Category: Class of 2018

Standout Seniors: Meet Elizabeth Mamros

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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 Elizabeth Mamros:

liz mamros (14)

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor(s): Mathematics and Spanish

Hometown: McMurray, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I have received the PNC Leadership Scholarship, the Academic Excellence Scholarship, and the Penn State Behrend Chancellor’s Scholarship.

On choosing Penn State Behrend: I had no idea where I wanted to go to college, so I applied to thirteen schools. I was accepted at University Park but had been in Erie doing an overnight at Gannon when I decided to visit Behrend. I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous landscape on campus, the faculty-to-student ratio, the abundant opportunities, and the school’s reputation. Receiving an acceptance letter into the Schreyer Honors College sealed the deal.

On choosing her major: If you look around the room you are in right now, engineers were likely somehow involved in the creation of everything you see. Engineers are the change-makers of the world. I chose mechanical engineering because I am an extremely curious person who enjoys problem-solving and using innovative thinking to make a difference. I also knew that my dream job would involve working on medical devices or designing amusement park rides, which both fall heavily into the mechanical side of engineering.

Campus involvement: I am the president of Reality Check and the vice president of Behrend Engineering Ambassadors. I serve as a student representative on the Student Activity Fee and Student Facility Fee committees. I am a Resident Assistant and was previously the webmaster for the Lion Entertainment Board and a staff writer for the Behrend Beacon. I am also a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Equestrian Club.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I spent a summer abroad in southern Spain (Ronda) taking classes and being fully immersed in the Spanish culture. I lived with a family who only spoke Spanish and had my first experience traveling alone. To say it put me outside of my comfort zone would be an understatement, but I am so incredibly grateful that I had the courage to pursue this dream come true.

Committed to serving others: I am a firm believer in paying it forward and using my skills and talents to help others through community service. I am also extremely passionate about being an inspiration/spark/beacon of hope for others so that they, too, will follow their dreams.

Who inspires her: Dr. Seuss has always been an inspiration to me. As a quote lover, I am blown away by the depth and truth in everything this man has ever said or written.

Advice for new students: Get comfortable being uncomfortable! Join clubs that offer things that you have always wanted to try. Sign up for school trips and conferences that will take you to new places. Plan ahead so you can study abroad and be immersed in another culture. Be innovative, and leave your mark on this campus. Let your college experiences be the springboard that helps you go further in life.

After her graduation in December 2018, Elizabeth plans to pursue a graduate engineering degree and work for an international engineering firm.

Standout Seniors: Meet Connor Kasten

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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 Connor Kasten:  

Connor Kasten.JPG

Majors: Concurrent majors in Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies, Project and Supply Chain Management, and International Business

Hometown: Bradenton, Florida

On choosing Penn State Behrend: I chose Behrend because I love the resources available on a smaller campus. There are so many opportunities to excel in your interests here, and the faculty and staff members are always willing to go the extra mile to help you.

Campus involvement: I have been involved in many different campus activities during my four years at Behrend, but the ones that stand out the most are my times as president of Lion Ambassadors, as secretary of the Student Government Association, and as a Resident Assistant.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I lived in New Zealand for four years when I was growing up.

What he’s passionate about: Helping others, in particular, helping my residents. We are like a family here in Niagara Hall. I want to make sure that the students I’m responsible for have everything they need to have a successful start to their college career.

Advice for new students: Having lived with first-year students for three years now, what I always tell them is that it’s okay to be yourself. If you like different music, that’s okay. If you like to stay up all night or go to bed early, that’s okay. You’ll be much happier if you are doing things that you like to do and you will meet people who like doing the same things as you, especially at Behrend where there are so many great people. You can find some truly lifelong friends here.

Lion Pride: I am so proud to say that I am from the Penn State Behrend family!

Following his graduation in May, Connor has accepted a position as an operations manager at theTarget distribution center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Standout Seniors: Meet Alyssa Andrzejewski

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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 Alyssa Andrzejewski:

Alyssa Andrzejewski

Major: Industrial Engineering

Minor: Operations and Supply Chain Management

Certificate: ERP with SAP

Hometown: Sardinia, New York

On choosing her major: I have always loved math and problem solving. My father is an engineer and my parents definitely encouraged me to pursue a career in the STEM fields. After learning about industrial engineering, I knew it was the right fit for me because I was interested in the process improvement and problem-solving aspects involved in IE.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: When I received my dream job offer (see end note) and accepted it. I felt that all my hard work, time, and networking at Behrend had paid off because it helped me achieve my dream.

Campus involvement: I am a Resident Assistant, and a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Materials and Manufacturing Group, and the Ski and Ride club.

Snow enthusiast: I love to ski. I actually worked as ski instructor at Peek n’ Peak ski resort in nearby Clymer, New York, this past winter.

Live music lover: One of my favorite things to do is go to concerts. My sister is my favorite live music buddy. I have lost track of how many bands we’ve seen together, most of them are alternative/rock groups.

What inspires her: My family and my future. My parents and my sister are amazing and successful people who have always encouraged me to do my best and to do whatever makes me happy.

Advice for new students: Step out of your comfort zone! Behrend is a place that is full of opportunities and friendly people.

Following her graduation in May, Alyssa will begin working in the Quality Engineering Development Program at John Deere in the company’s Agriculture and Turf Division in Iowa.

 

 

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Angela DeAngelo

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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 Angela DeAngelo

angela Deangelo

Major: Plastics Engineering Technology

Hometown: Ridgway, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship, the Irvin and Ethel Kochel Trustee Scholarship, and the Buick Achievers Scholarship (General Motors Foundation).

On choosing Penn State Behrend: I have wanted to go to Penn State since I was a little girl. Behrend’s School of Engineering has a great reputation, and once I heard about the Plastics Engineering Technology (PLET) program, I was set. I love the class sizes and the fact that you can really get to know your professors and your peers.

On choosing her major: I love working with my hands, learning how things work from the inside out, problem solving, and being creative, so the PLET seemed like a great fit.

Paying it forward: As a member of the Behrend Engineering Ambassadors, I have been working with the Engineering K-12 Outreach Center for three years. It was an amazing experience to work with local youth and get them excited about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. It was really rewarding, and fun, to have a positive influence and help kids learn and engage with STEM.

Campus involvement: I am president of the Plastics Engineering Technology Class of 2018, special events chair for the Behrend Engineering Ambassadors, and a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers. Formerly, I was the service chair for Lion Ambassadors.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: After I graduate, I want to buy a 1970 Ford Bronco and restore it.

Advice for new students: Do not be afraid to ask for help. Go out of your comfort zone and get involved.

After her graduation in May, Angela will be working at Truck-Lite in Falconer, New York, as the product design engineer supporting the Road-Ready Telematics Team.

Standout Seniors: Meet Jeanie Laura Davies

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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 Jeanie Laura Davies:

Jeanie Davies

Major: Biology (concentration in biochemistry and microbiology)

Hometown: Brufut, Gambia (the “smiling coast” of Africa)

Scholarships: Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship, Special International Grant-in-Aid (SIGIA PSU), and the Penn State Behrend Institutional Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I did not know much about universities in the United States before I came here, so it was based on luck and a roll of the dice. I believe Behrend chose me. At Behrend, I have met many different types of amazing, fun, and uplifting people. I have formed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

On choosing her major: My twelve years of primary education in Gambia was centered on the sciences and other disciplines such as technical and building drawing, visual art, and geography, which prepared me to be a well-rounded individual. I aspired to work in healthcare and figured biology would give me a solid foundation to pursue a profession as a doctor.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Getting out of my comfort zone to meet new people, being an integral part of executive boards in various organizations on campus, excelling academically, and also surviving the demands of college in terms of assignments, finances, etc. Most of all, it is a privilege and great blessing to graduate from the prestigious Penn State University!

Support in spades: I am very humbled, honored, proud, delighted, blessed, and empowered to know that my professors believed in me, encouraged me, inspired me, supported me, and wrote me the best recommendations any person could ever receive! (No, I didn’t read them, but I know they were good as I have had invitations from more than fifty graduate schools!)

Conversations with the Chancellor: I have had the opportunity to meet and talk at length with Chancellor Ralph Ford twice. It was a fabulous opportunity that I did not take for granted.

Campus involvement: I have been involved in the Art Club, the American Association of University Women, the Association of Black Collegians, the Multi-Cultural Council, the student chapter of the NAACP, and the Organization of African and Caribbean Studies. I’m also a member of TriBeta (the biology honors society), and the volleyball club, and I have served as a STEM tutor.

What makes her unique: My name. Because I come from a country in Africa, most U.S. students assume I have a traditional African name, but I don’t. Jeanie is my given birth name. Sometimes I wish I had a traditional African name, but my name makes me unique.

A woman of many talents: I am an artist and a dancer. I love to sing and cook and I speak five languages.

Who inspires her: I find inspiration from people, situations, and even visions. As human beings, we are created to be interdependent on one another. We can consciously choose who influences us, so we must make the right choice; it could be either be a poison or panacea to your life.

Props to Mom: My mother inspires me and instills confidence in me, as she has always believed that I shall prosper in anything that I do. If it were not for her powerful and, at times, soothing, words, I would not be where I am today. I thank God for her life.

Advice for new students: Be yourself! Dare to stand out. Relax when you have the chance: college can be overwhelming so it is important to take breaks. Joins some clubs or organizations that are of interest to you. Remember that if you have a functioningl brain and body and all five senses, you are blessed. Many would be grateful for what you have.

Following her graduation in May, Jeanie will attend graduate school with the goal of earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Shehopes to work toward eradicating life-threatening diseases.

 

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Standout Seniors: Meet Kyle Lambing

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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 Kyle A. Lambing:

Kyle lambing (6).JPG

Major: Communication

Minor: Sustainability Leadership

Certificate: Public Relations

Hometown: Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the Joseph and Isabel Prischak Trustee Scholarship, the John K. Henne Scholarship for International Study, and the Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I liked the faculty-to-student ratio and the location, with Erie being two hours from Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh.

On choosing his major: I wanted to do more than research environmental, political, or cultural issues. I wanted to learn how to promote, publicize, and educate.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Meeting and becoming friends with students from across the globe. I’m also proud of getting involved and connected with the Behrend community and the Erie community, in particular the Erie Community Foundation, Erie County United, and PA Student Power Network.

Campus involvement: I was a member of Greener Behrend, the Multi-Cultural Council, Trigon, Veg Club, College Dems, the Political Science Society, and Weed Warriors.

How he recharges: I have a classic case of wanderlust. Music and the outdoors are my cure for all that ails me.

A good life, defined: Follow your passions, not just your wallet.

Advice for new students: Don’t just come to Behrend to earn a degree. Apply that degree to the community and use the power of your education to effect positive change.

After his graduation in May, Kyle is going on a study abroad trip to Spain. In July, he will be moving to Yangzhou, China, where he will teach English at Shane English School.

Standout Seniors: Meet Nicole Kuhn

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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 Nicole Kuhn:

Nicole Kuhn cropped

Major: Marketing

Minor: Biology

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I actually transferred to Behrend in my sophomore year from a small college in Pittsburgh. At my previous school, I was on the women’s volleyball team, which consumed most of my time. I was looking for a medium-sized school with a lot of opportunities that was not in a city and was a couple of hours from home. When I visited Behrend, I was able to check off all of those boxes.

On choosing her major: I began as a biology major, but soon realized that I couldn’t see myself working in a hospital as I’d planned. I chose marketing because it is an exciting and ever-changing field. I kept biology as a minor because I think it is important to differentiate yourself and having a STEM background will do that.

Career outlook: Short term, I think digital marketing is an area where I see a lot of growth and excitement. Long term, I hope to transition into a branding position that will enable me to combine all ofmy marketing experiences.

Campus involvement: I’ve been involved in several clubs and through them I’ve found some of my best friends and created lifelong memories. I have been a member of Behrend Benefiting THON for three years. I was the executive director my junior year, and this year I was the fundraising chair. I also had the honor of representing Behrend as one of the 700 dancers in THON 2018 to raise money for pediatric cancer and the Four Diamonds Fund.

I’ve also been involved with Lion Ambassadors for three years. This year, I was one of the membership chairs and was responsible for interviewing, inducting, and training all of the new members into the family.

The most recent club I have been involved with is Reality Check. I had the amazing opportunity to go with this club to Houston, Texas, to participate in Alternative Spring break this year. Nearly thirty of us worked to help victims of Hurricane Harvey.

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Nicole helping at an animal shelter in Beaumont, Texas, during Alternative Spring Break in March.

Learning to serve others: One thing I’ve solidified throughout my college career is my underlying love of community service and helping others. Every club I’ve been involved with is service-based. Whether it is organizing events to raise money for THON, helping pack and move thousands of books to a local high school, participating in TOPS soccer, or helping flood victims in Houston, service projects have significantly impacted my overall character.

Advice for new students: Don’t feel like you need to have everything figured out in this moment. Don’t stress over the things you can’t control, and live in today. Enjoy the late-night study sessions in the library, early morning coffees with your roommate, Saturday afternoon tailgates, and everything in between.

After her graduation in May, Nicole hopes to secure a marketing position with an established firm.

 

 

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Maura Franks

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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 Maura Franks:

Maura Franks

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Gibsonia, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the LORD Corporation Scholarship twice.

On choosing her major: When I was growing up, I actually wanted to be a geologist. But later, I saw how much my older sister enjoyed engineering and decided to look into different types of engineering. I chose mechanical engineering because of its diversity in jobs and opportunities, and because I wanted to choose a career path that would continuously challenge me.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being able to maintain a high GPA while working as an intern at LORD Corporation, taking classes, and teaching a computer lab for first-year students.

Campus involvement: I am currently the vice president of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, and I was a Bible study leader during my first and second years at Behrend.

Free-time fun: Some of my interests/hobbies include playing the alto saxophone, fishing, photography, and riding all-terrain vehicles.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: In my spare time, I help out at a dairy farm.

On her faith: I’m passionate about my faith in God. It has helped me learn more about myself, appreciate all the amazing people in my life, and grow as a person.

Who inspires her: My dad inspires me. He is the most hard working and intelligent man I have ever known.

Advice for new students: Do an internship in your field of study. I’ve learned a lot about engineering by getting hands-on experience and working with professional engineers.

Following her graduation in May, Maura hopes to begin her engineering career in Erie.

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Chantel Drake

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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 Chantel Sade Drake:

Chantel Drake

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Glendale, Wisconsin

On choosing Behrend: I wanted to attend a school that challenged me but also made me feel at home. I found what I was looking for at Behrend. I met some great friends that I now consider family. My professors helped me gain the knowledge I needed, not just in the field of political science but in life, too.

On choosing her major: I knew that I wanted to work within the government, but I could not define what I wanted my career to be and who I wanted to be. Now that I’m graduating, I know I found the right field for me.

Campus involvement: I was a member of International Model African Union in 2017. I am now a member of Harvard Model United Nations and Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I’m a contemporary dancer. I’ve been working up the guts to try out for So You Think You Can Dance. Maybe one day I will.

Avid bookworm: I love to read. I used to go to the library at home and check out about thirty books and read them in a week. James Patterson is one of my favorite authors.

Puzzling hobby: I work on 1,000-piece puzzles with my boyfriend, who is also a Penn State Behrend student. It’s a great stress reliever.

Who inspires her: I’m inspired by every person who has believed in me. My family has had to make a lot of sacrifices for me. I am the first person in my household to go to college and I could not have done it without the love and support of my family.

Advice for new students: Believe in yourself. The hardest thing you will go through will not just be exams, homework, or difficult classes, but the growth of oneself. The only person who can push you forward is you. The only person who can push you back is you.

After her graduation in May, Chantel plans to attend graduate school to earn a master of arts degree in international relations.

 

 

 

 

 

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.