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 Jacob Gajewski.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Akron, New York
Why he chose Behrend: Small class sizes and the ability to interact with faculty. It also provided me with the opportunity to continue playing soccer at the college level while also being able to focus on my education.
Why he chose his major: Both of my parents are engineers, so I was guided down this path. I also have had an interest in learning how things work. I chose Mechanical Engineering because it offers broad opportunities.
Proudest accomplishment: Playing four years of college soccer while also maintaining a high GPA in a challenging major.
Student involvement: Penn State Behrend men’s soccer, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, Chi Alpha Sigma – College Athlete Honor Society, Materials and Manufacturing Group
Awards and accolades: Dean’s List every semester, Academic All-Conference for soccer – four years.
What he’s passionate about: Continuing to learn through experiences in both the classroom and other environments.
Advice for first-year students: Get involved early on. Meet people, join clubs and do activities that you are interested in. This will surround you with people who share similar goals and interests as you, while also letting you have some fun.
Jacob has accepted a position as an associate product engineer in the Space Actuation and Avionics Group at Moog Inc in Elma, New York, following his graduation in May.
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 Tanvi Pabbati.
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Why she chose Behrend: It felt like the perfect fit for me. I attended high school in Erie, so Behrend was close to home. I liked the small class sizes and opportunity for one-on-one interactions with faculty members. Also, the campus is beautiful and the trails in Wintergreen gorge are great.
Why she chose her major: I developed an interest in programming after taking a class in high school. I enjoyed learning new programming languages and making fun projects. Computer science is constantly evolving. These changes keep the field interesting. There’s always something to learn or discover.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Contributing to student organizations in leadership roles while managing my academics and making the Dean’s List has been both challenging and rewarding. A highlight for me was helping to restart the South Asian Student Organization (SASO) during my first year.
Campus involvement: I was the president of SASO, a Global Ambassador, and served as an International Student Orientation Leader. I’m a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I’ve also done undergraduate research work.
Highest priority in the coming years: Obtaining a master’s degree and getting into a field that focuses on both robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Global-minded: I’m passionate about learning about diverse cultures, which is why I was part of Global Ambassadors and other cultural organizations. Through my active participation in the multicultural clubs on campus, I’ve been able to help international students connect with fellow students, experience their own culture despite being far from home, and provide a platform for them to share their culture.
Advice for first-year students: Join organizations, go to club meetings, and attend events. Building connections will improve your experience at college, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
After her graduation in May, Tanvi plans to pursue a master’s degree in AI or robotics.
Scholarships: Provost’s Award, Corey N. Farrell Memorial Scholarship, and Class of 1922 Memorial Scholarship.
Why he chose Behrend: It is among the few colleges in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a fiction and poetry option. The class sizes are small, which allows for more one-on-one time with professors, and the campus itself is on a beautiful piece of land that is great for hiking.
Why he chose his major: I attended Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School as a creative writing major and wanted to further my education in the discipline. Language can be an effective, powerful tool if wielded correctly.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Though it may seem simple to some, attending college is my proudest accomplishment. As a first-generation college student from a blue-collar family, attaining a college degree has been an aspiration of mine since I was in grade school. Graduating from a top college like Penn State Behrend feels surreal.
Awards: Sonnenberg Poetry Award in 2021 and 2025, and the Cranage Creative Writing Award in 2025.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: I’m a multi-published writer across multiple genres including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Also, I have a twin sister.
Highest priority for the coming years: Asidefrom securing a full-time job, I plan on devoting my time to advocating for the transgender community in Erie and Pittsburgh. Trans youth are particularly vulnerable at this time, and I want to give back to my community, like my trans elders did for me when I was younger and discovering my identity.
What he is passionate about: Ang Lee’s 2005 film Brokeback Mountain and vampires.
Advice for first-year students: Get out of your dorm and find your own version of fun and community. These four years are just as much about self-discovery as they are about learning. Go on a hike in the gorge, take a class you’re interested in, and don’t be afraid to talk to other first-year students—they’re just as confused and overwhelmed as you!
A nod to family: I want to thank my grandfather, Richard, for his decades of hard work and countless hours-long drives from Butler County to Erie. Without him, I would not be where I am today. I am eternally grateful for him and the sacrifices he has made for me.
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 Jay Abraham.
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Why he chose his major: It’s the closest thing to applied wizardry.
Campus involvement: President of the Behrend student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Computer Engineering Club, and Behrend’s Fitness Club.
Involvement = connections: Being involved in student organizations, taking on leadership roles, helping professors with research projects, and attending networking events opened doors for me that I would never have found otherwise. Doing these things was not just about padding my resume, but about building real connections with professors, collaborating with peers on ambitious projects, and gaining leadership experience that boosted my confidence and shaped my career trajectory.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: English is my second language.
What he’s passionate about: Electrical engineering, public transportation infrastructure, sustainable energy, and urban design.
Advice for first-year students: Get involved as much as possible on campus. The value of your degree isn’t just in the classes you take, but also in the things you do outside of the classroom. I’ve found that the students who thrive the most aren’t necessarily the ones with the highest GPAs, but those who immerse themselves in the opportunities around them. Joining clubs, taking on leadership roles, attending career fairs, and saying “yes” to new experiences will make all the difference. You never know which professor, project, or chance encounter will lead to your next internship, job, or lifelong friendship.
After his graduation in May, Jay will be a power systems and controls automation engineer working with the digital integration solutions team at Eaton.
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 Jason Chen.
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Hopewell, Virginia
Scholarships: Lincoln Trustee Scholarship, Provost Award, Penn State Academic Grant, Bunton Waller Scholarship, PNC leadership Scholarship.
Why he chose Behrend: I chose Penn State Behrend because of its beautiful and inviting campus, which immediately made me feel at home. The natural surroundings created an environment where I knew I could thrive both academically and personally. Additionally, the students I spoke with before enrolling highly recommended Behrend and emphasized the unique opportunities it offers. They shared their experiences with hands-on learning and small class sizes that allow for close relationships with professors. Hearing about these distinctive opportunities, such as undergraduate research, solidified my decision to become part of Behrend.
Why he chose his major: Since I was a young child, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. As I progressed through school, I was drawn to biology and the sciences. The more I learned, the more eager I became to understand the complexities of the human body, genetics, and medicine. My curiosity and passion for science fueled my desire to pursue a major that would challenge me intellectually while preparing me for a career in healthcare.
His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend has been successfully balancing academics, leadership, and research while making a meaningful impact on campus. From the start of my undergraduate career, I sought out opportunities to get involved, and I have thrived. Serving as president of Science Ambassadors, director of Welcome Week, and Bingo chair of Lion Ambassadors allowed me to develop my leadership and organizational skills while fostering a sense of community among students. Additionally, completing two ecological research projects pushed me to think critically, manage long-term commitments, and contribute to scientific inquiry.
On overcoming challenges: Starting college at the age of sixteen was a challenging but transformative experience for me. Being younger than my peers, I had to quickly adapt to the academic rigor and social dynamics of college life while learning to balance coursework, extracurricular involvement, and personal responsibilities. Managing my time effectively and staying disciplined were crucial in navigating this transition.
Campus involvement: Lion Ambassadors (Bingo chair and social chair), Science Ambassadors (member and president), THON (fundraising captain), Behrend First Gens, Tri-Beta, Biology Club, Leadership Scholars, Welcome Week (guide, leader, director), and Alternative Spring Break
What you might be surprised to know about him: I’m a huge sneakerhead and love collecting streetwear!
His top priority for the coming years: My highest priority is getting into medical school and developing the skills and knowledge to become a compassionate and competent doctor. I am committed to excelling academically, gaining hands-on experience in clinical and research settings, and continuously improving my ability to connect with and care for patients. Beyond just earning a degree, I want to cultivate the qualities that define a great physician—empathy, resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong dedication to learning.
Advice for first-year students: College is a learning experience, and mistakes are part of growth. Don’t be too hard on yourself—learn from them and move forward.
After graduation in May, Jason plans to attend medical school.
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 Adam Sacherich.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Penn State Provost Award
Why he chose Behrend: In high school, I benefited from knowing my teachers, so when looking for colleges, I wanted a place with small classes to allow me to know my professors. I wanted to get good value for my money from college, and Behrend had a good balance of price and academic reputation.
Why he chose his major: I have always been fascinated by how things work and have a passion for problem-solving. Mechanical engineering offers the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing me to turn ideas into tangible solutions.
Campus involvement: Tau Beta Pi (vice president of PA Mu Chapter since April 2024), American Society of Mechanical Engineers at Behrend (treasurer since April 2024), Behrend Robotics Club (vice president since April 2024, previous positions: president, treasurer, and University Rover Challenge (URC) team lead), Behrend Engineering Ambassadors
Awards and honors: Undergraduate Student Academic Year Research Grant (2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years), Penn State Behrend Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowship (Summers 2023 and 2024), Penn State Behrend Sigma Xi Conference Best Engineering Presentation Award (2024), Schreyer Honors College (since June 2023), Behrend Honors Program (January 2022 – May 2023)
His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: In May of 2024, I got the opportunity to travel to Long Beach, California, to present my research on “Nature Inspired 3D Printed Geometries for Enhanced Resistance to High Velocity Impacts” at the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering 2024 Conference. This research was then later published in the SAMPE journal in September.
On overcoming challenges: Balancing research, club responsibilities, work, and academics has been challenging at times. Learning to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks has been crucial in navigating these commitments.
What makes him unique: I think that my interdisciplinary interests make me unique. Even though I am a mechanical engineering student, I am involved in other engineering disciplines. During my time at Behrend, I took 12 credits of computer engineering classes that weren’t required by my major so that I could learn more about the subject. In both of my internships with Wabtec, a majority of my work has been based around computer programming. Additionally, my role in my senior design project involves designing and programming a control board.
What people might be surprised to know about him: When I started college, I had little interest in completing an honors program or doing research. This is hard to believe now that so much of my time at Behrend has been spent working on research projects.
His top priority for the coming years: My highest priority is to continue learning. While my learning at Behrend is coming to an end, I know that I will have plenty to learn as I start at Wabtec.
His passions: I am passionate about continuous learning, constantly challenging myself, and using my skills in a way that will improve the world.
Advice for first-year students: Embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Engage in various activities, seek out leadership roles, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. These experiences will shape your personal and professional growth in ways you can’t yet imagine.
After graduation in May, Adam will work at Wabtec as part of their LEAD engineering program.
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 Mike Pazuchanics.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: McMurray, Pennsylvania
Why did you choose Behrend? It has a strong engineering program with professors that prioritize students and teach in small classroom settings. Additionally, I wanted to swim at the D-III level and Behrend has a strong swim team with a great coach.
Why he chose his major: I’ve been surrounded by engineers and problem solvers since a young age. My dad was an engineer, his dad was an engineer, and my mom’s dad repaired commercial printing machines. Their knack for problem solving had a strong influence on me; we were always fixing or building things around the house. I decided to pursue Mechanical Engineering because I have always been interested in how things move and why things are designed the way they are. Additionally, it is a versatile degree that allows me to work in a variety of fields.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I am proud to have completed my degree in four years while competing in varsity athletics. I swam during all four years of college while balancing a challenging academic workload. Managing studying, homework, and projects with the swimming practices, lifting program, and swim meets was challenging.
Campus involvement: I have been a member of the Behrend Swimming and Diviving team for all four of my years at Behrend. I am also the men’s team representative for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, which provides insight and shares Behrend Athletic program information with the team. During my junior and senior years, I was a grader for Statics and Strengths II. I also played intramural flag football in the spring the past two years with my swim teammates.
Awards and accolades: I have been part of the AMCC All-Conference all four seasons of my athletic career. Additionally, I was inducted into the Behrend Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, which is the National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society. I was voted onto the 2024 AMCC All-Sportsmanship Team in 2024.
I was also an awardee of the 2023 Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Program. The SMART Program is a Department of Defense (DoD) scholarship program for STEM students. SMART provides tuition scholarships which are “repaid” by working at a DoD facility after graduation. This program supports STEM majors in college and assists them with starting their professional careers. I highly encourage any STEM major to apply.
Advice for first-year students: When things are not going according to plan, it can be easy to focus on what is going wrong. Taking a step back to reevaluate or change your perspective can help you reset and focus on what is going right. It is important to remember and appreciate what you have accomplished rather than getting bogged down in little failures.
Mike has accepted an offer from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, after his graduation in May. He will work as a civilian engineer in the maintenance and overhaul of the Navy’s fast-attack nuclear submarines.
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 Katy Richardson.
Major: Software engineering
Minor: Game Development
Hometown: Hamburg, New York
Why she chose Behrend: I fell in love with the campus the first time I toured it. In addition to loving the campus, I liked the small class sizes. The potential to do research at an undergraduate level really made Behrend stand out when looking at different colleges.
Why she chose her major: In high school, I found that I strongly disliked chemistry, and the only way I could drop the class was if I found another class to replace it. I ended up joining a computer science class eight weeks into a ten-week quarter. I picked up the concepts easily and was able to complete ten weeks’ worth of work in the final two weeks of the quarter. I fell in love with programming and the problem-solving it required and knew it was what I wanted to do.
One rough semester: One challenge that I had to overcome was taking 22 credits in one semester, while actively participating in athletics. On top of that, I got a concussion during the third week of the semester. For several weeks, it was challenging to look at my computer screen for too long. I was able to overcome this by consistently communicating with my professors, who were incredibly supportive and understanding. I had to figure out how to structure my time to get all my work done while also giving my body the rest that it needed.
Student involvement: I am involved in Society of Women of Engineers, where I served as the outreach chair in my junior year. I have been an engineering ambassador for two years. I competed on the women’s varsity bowling team for four years, serving as captain in my senior year.
What you’d be surprised to know about her: I spent my summers working at a residential summer camp while I was in college. I also attended this same camp for eight years before I worked there.
Have youth, will travel: One of my highest priorities for the coming years is to travel and have as many experiences as I can while I’m still young and have the energy to do so.
What she’s passionate about: Introducing STEM to the next generation. Throughout my work with Youth Education Outreach, I have had the opportunity to see kids find a passion for the STEM disciplines and see their reaction when they finally were able to solve a challenge. It’s very rewarding.
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 Sophia DiPlacido.
Majors: Psychology and Marketing
Hometown: Erie
Scholarships: The Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarship, the John Mark and Geraldine Mills Lilley Leadership Scholarship, Harriet Behrend Ninow Memorial Scholarship, Penn State Behrend Leadership Scholarship
Awards and accolades: Outstanding Psychology Student Award, John and Jane Herbert Undergraduate Research Award, Perreault Fellowship, Penn State Behrend Undergraduate Research Grant, and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
Why she chose Behrend: I loved the combination of having both a small campus community and access to a larger university network. When I first visited campus, every person I met was so kind and helpful. I just felt like Behrend was the right place for me, and I am so happy that I chose Behrend!
Why she chose her majors: I’ve always enjoyed learning across disciplines. I love learning about people and the factors that underly their decision making from a psychological standpoint, and I’ve been able to specialize that knowledge further with my marketing studies.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Receiving a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to fund a semester abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. It was an amazing opportunity to learn more about different cultures and reflect on my own cultural upbringing. (Read more about her experience in this Behrend blog post).
Challenges overcome: When I started at Behrend, I had a hard time integrating socially on campus. I was a lot more introverted than I am now, and to go from having an established friend group at high school to starting fresh was difficult. I was also a bit impatient; I expected that I would get to college and immediately meet a bunch of people that would be my lifelong friends. At the start of my second semester, I really tried to put myself out there and join more clubs and activities on campus. This really helped me feel more involved at Behrend and is also how I met some of my closest friends.
Student involvement: I have been a Lion Ambassador, Lion Scout, Resident Assistant, and Teaching Assistant for the School of Business First-Year Seminar. I am currently involved in undergraduate research and am completing my Schreyer Honors College thesis exploring food insecurity in downtown Erie. I am also a Business Ambassador and an intern in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
What makes her unique: I have a big family. I am the middle child of five biological siblings and have three step siblings. I think my upbringing has made me adaptable and appreciative of people’s different talents and purposes.
What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love word games! My family and I love to play Scrabble, and I still play all the New York Times games almost daily. I once completed the mini crossword in eight seconds!
Future under careful consideration: My dual major from Behrend has prepared me well for several different career paths. I’m considering refining this further by continuing my education, but I want to consider all the different possibilities and outcomes before committing to more schooling.
What she’s passionate about: Helping and empowering others. My time at Behrend has been so transformative, largely because of the care and support I’ve received from faculty and staff during my time here. I’ve felt very inspired to empower those around me in the way that I’ve been empowered at Behrend.
Advice for first-year students: Be patient and give yourself grace! The transition from high school to college is huge. You might thrive in some respects and struggle in others, it’s all a part of the process. I came into college with the expectation that I would immediately adjust and mature overnight, this was entirely unrealistic. It takes time to build friendships with people. It takes experience to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. It takes making mistakes to learn the kind of person you want to be. Just take it one day at a time and continue to put yourself in situations where you’re growing, and everything else will fall into place.
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 Daniel Gayoso.
Major: Computer Engineering
Hometown: Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Frank S. Palkovic Trustee Scholarship
Why he chose Behrend: I like the smaller size of the campus and classes. It also had a reputable engineering program.
Why he chose his major: I built my first computer when I was 12 years old and kept tinkering all the way through high school. I was always very curious to learn how each hardware component functions alongside the software.
Challenges overcome: My classes, mainly in my junior year, were each a challenge in and of themselves. The raw amount of material to learn was incredible, but what also made it difficult is that much of that material is built off foundational math and science from your first and second year. You have to really understand the foundations.
Involvement and activities: Computer Engineering Club (President, Vice President); Behrend Engineering Ambassadors; Resident Assistant; Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering Club.
Side quest master: I constantly get sidetracked during homework assignments and projects related to my major because I’ll see some random term I’ve never heard of that sounds interesting and I end up spending a half hour researching it.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: I have dual citizenship in the United States and Spain and my parents are immigrants from Venezuela. That said, my Spanish is not very good!
What he’s passionate about: Lifting weights and anything related to computers, electronics, or communications.
Learning happens outside class, too: You will get as much out of college and your degree as you put into it. Spend as much time as you can going beyond what’s being taught in the classroom. Join clubs, do internships, take on extra projects, or seek out research opportunities with professors. Like Dr. Abdallah Abdallah, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, says: “Use the knowledge taught to you in your courses to build things outside of them.”
Curiosity and enthusiasm matter: Make sure you enjoy what your major has to offer. The best engineers I know are the ones who think about it 24/7. They are the type of people who wake up in the middle of the night with a solution to a problem they’ve been ruminating on for weeks. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a social life or adequate sleep to be a good engineer, but the more curious and enthusiastic you are about your work, the further you will go.
Advice for first-year students: Make an effort to leave your comfort zone. Also, if you didn’t like the person you were becoming before college or wish that you were different in some way, you can reinvent yourself. It’s a whole new start.
After his graduation in May, Daniel plans to work in the computer engineering field for three to five years and then pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering.
BEHREND BLOG 