Animatronic Animals” to the Psychonomics International Research Conference in New York City.

Challenges overcome: I am an out-of-state, first-generation college student and I have delt with anxiety. Becoming a Psychology major and having an Emotional Support Animal helped me to cope.

Campus involvement: Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority (Fundraising Chair, VP of Finance, Membership Experience Director), Psychology Coalition (President), research assistant for The Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community Outreach, Research, and Evaluation (CORE), mentor for the Mentor Project, and a resident assistant.

What makes her unique: I am completing my bachelor’s degree in three years! Also, I was known on campus as the Resident Assistant with the French Bulldog named Zoe. RA Zoe used to love going on rounds with me and loved all our residents!

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love to sing. I also love hiking and exploring, which is why, after graduation, I will be attempting to visit every National Park in the United States. I am going to two National Parks this summer: Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park.

Advice for first-year students: Be yourself and don’t be afraid to branch out and meet new people. Don’t be intimidated by your professors. They want to help you succeed, so reach out to them and attend office hours.

After her graduation, Hanna plans to take a gap year before going to graduate school.