Category: Class of 2026

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Himani Karia (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Himani Karia.

Major: Biology, Healthcare Professions option

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Penn State Erie Alumni Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: When I toured the campus during my senior year of high school, I felt a sense of belonging. I was drawn to the small class sizes, opportunities to get involved, and the beautiful campus scenery. I wanted to choose a college that felt like home, and Behrend was the epitome of that.

Why she chose her major: My interest in biology started in middle school when I learned about science topics related to DNA, disease, and healthcare. I wanted to choose a major where I could learn about key systems and processes in biology that would provide me with a good foundation to prepare me as a future healthcare professional.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Developing my leadership skills. By joining Lion Ambassadors, becoming a Resident Assistant, and joining Student Government Association, I learned how to manage my time and responsibilities, how to communicate effectively, and how to serve the community at Behrend and in Erie.

Campus involvement: Student Government Association (secretary, senator, Constitutional Review Committee chair), Resident Assistant, Lion Ambassadors (Constitution Committee chair, Internal Affairs Committee chair), Multicultural Council (promotions coordinator), and Scrubs Club.

Awards: President Walker Award, Dean’s List.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I studied an Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam for eight years and did many stage performances. Also, I can play the ukulele and sing three octaves.

What she’s passionate about: Serving the community. I want to become a physician who can combine scientific and clinical knowledge to find a cure for health issues or illnesses that don’t have a cure. That way I can serve the community in the most meaningful way.

After her graduation in May, Himani plans to pursue a career as a physician.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Morgan McQueeney (Psychology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Morgan McQueeney.

Major: Psychology (B.S.)

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Petersen Family Trustee Scholarship and Ernest E. and Bernice C. Fryer and Family Psychology Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: I have a long line of family members who attended Penn State Behrend, so I had a lot of love for the campus.

Why she chose her major: I learned about psychology in high school and fell in love with it. I also learned a lot about the field from my mom. She has a Ph.D. in behavioral health.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My work with the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) club. Specifically, when I worked with my fellow executive board members and schools in the community to create more than 600 holiday cards for veterans and deliver them to the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home here in Erie.

Challenges overcome: I’ve had to overcome my shyness and social anxiety. I’m thankful I’ve had such a great community that helped me come out of my shell.

Campus involvement: Lion Entertainment Board, Random Acts of Kindness, Alpha Phi Omega

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love comic books and botanical Legos.

Advice for first-year students: There are so many clubs and opportunities available at Behrend. Don’t be afraid to get out there and try something new.

After her graduation in May, Morgan plans to work full time in the field of psychology in the Erie area before pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Chloe Heeter (Mechanical Engineering)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Chloe Heeter.

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: Joseph A. and Berit I.Benacci Family Scholarship and a Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: It is a smaller school where I could build relationships with my professors and meet with them when I needed help. It’s also a strong engineering school and was close to home for me.

Why she chose her major: I’ve always loved math and science and enjoy solving problems. I also love fixing things, altering them to better meet my needs, or building things from scratch.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Graduating. When I started college, I hated it and wanted to drop out. I’ve come a long way since then and have grown to genuinely enjoy college.

Awards: Dean’s List, several semesters

Advice for first-year students: Talk to as many people as you can when you first start and find a good group of friends in your major. Also, try out multiple clubs and see what fits you best because it might even help you decide what you want to do once you graduate.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Brooke Korb (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Brooke Korb.

A young woman with long dark hair and glasses smiles at the camera from a grassy field filled with artificial sunflowers.

Major: Biology

Minor: Politics and Government

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: PNC Leadership Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship

Awards and accolades: ATHENA Young Professional Award finalist, Aaron Meehl Biology Award (Outstanding Rising Senior), Christopher M. Geitner Award, Guy W. Wilson Award for Service to the College, Most Outstanding Student Organization Member, and President Walker Award.

Why she chose Behrend: I was fortunate to visit Behrend often in middle school and high school. A few of my family members are also Penn State alumni. With every experience I had on campus, I was exposed to great people and engaging lectures. It also stood out to me that Behrend was a smaller campus, meaning I could get to know my professors and classmates very well.

Why she chose her major: I love science and wanted to learn how I could apply it to help others in need, especially in the public health sector. I’m deeply interested in the intersection of science and social issues. The biology coursework at Behrend was flexible in letting me explore this interest.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: During my first year on campus, I participated in my first Alternative Spring Break trip to Fort Myers, Florida. We helped with disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Ian. It was an eye-opening, emotional experience that deeply impacted me as a person. I loved serving alongside other Behrend students and connecting with them at this level. I was an ASB student leader for three more trips. It has been a transformative experience for me.

Campus involvement: Alternative Spring Break, Lion Ambassadors, Science Ambassadors, Lion Scouts, Women’s Engagement Council, Gender and Sexuality Equality Club, and Random Acts of Kindness.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: During my sophomore-year ASB trip, I volunteered at the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. I got to assist with trail maintenance, which included carrying buckets of rocks up and down trails as it rained.

What she’s passionate about: Getting out of my comfort zone. If I hadn’t gotten over my fears or anxieties, my life would have looked a lot different than it does now. We owe it to ourselves to be a little daring from time to time.

Advice for first-year students: College is your time to explore. Nothing is set in stone. You may end up changing your major or anticipated career path, and that’s okay! The most important thing is that you follow your passion and do what makes you happy.

After her graduation in May, Brooke plans to attend Slippery Rock University to pursue a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in environmental and occupational health.