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 Jillian Mazzarese.

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Samuel P. Black, III and Susan L. Black Trustee Scholarship 

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because I had already earned credits through dual enrollment and I attended the LEADS (Learn, Explore, Advance, Discover, and Succeed) program in my junior year of high school. Behrend also has a great psychology program.

Why she chose her major: I chose to pursue a degree in psychology because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I saw how people were impacted, especially their mental health. Though I no longer intend to pursue the mental health side of psychology, I’m still interested in researching people’s cognitive processes and understanding how they think and perceive the world.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend:  Being able to pursue my own research in the language cognition research lab run by Dr. Erica Edwards, assistant teaching professor of psychology. My project looked at how humor may shape learning.

Campus involvement: Behrend Honors Program, member of Psi Chi (psychology honor society), and secretary of the Psychology Club.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I graduated high school with 21 college credits already completed.

Her highest priority: Pursuing research and contributing to the field of cognitive psychology. I intend to get a master’s and Ph.D. in cognitive psychology.

Advice for first-year students: Talk to as many students as you can. People are just as nervous to talk to you as you are to talk to them. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors and get involved in their research, as you never know what sort of opportunities it might open for you.

Parting words: I’d like to thank Dr. Daniell DiFrancesca, assistant professor of psychology. She was my first professor as a dual-enrollment student and, she gave me a sense of confidence I’ve carried with me throughout my college career. I would also like to thank Dr. Ewards. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her, as she saw my potential and let me thrive in psychology.

After her graduation in May, Jillian plans to pursue a master’s degree and then a doctorate in cognitive psychology and become a psychology professor.