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 Emily Warrene.

Major: Psychology

Certificate: Child Development

Hometown: West Deer, Pennsylvania

Why she chose Behrend: I wanted to continue bowling at the collegiate level but at a Division III school where academics come first. Behrend was perfect—and just two hours from my home in Pittsburgh, close enough to visit but far enough for independence.

Why she chose her major: In my sophomore year of high school, I took an Introduction to Psychology class. I thought it was so interesting that I took AP Psychology in my senior year. After that, I realized that I loved learning about how the brain works, and I decided to make it my career path.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My research project, “Development of Empathy Among College Athletes, Club Participants, and Non-Participants.” It was a year-long endeavor with numerous trials, errors, and hours spent trying to figure out how to conduct a successful project.

Campus involvement: Penn State Behrend Women’s Bowling, Lion Ambassadors (fundraising chair, 2025–2026), Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community Outreach, Research, and Evaluation (CORE).

Awards: Penn State Behrend Athletics Rookie Award (2022–2023), AMCC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team (2023–2024, 2024–2025), Academic All-AMCC (2024–2025).

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I’d love to be a bowling coach in the future. I was injured in my junior year and couldn’t play for two months, and I found a love for coaching. Small adjustments constantly need to be made, and the reward is so high whenever you see the player succeed.

Child advocate in training: I have a passion for children who don’t have the voices to speak up about mental health. Working with CORE, I get to work with at-risk fifth- and sixth-graders and be a safe place for them to just be themselves. Watching a child open up and finally feel safe being who they are, even for just one hour a week, is extraordinary.

Advice for first-year students: Just say yes! I was extremely introverted and hated going out and meeting new people, but for a few months I said “yes” to everything and made some of my best friends doing so.

After her graduation in May, Emily plans to work in her field for a few years before attending graduate school.