Author: Behrend Blog

Paula Dombrowski ’93 Presented with Impact Award

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

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Paula J. Dombrowski, P.E., ’93, a structural engineer and owner of Forensics Engineered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the recipient of the second annual Mary Behrend Impact Award, presented by Penn State Behrend’s Women’s Engagement Council (WEC).

The award was established to recognize individuals who have made contributions that advance the purpose of WEC, which was founded to support and lift women through programs related to women, to the college, and to the greater Erie community. Dombrowski was honored with the award at a luncheon in late March in Behrend’s Lilley Library.

“Paula has left her fingerprints all over Behrend – literally,” said Priscilla Hamilton ’78, a WEC board member who chaired the award committee.  “She was the Engineer of Record for the Burke Center, which houses our School Engineering and our Black School of Business, and her Pennsylvania Professional Engineer’s stamp is on the plans.”

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Following graduation from Penn State in architectural engineering, Dombrowski began her career in Erie at H.F. Graygo & Associates and Steele Structural Engineering. Over the next twenty years, as a structural engineer, she served  as project manager and Engineer of Record for large building projects, and more recently, has focused her work on building forensics, assessing structural defects. She is the founder and principal/owner of Forensics Engineered, LLC in Cincinnati.

Dombrowski returns to Behrend every year for the Women in Engineering program, sharing her educational and professional journey with local high school and college students.

“Paula’s amazing professional accomplishments and dedication to advancing and empowering women through her direct mentorship exemplifies the spirit of Mary Behrend,” Hamilton said.

“There are just not enough words to express my gratitude to WEC for their recognition of my efforts,” Dombrowski said “The Mary Behrend Impact Award is a genuine honor and boost to my soul.

“I enjoyed my time at Behrend, with much laughter during golf class and plenty of late-night study sessions to pass challenging classes like thermodynamics and statistics,” she said. “By chance, I was also able to tack on a finite elements class, that provided a great engineering analysis foundation that I use every day.”

Dombrowski and her husband, Dean, have two children, Kyle, 22, and Gillian Grace, 20, and they reside in Cincinnati.

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Standout Seniors: Meet Mason Willman (Computer Science and Mathematics)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

S-STEM 2023

Today, we’d like you to meet Mason Willman.

Majors: Dual majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics

Hometown: Attica, Ohio

Scholarships: Behrend Leadership Scholarship, STEM Leader Scholarship, Larson Texts Excellence Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: Behrend was not originally on my radar, but someone from my high school chose to attend Behrend. After talking with them, I realized Behrend was right for me. I like that the college is focused on the undergraduate experience, but also offers the opportunities, funding, and resources that much larger schools do.

On choosing his major: I was stuck between something in technology and the sciences. I felt that I would be unable to decide, but then I discovered computer science. It is an interdisciplinary field that involves both technology and science. It was the perfect major that allowed me to pursue both my passions.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment would be my Honors Thesis work with Dr. Thomas Cameron, assistant professor of mathematics. There have been many ups and downs throughout the research process, but I think that the final product has been worth it.

Campus involvement: I am currently an Engineering Ambassador, a lead tutor at the Learning Resource Center, and a STEM Leadership Scholar Mentor. Earlier, I participated in organizations like robotics club and anime club, but over the years, I have refined what truly interests me and prioritized my time and attention.

Awards and recognitions: I have earned Dean’s List every semester.

What makes him unique: I could talk about playing my saxophone or knowing how to 3D print, but I think it’s really my ability to think retrospectively. Through the years, I have evolved and changed as a person. I think being able to constantly grow is what helps me stay unique.

What you might be surprised to know about him: I regularly attend counseling on campus. As someone who seems to have it all together, people might be surprised by how important and helpful personal counseling has been to me.

His passion: Teaching and mentoring the younger generation. I want to pursue a doctorate degree because I want to be a professor someday. I think that mentoring and helping people make good choices is a great way to have a long-lasting impact on society.

Advice for first-year students: My advice would be to reach out and communicate with professors. I have professors who treat me more like a colleague or friend than a student. This enables them to help me find opportunities, provide advice, and overall, be a great resource when I need them. Many students lack these resources because they never take the first step in talking to their professors.

Parting thoughts: While it can be tiring, never stop growing as a person. Every time I look at a photo from the past, I remember how much personal growth I have had since then. I cannot imagine my personality, maturity, and opinions stagnating throughout my time in college.

After his graduation in May, Mason plans to attend graduate school.

Standout Seniors: Meet Max Nemenz (Elementary and Early Childhood Education)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

max Nemez

Today, we’d like you to meet Max Nemenz.

Major: Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Minor: Special Education

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: I received the Penn State Behrend academic scholarship.

On choosing his major: I have always wanted to work with children and make a difference. I never had a male teacher until I was in middle school, so I want to be a male figure for students in elementary school.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Making the Dean’s List every semester.

A tough start: Like most of my fellow graduates this year, I had to start my college career in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020. It was very difficult because college is all about meeting new people and making connections, and that’s hard to do when you’re taking classes online and cannot even be in the same room together. The good thing is that it all worked out eventually and now I have many new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Student involvement: I served as Treasurer, then Vice President for Penn State Behrend’s Student PSEA Club; Vice President for the Disabilities Awareness and Resources for Equity (DARE) Club; and I was a School of Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador.

Will travel, by bike: I love going on bike rides around town when I have the time.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: Although I am a horrible basketball player, one of my favorite activities every summer is volunteering for the Shriners Children’s Erie wheelchair basketball program. I have so much fun playing basketball with the kids.

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Max teaching first grade students about the skeletal system.

Teacher goals: My highest priority going forward is to make a positive difference in students’ lives as well as provide them with a memorable and meaningful education.

Come as you are, kiddos: I am passionate about educating children and providing them a welcoming environment where they can be themselves.

Advice for first-year students: Something that wish I had done more as a first-year student was study and do my homework outside on nice days because Behrend’s campus is really beautiful.

After his graduation in May, Max plans to find work as an elementary school teacher in the Erie area.

Standout Seniors: Abby Cochran (Marketing)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Abby Cochran Photo (MKT and PSCM)

Today, we’d like you to meet Abby Cochran:

Major: Marketing

Minor: Project and Supply Chain Management

Hometown: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the PNC Leadership Scholarship and the Lawrence and Olivia Held Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it is a beautiful campus with lots of helpful and friendly people. The opportunities available to students and the national ranking of the Black School of Business also influenced my decision.

On choosing her major: I have always been interested in how film and music artists promote their products. I took a sports and entertainment marketing course in high school that piqued my interest even more. The idea of creating messages and advertisements that appeal to the public to such a degree that they would purchase a product has always been exciting to me. I also like that marketers highlight the positive aspects of a product. It’s always better to be positive.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being accepted into the Schreyer Honors College.

Campus Involvement: During my sophomore year at Behrend, I was a member of Lambda Sigma. Currently, I am a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, the American Marketing Association, Schreyer Honors College, and Beta Gamma Sigma. I am also a research assistant for the Raimy Behavioral Lab in the Black School of Business.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I am a Swiftie. My favorite era is 1989. However, my favorite Taylor Swift song is “You Belong With Me.”

Beyond Taylor: I enjoy listening to a wide range of music and learning about the music production process. I’m also intrigued by how films are created and the filming process.

Advice for first-year students: I wish that I would’ve known about the What-If Report tool in LionPath when choosing my classes. Make sure to use this when scheduling to see how your completed and current courses apply toward requirements of your major and/or minors.

After her graduation in May, Abby hopes to secure a marketing position in the film, music, or fashion industries.

Standout Seniors: Meet Holden Cooper (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Holden Cooper.

Major: Biology with the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior focus area

Hometown: San Anselmo, California

On choosing his major: I am very passionate about herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles) and would love to study in this field post-graduation.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment while at Behrend would be the research I have done involving biofluorescence in salamanders. For this project, I documented the trait of biofluorescence in spotted salamanders and red-spotted newts and how the patterns of biofluorescence change through early stages of development.

Awards and recognition: I won an award for first place at the Sigma Xi (Undergraduate Research and Creative Accomplishment) Conference in 2023 for a presentation on my research with biofluorescence in larval stage salamanders.

His passion: I have a strong interest in both reptiles and amphibians, and I enjoy spending a lot of my free time flipping logs in search of them.

After graduation, Holden plans to get a master’s degree in biology at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

Standout Seniors: Meet Matthew Enos (Accounting and Finance)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Matthew Enos

Today, we’d like you to meet Matthew Enos.

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Hometown: Sharpsville, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Penn State Provost Award

On choosing Behrend: I came to Behrend because of the opportunity to double major in business. On top of that, it is easy to get active and involved in clubs at Behrend.

On choosing his major: I have always enjoyed the stock market, so I started more toward finance. Accounting works well with finance, and I just really enjoyed dealing with numbers, doing taxes and auditing.

His proudest accomplishment at college: The way Behrend developed who I am. My senior year of high school, I would have been afraid to talk to a crowd of people or to someone I didn’t know. Now, I enjoy giving tours of the campus and talking to professionals in the accounting field. I am not afraid to talk in front of big crowds and share my experience at Behrend.

Bring on game night: I enjoy playing board games with my family and friends.

His definition of living a good life: Being close and able to spend time with my family is important to me. I want to be able to live without stressing about bills. To be able to separate work and personal life and enjoy both.

His priorities for the coming years: Doing well at work, getting promoted, and starting to save money for a house.

Advice for first-year students: Do not be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

After his graduation in May, Matthew plans to work at KPMG in Pittsburgh in their audit department.

Political Science student published in Wall Street Journal

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

Eric O - WSJ contributor
Eric Oelhaf, Penn State Behrend Political Science major.

While at Penn State Behrend, Eric Oelhaf, a senior Political Science major, added something to his resume that few college students can claim: His work has been published in The Wall Street Journal.

In fact, he has had three pieces published in the WSJ’s “Future View” column, in which they invite undergraduate and graduate students to offer their opinion on current topics from Twitter’s rebranding to the future of the NFL to foreign policy to ChatGPT.

Oelhaf’s published essays address the topics of American support for aid to Ukraine; the U.S. border crisis, and why people don’t trust scientists anymore. He is in good company with students from such institutions as Brown University, Harvard University, and West Point Academy.

We talked with Oelhaf, a State College native, to learn more about why he wanted to contribute, how he got published, and what he has gained from the experience.

How did you learn about “Future Views”?  

Dr. Maggie Shum, assistant professor of Political Science, mentioned it in a class that I took with her in the fall semester. Though it’s known to be a conservative publication, The Wall Street Journal said it was trying to provide a diversity of viewpoints in this feature.

Did you immediately contribute?

No. I looked at it as a national writing competition and decided that I was only going to contribute if I had something unique to say. I felt that would improve my odds of being selected. I was surprised that they printed the first one I submitted, which was the piece on the border crisis. The second one was the piece on why people don’t trust scientists.

Then you submitted one about aid for Ukraine?

Yes. That one was a strategic choice. I wanted to dispel myths that are prominent in conservative information spaces about the costs of sending aid to Ukraine. Of course, the reason to support Ukraine is that it’s the right thing to do. Russia has historically tried to eradicate the Ukrainian language and identity from existence since the times of the Russian Empire. And languages are a particularly important part of European political philosophy.

Does the newspaper edit the pieces?

The one on the border crisis is nearly identical to what I submitted, and those are really my thoughts on the matter. There was light editing on the Ukraine piece. But the trustworthiness of scientists’ piece was heavily edited. Looking back on that, I realize that was my fault.

How so?

I had tried to have a more in-depth discussion than what the 250-word-limit would allow, and I didn’t end up making a clear argument in what I originally submitted. The editor then rewrote some of it operating under the assumption that I was trying to critique the behavior of just the authority figures, which I wasn’t. It was a misunderstanding that I know now I could’ve prevented.

What has been the response to your work?

It’s interesting to read through the comments. I’ve learned that people will complain about anything unless your reasoning is airtight or in line with what they believe. I was called an elitist for providing context on the border crisis. Sometimes, readers will even complain that they are listening to college students, despite clicking on a column clearly labeled “Future View.”

What have you learned by reading the feedback?

It seems the current American news consumer is addicted to anger, and the media is more than happy to feed that addiction.

What other topics interest you?

I care most about what is happening in Ukraine and, as a result, I’m concerned about the current state of Congress. I’m also interested in artificial intelligence and the ways in which it’s being handled by our government.

What would people be surprised to know about your generation regarding politics?

My generation seems to care about efficacy to a greater degree than older ones. We want our politicians to be good at what they do. We don’t want them to continually take half measures on humanitarian crises cause by our allies, nor do we want them to spend six months trying to pass a budget.

What do you want to do after college?

I like foreign relations, so I may pursue a career in government in that field. I would certainly take a job in journalism, too, if I had the opportunity.

Oelhaf’s published pieces

Did you know?

Penn State faculty, staff, and students have access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal at no cost through the Student News Readership Program. To take advantage of this program, you must register using your Penn State email. Learn more at Penn State’s Student Affairs website.

Standout Seniors: Meet Trista Buskirk (Psychology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Trista Buskirk copy

Today, we’d like you to meet Trista Buskirk.

Major: Psychology

Hometown:  Canton, Illinois

Scholarships: Donald R. Blair Scholarship, Class of 1922 Memorial Scholarship.

Awards: I received the President Walker Award, which is for first-year students who have completed 12 to 36 credits and earned a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average.

On choosing Behrend: Upon receiving an e-mail showcasing Behrend, I felt a strong calling to further look into the school. I went on a campus tour, where I ultimately made my decision to come to Behrend. During the visit, the tour guide and the atmosphere made it feel like home. The campus was not too big, but it wasn’t too small. It was perfect.

On choosing her major: I recognized in myself the need to understand others based on my own life experiences, and those experiences led me to choose psychology. Once I got more involved with the major, I was drawn to human behavior, specifically human rationality. It intrigues me to understand the reasons people make their decisions based on the facts and fiction surrounding them.

On spreading her wings: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend is my growth as a person. Moving away from home was terrifying to me at the beginning, but I am so glad I did it. Choosing Behrend provided me with the opportunity to blossom into the person I truly want to be.

Campus involvement: I was involved with Psi Chi, Psychology Club, and Circle K and served as an executive board member in each. I was one of the founding members of the Competitive Volleyball Club, a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and a Psychology Lab attendant.

Student research work: I worked alongside Dr. Lisa Jo Elliott, associate teaching professor of psychology, in the Lab for Usability and Interactive Systems as an app developer and researcher.

What makes her unique: Everyone is unique in their own way. To me, being unique does not equal standing out. A person’s strengths and uniqueness cannot always be seen just by looking at someone. I have learned that to understand someone, you cannot just look at the surface. You must dig a bit deeper. I have always been an observer; I observe as many people, places, and things as I can to begin to understand the bigger picture. I feel this dedication to understanding the world around me makes me unique.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: My age. Graduating from an esteemed university at the age of 19 is exciting. When people find out my age, they are usually shocked.

The world is her classroom: My passion is learning from every person I interact with. Everyone has knowledge to offer.

Advice for first-year students: Step out of your comfort zone. Life will throw you the tools you need to grow, but you never know who or what or when or where. Although terrifying sometimes, change is necessary for growth.

After her graduation in May, Trista plans to find work as a user experience developer or researcher.

Standout Seniors: Meet Alexander Jackson (Mechanical Engineering)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

alexander johnson2

Today, we’d like you to meet Alexander Jackson.

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Cochranton, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Defrees Family Foundation Endowment, STEM Leaders Program Scholarship, Behrend Excellence Award, Commonwealth Campus First Year Award.

On choosing Behrend: While I was job shadowing in high school, I learned that many engineers in northwestern Pennsylvania graduated from Penn State Behrend. As I talked with more people and broadened my connections, I realized that Behrend graduates were all over the world, working for some of the biggest companies. This gave me the confidence to put my trust in Behrend.

On choosing his major: Mechanical Engineering is a broad major that has allowed me to learn about many different industries and find the best career path for me. I also like that mechanical engineers can have an impact on the world through the design, manufacturing, testing, and implementation of new technology and innovations.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I’m proud of the internships and career opportunities I’ve obtained. I’ve met and worked with some incredible people and clients. I’ve also visited major tech companies and talked with engineers who are pushing the limits of engineering. These experiences are rewarding.

Campus involvement: STEM Leaders Program, Behrend Engineering Ambassadors, Men’s Volleyball player, Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Awards: Evan Pugh Scholar Award, President Sparks Award, National College Athlete Honor Society, Academic All-Conference, Men’s Volleyball Sportsmanship and Leadership Award, Men’s Volleyball MVP.

Highest priority for the coming years: My highest priority is to continue to learn. Learning doesn’t stop when we walk across that stage at graduation. A desire to learn and grow fuels innovation and creativity.

Sports rank high, too: Outside of work and school, I’m very passionate about sports! I’m a huge Pittsburgh fan (Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates), and enjoy playing and watching all kinds of sports. I love to be active.

Advice for first-year students: Surround yourself with a good group of people because the friends you hang out with will have a great influence on you and your goals. But don’t worry if you don’t find this group right away. As you go through school, you’ll meet others who share your interests and match your energy.

Parting thoughts: I’d like to thank all the faculty and staff members at Behrend. They deserve a lot of credit for the contributions and impact they have on generations of students. So I’d like to give a shout out to all the employees who keep Behrend up-and-running every year.

After graduation, Alex plans to work as a design engineer in the Rotary Wing Group at Parker LORD in Erie.

Standout Seniors: Meet Rachael Buhl (Secondary Education in Mathematics and Mathematics)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Rachael Buhl

Today, we’d like you to meet Rachael Buhl.

Major: Dual major in Secondary Education in Mathematics and Mathematics

Hometown: Kane, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I love that Behrend is relatively small and it’s just far enough away from home (but not too far). Also, Behrend has a great secondary math education program.

On choosing her major: I’ve known since I was little that I wanted to become a teacher
because I loved school and helping others learn new things. Growing up, math easily became my favorite subject. Math is like a constant puzzle for your mind, and I love that aspect of it.

Campus involvement: Science Ambassador, Math Club President, Member of the Behrend Track and Field team.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I have pet deer and my younger siblings are triplets.

Her definition of a good life: Being happy with your accomplishments and being surrounded by people that you care about.

First year students take note: My advice for first-year students is to make a friend in every one of your classes. This will not only help you get involved around campus, but also will be beneficial if you need help with the material or if you miss a class and need someone’s notes.

After her graduation in December, Rachael plans to work in a high-needs school district teaching mathematics.