Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 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 Samantha Leigh Creamer.

Major: Environmental Science

Hometown: Shanksville, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Chancellor’s Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: The beautiful Lake Erie is a prime resource to study for my degree, as is Wintergreen Gorge, which is right on campus. Also, Behrend is just the right size—small enough to know my professors and classmates, but large enough to be able to experience a variety of people and cultures.

Why she chose her major: I always wanted to major in something environment-related. My major in Environmental Science is versatile and opens a lot of doors career-wise.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Passing all of my classes, making many friends, and working at Dobbins Dining Hall.

Challenges overcome: During my sophomore year, before I started work and before I had many friends on campus, I was lonely. I went to Personal Counseling and they helped me realize that I was isolating myself and that being alone all the time wasn’t the best for me. This realization helped me get out of my shell. I joined Science Ambassadors, Greener Behrend, got a job at Dobbins, and started hanging out with the people I met at those places.

Campus involvement: Science Ambassadors and Greener Behrend.

What makes her unique: My attitude. I’ve always been independent and unafraid to go out and do things by myself. I’m a problem solver, and I can always find a way to get things done. Another thing that I think makes me unique is that if I’m stuck, I will ask for help.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I have heterochromia in my eyes. My left eye is blue and my right eye is green.

What she’s passionate about: I love to read and crochet. Over the past year I’ve made two blankets and I’m working on another one. I also love manga and anime.

Advice for first-year students: Get out and make friends. Not every friendship will last, but having a friend group that you can plan things with and have fun with will make your college experience ten times better.

Parting words: Be passionate, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. You don’t have to stop watching your favorite TV show or YouTuber so you can seem more grown up. You don’t have to stop being creative (coloring, drawing, writing) to make yourself seem older.

After her graduation in May, Samantha plans to work in resource conservation in Pennsylvania.