Author: Behrend Blog

Standout Seniors: Meet Brianna Riley

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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 Brianna Riley:

Brianna Riley

Brianna working on a job site at this year’s Alternative Spring Break in Beaumont, Texas.

Major(s): Concurrent majors in Accounting and Management Information Systems

Minor: Finance

Hometown: Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the Erie Insurance Group Leadership Scholarship and the Stan Latta Dedication Scholarship.

On choosing her majors: I chose Accounting because I like to have a clear definition of what is right, what is wrong, and what my next step is. I chose Management Information Systems because information technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives. It turns out that the Accounting and MIS pair well together. I ended up finding a full-time job that will utilize both of them.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Participating in an Alternative Spring Break trip to San Francisco in 2017. When I went on the trip, I knew just one person, but I came back with twenty-seven new friends. This is an accomplishment to me, because before that, I was afraid to step out of my comfort zone and friend circle. Soon after the trip, I ran for treasurer of the club (Reality Check) that sponsors ASB. Now I am heavily involved with Reality Check and the planning of this year’s trip. It is truly a blessing to have friends with similar passions, with ours being service.

Campus involvement: I have held executive board positions in the Accounting Club, Reality Check, Circle K, the Entrepreneur Club, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. I am also involved with the Management Information Systems Club. I am a part of Beta Gamma Sigma and ATHENA Connections. I have participated in two Innovation Through Collaboration (ITC) projects that are sponsored by the Black School of Business. One focused on the accounting systems of a local winery and the other focused on bitcoin in accounting.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love photography. I aspire to be like one of my high school teachers who continued her passion for photography alongside her career.

Passionate about service: I love to help others and make their day better, whether that means donating clothes, making cards for Meals on Wheels, or traveling across the United States for a week of manual labor to help with disaster relief.

Who inspires her: My mother is my inspiration. She is an astonishing woman. She has four children and a full-time job, but that is not what makes her so remarkable. It is how she comes home every day from her nine-hour workday with a smile on her face. She is selfless, compassionate, and an inspiration to everyone she meets.

Advice for new students: Get involved early. Maybe in high school it was not cool to be involved with clubs, but college is different. Getting involved with clubs, whether they are directly related to your major or not, gives you the chance to take on leadership roles, learn from your peers, and get some valuable hands-on experience. Also, clubs can help you meet some of the best friends you will ever have.

Brianna has accepted a position as an IT auditor with Deloitte Advisory in Pittsburgh following her graduation in May.

Game on: Students Make Connections at Conference

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By Heather Cass
Publications Manager, Office of Strategic Communications,  Penn State Behrend

GDC 20182

For the past five years, students enrolled in GAME 495: Senior Internship have had the opportunity to attend the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. Eight Penn State Behrend students and two faculty members recently returned from this year’s conference which was held in late March.

GDC is the world’s largest professional game industry event. There, students join game designers, programmers, artists, producers, and business professionals for five days of education, inspiration, and networking in the global game development community.

“Students are exposed to the game industry from the inside, get a chance to talk to professionals, and make connections that are invaluable as they set course for their own career in the game industry,” said Dr. Heather Lum, assistant professor of psychology.

Students who attended the GDC were not only from the School of Engineering, but also Psychology majors from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences who are in the human factors track, which focuses on user interface and user experience.

Lum was a GDC trip leader along with Dr. Richard Zhao, assistant professor of computer science and software engineering.

“The students who went to the GDC are enrolled in the interdisciplinary minor in Game Development,” Zhao said. “While we can teach students the technical and artistic skills needed to design and develop games in other classes, GAME 495 provides students the opportunity to showcase their product and interact with the world in a way that a traditional classroom is never able to.”

One good example: face-to-face networking with industry insiders at the GDC.

“I met a user experience analyst, which is my chosen field, from my favorite gaming company, Blizzard,” said Tiffany Eichler, a senior Psychology major. “We have been e-mailing since the conference and it has been so enlightening. I have learned a lot about the industry and why psychology has a place in it. He shared with me the best time to apply for an internship with Blizzard, so I am biding my time until I can get my name in there.”

“Students who have attended GDC in previous years have gotten internships and job offers from companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and others,” Lum said.

Prior to the trip, students in GAME 495 write and practice their elevator pitches, create resumes and business cards, and learn how to get noticed and have a meaningful conversation with professional contacts, including alumni.

“We had a chance to meet up with some Penn State Behrend graduates who are now working on the west coast,” Lum said.

Students who attended the GDC trip included, Computer Science majors: Cole Trexler, Matt Benkart, Jordon Torunian, and Morgan Farabaugh; Software Engineering majors, Frank Corso, Joe Craig, and Richard Shultz; and Psychology majors, Tiffany Eichler and Donald Fromknecht.

GDC 20181

Standout Seniors: Meet Zachery Smith

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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 Zachery Smith:

zachery smith

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the Penn State Provost Award and the Chancellor’s Award

On choosing Behrend: I started my college career at Penn State New Kensington, which was in my hometown. After experiencing that, I realized that having small class sizes and personal interactions with professors created a more ideal learning environment and figured Behrend would be the best place to finish my degree.

On choosing his major: I excelled at physics and mathematics in high school. I also had a passion for working on cars and other mechanical systems. I was constantly tearing things apart to understand how they worked.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My senior design team and I drove to the NASA Space Marshall Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to visit our industry sponsor and see some of the equipment that we will be working with for our capstone project.

Definition of a good life: Sitting on a beach listening to Jimmy Buffet and drinking margaritas.

Advice for new students: Don’t sell yourself short; hard work goes a long way.

Following his graduation in May, Zachery has accepted a position as an engine development and validation engineer at General Motors Global Propulsion Systems.

Standout Seniors: Meet Lauren Myers

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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 Lauren Myers:

Lauren Myers cropped

 

Major: Nursing

Hometown: Kane, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I enjoyed the campus scenery and size. Growing up, I always wanted to go to Penn State, but after visiting University Park, I realized it was way too big for me. I also chose Behrend because students in its nursing program had high pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination.

On choosing her major: My best friend’s mom battled cancer for years. Unfortunately, she passed away during our senior year of high school. When she was dying, my mom and I were at the hospital as a support system for my friend and her family. The last two days were very tough and being there with them really opened my eyes to the role of the nurse. The nurses were the people who were there for the family twenty-four hours a day, making sure every need was tended to, and providing the best care possible to my friend’s mother even during the final hours of her life. It was a very inspirational moment as I realized I wanted to become that person who is there to help others during difficult times.

Campus involvement: I have been a Welcome Week Team Leader for two years, a member of the Joys of Nursing club, a Lion Ambassador, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Circle K, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the National Student Nurses Association.

Secret talent: I guess I am good at organizing/planning. I’ve always been the planner in my circle of friends.

Who inspires her: My mom. She was a young, single parent and provided me with a great life. I’m also inspired by the nursing staff that I have had the opportunity to work with.

After her graduation in May, Lauren plans to work as an ICU nurse.

 

 

 

 

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Corinna Tucker

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By Heather Cass
Publications Manager, Office of Strategic Communications,  Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s seniors are ready to make their 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 Corinna Tucker:

corrina tucker

Corrina Tucker

Major: Digital Media, Arts, and Technology

Minor: Communication Arts and Mass Media

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

On choosing her major: I originally planned to major in biology, but wanted to do something a little more creative. DIGIT let me explore that side of my brain.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend? Receiving a Penn State Behrend summer fellowship and the Erickson Discovery Grant for my research with Dr. Aaron Mauro, assistant professor of English and digital humanities, on a Behrend history project.

Campus involvement: I was involved with Diverse Organization of Photo and Video Enthusiasts and Wintergreen Media, Penn State Behrend’s student-run production company.

Shutterbug: I am good at photography and depicting stories through my photos.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I want to eventually buy a van and live out of it while traveling.

Advice for new student: Don’t be afraid to switch your major. This might mean you have to spend an extra semester in school, but it’s better than spending a lifetime working in a career you do not enjoy.

Corrina graduated from Penn State Behrend in December. She plans to find work at a newspaper, “writing stories to change the world!”

 

 

 

 

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Alec Hydock

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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 Alec Hydock:

Alec Hydock

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I was honored to receive the Robert F. Taft Endowed scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I chose Penn State Behrend because it has small class sizes that allow you to get to know the professor and the professor to get to know you.

Curiosity build the engineer: As a kid, I was always curious about how things worked, from why planes fly to how car engines work. This curiosity is what pushed me toward mechanical engineering.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend? Being on a senior design team that was selected for a project sponsored by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. I knew we had a strong group, but it was humbling to be selected to work on such an important project.

Campus involvement: I was involved in the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as well as the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. I was also involved with a research team that helped design a braille device.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I have a twin.

Car enthusiast: I’ve always been passionate about cars. I enjoy seeing the advancements manufacturers have made in cars from new structural designs that improve how cars hold up in accidents to advancements in drivetrains that can increase both performance and economy.

Advice for new students: Don’t forget to take some time for yourself. It is easy to get caught up in all the homework, projects, and exams that you may get burned out. Get friends together to go to the gym, play pickup games, or even just set aside one evening in the week to hang out and do something fun.

After his graduation in May, Alec plans to pursue a career as an engineer in the automotive or defense fields.

Standout Seniors: Meet Katharina Becker

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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 Katharina Becker:

Katharina Becker - first choice

Majors: Concurrent majors in Marketing and International Business

Minor: Chemistry

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Scholarships: I received the Edward P. and Barbara F. Junker Leadership Scholarship and the Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Alumni Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: Behrend was the perfect size for me: small enough to feel homey, but big enough that I see and meet new people every day. Also, the campus is gorgeous and clean, and the people are friendly and inclusive.

On choosing her majors: Marketing challenges my creativity. It also calls for one to be organized, fun, fast-paced, and trendy. I chose International Business because we live in an increasingly global business world, and I love to travel.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I was the vice president of the Relay for Life Club this year and we hosted a joint event with Mercyhurst University’s Relay for Life Club. We had more than 100 people attend our event and raised $7,300. I am immensely proud of the Relay members and all the organizing, advertising, and networking that contributed to the success of the event.

Campus involvement: I was a Lion Scout (tour guide) from the summer of my first year until my senior year. I was involved with Reality Check and traveled on the Alternative Spring Break trip to Dallas, Texas. I was involved in BVZ Radio and hosted my own show called “Zona de Calma” in my sophomore year. I studied abroad in Maastricht, Netherlands, for six weeks. I was also involved in the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) club.

Advice for new students: I came to college assuming I had to choose only one subject to focus on that I was most passionate about. This was stressful because I have a variety of interests. I would advise incoming first-year students to diversify their schedule by pursuing a second major, a minor, or certificates.

Following her graduation in May, Katharina plans to work for a global digital marketing agency.

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Kelly Miller

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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 Kelly Miller:

Kelly Miller (2)

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Louisville, Ohio

On choosing Penn State Behrend: I like the size of Behrend and the fact that no matter where you go on campus, you can always find someone you know.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I danced in THON 2017 and it was so empowering to see the impact so many Penn State students have on the life of a child and their family! Standing for forty-six hours was the best weekend of my life.

Campus involvement: I’m a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority, Behrend Benefiting THON, the women’s tennis team, and The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPS). I’ve also participated in undergraduate research and Alternative Spring Break.

From Pennsylvania to Hawaii: My junior year, I was able to present research at the Electrochemical Society conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, with Dr. Adam Hollinger, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.

Following her graduation in May, Kelly has accepted a position as an associate product engineer at Newell Brands in North Carolina.

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Jon Schrecengost

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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 Jon Schrecengost:

Jonathon Schrecengost (2)

Jonathon Schrecengost

Major: Physics

Minors: Chemistry, Astrophysics, Computer Science, and Mathematics

Hometown: Greensburg, Pennsylvania

On working with faculty members: Behrend has faculty members who go out of their way to help you succeed, in the classroom and through research. The small class sizes at Behrend allow you to have a lot of really meaningful and personal interactions with faculty members.

On majoring in Physics: It’s a versatile major. Physics requires you to develop excellent learning and problem-solving abilities, and it gives you a strong understanding of the fundamentals that are used in other science and engineering disciplines. It’s not uncommon to find physics graduates in many different career paths.

Seeing the light: I’ve done research work with Dr. Bruce Wittmershaus, associate professor of physics, for three years. I’ve been helping him to improve his luminescent solar concentrators. These devices use fluorescent materials to redirect sunlight onto solar cells and produce an electric current. I’ve grown a lot as a researcher and I’ve been fortunate to submit a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. It’s also the topic of my Schreyer Honors thesis.

On being a teaching assistant: I enjoyed the opportunity to gain teaching experience as a teaching assistant for the college’s introductory physics courses. I learned that teaching material to others is the most effective way to truly understand course material yourself.

Who inspires him: Elon Musk

Advice for new students: Start doing research work with a faculty member as soon as possible. Don’t be shy about reaching out to them because they are very willing to help you and share their experiences with you.

Following his graduation in May, Jonathon plans to attend graduate school.

 

Standout Seniors: Demetrius Green

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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 Demetrius Green:
Demetrius green - best shot

Demetrius Green

Major: Digital Media, Arts, and Technology

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I liked the location because it wasn’t too far or too close to home. I also love big bodies of water, and Lake Erie is beautiful.

On choosing his major: I wanted to bridge the gap between creativity and technology. I have a background in communications, so I wanted to continue that, while adding technology to my expertise.

Campus involvement: I am historian for the Behrend chapter of the Association of Black Collegians. I’m also a member of the Organization of African and Caribbean Students, and the Multi-Cultural Council.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I love to sing, all day. It starts to annoy people after a while.

Confidence counts: My definition of living a good life is being so confident and carefree that if you wanted to, you could walk into Walmart singing your favorite song at the top of your lungs, and not care who is watching or who can hear you.

On a life of service: I’m passionate about helping others. My motto is: If I can, I will. I love to put a smile on another person’s face.

What inspires him: My future inspires me. I’ve been waiting for this moment for years, and I’m excited to start seeing things come to fruition. I know there are great things waiting for me, and I just have to keep working and be diligent in pursuing those things.

Advice for new students: Check in with your adviser. Get involved. Leave the campus and explore Erie and Presque Isle. Ask questions.

After his graduation in May, Demetrius plans to start his career as an MIS technology professional.