Category: School of Engineering

From Service Trip to Smith Chapel: A Behrend Love Story

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

Each year, twenty-four Penn State Behrend students and four advisers participate in an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) service trip coordinated by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement. The experience, in which participants spend their break volunteering for a community in need, is designed to engage students on multiple levels, including personal development, group and team dynamics, and public service.

Many who participate in ASB find it life changing. Some discover a passion for service. Some make lifelong friends. Some choose a new career path. Some meet their soulmate.

Such was the case for Gretchen (Shaffer) Magera ’20 and Max Magera ’19 who met during an ASB trip to Beaumont, Texas, to help with Hurricane Harvey cleanup in 2018.

Though it would be years before they officially dated, their friend Ashlyn Kelly ’18, who was also on the trip, spotted the chemistry right away. (She would have. Ashlyn was a Chemistry major.)

Gretchen (Shaffer) and Max Magera, fourth and fifth from the left, at Penn State Behrend’s 2018 Alternative Spring Break service trip to Beaumont, Texas, where participants helped with Hurricane Harvey cleanup.

“I remember early on in the trip, a group of us were standing around talking while waiting for everyone to go to the worksite, and I noticed how much Gretchen lit up when Max would join the conversation,” Ashlyn said. “I could tell something was going on.”

Ashlyn spent the next several years gently encouraging her friends to be more than friends.

“I always knew they’d end up together one day,” she said.

Sweet as (American) Pie

Gretchen, a Plastics Engineering Technology major, liked Max, a Mechanical Engineering major, right away. He was smart, funny, capable, and among the first in the group to jump in and do the hard labor needed in the flood-ravaged homes they were working on.

It’s a tradition on ASB trips for each person to anonymously submit a favorite song to a playlist members listen to when traveling during the trip. The challenge is to match the song to the person who selected it.

Gretchen chose “The Saga Begins,” a “Weird Al” Yankovic parody of Don McLean’s “American Pie,” with lyrics that humorously summarize the plot of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace through the point of view of Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the film’s protagonists.

“Everyone hated that song,” Gretchen said. “It must’ve played five times before they figured out it was me.”

Halfway through the trip, when the group decided to make another playlist with fresh songs, Max chose the original “American Pie.” Gretchen knew right away who submitted that song.

It went on like this for the two: friendly conversations, shared jokes, and subtle flirting. They did another ASB trip together, traveling to Puerto Rico in 2019.

When Max graduated in May 2019, he moved away and began a series of six-month rotations in Wabtec’s LEAD Program. He and Gretchen stayed in touch with occasional texts.

Rotation Leads to Reunion

“In 2020, Max texted and said that he was going to be back in Erie for six months,” Gretchen said.

They reconnected, and their near-weekly happy hour hangouts at a local brewpub soon turned into something more.

“Every time she made a comment about seeing Max, I asked if they were hanging out or dating,” Ashlyn said. “When she finally said they were dating, I said, ‘Well, it’s about time!’”

Their first official date had a Behrend connection: They went to see The Groove, a band that features Jim Dowds, a case manager in Behrend’s Personal Counseling center, on drums.

By spring 2023, Max decided to pop the question at Behrend’s Lion Shrine.

He enlisted help from Ashlyn and Behrend’s Mary Kay Williams, whose official title is admissions support assistant but who also serves as a surrogate “campus mom” to the many students she befriends.

“Mary Kay and I scheduled a lunch with Gretchen,” Ashlyn said. “The plan was for Mary Kay to cancel at the last minute, which she did, so that I could suggest that Max and Gretchen still meet up with me and my boyfriend for a walk on campus with our dogs.”

First stop was the Lion Shrine to “take some photos.” Ashlyn was prepared, whipping out her camera and handing her phone to her boyfriend, Paul Lutz ’19, to capture the proposal in both photos and video.

“Happy to say that after all that hard work, she said ‘yes,’” Ashlyn said.

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Blending Blue and White Forever

On September 28, 2024, Max and Gretchen married at Behrend’s Smith Chapel—the building where it all started, with the first ASB planning meetings held in the downstairs lounge. Ashlyn was a bridesmaid.

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Photo credit: Alan Freed Photography

During the ceremony, the couple performed a unity sand ceremony—a wedding tradition in which a couple pours sand from separate vessels into one vase, symbolizing two people uniting in marriage. The sand in their ceremony was Penn State blue and white, a nod to the college that brought them together.

Max is a supplier quality engineer at Wabtec in Grove City. Gretchen is a project engineer at Molded Fiber Glass in Union City. The couple resides in Cambridge Springs with their dogs, Zeus and Athena.

Behrend Barbershop Quartet Wins District Competition

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

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Four Score, a barbershop quartet that includes three Behrend students and one alumnus, perform the National Anthem at a home track meet at Penn State Behrend in spring 2024.

One of the most amazing aspects of college is that a single class can have a profound effect on your life. It might inspire you to change your career plans. It might be the place you meet your best friend or future spouse. It might ignite a lifelong passion or lead you to a place you never expected. 

Max Rohl, a senior Interdisciplinary Science and Business major, never dreamed he would be on stage accepting first place in a barbershop quartet competition in Rochester, New York. He had never even sung in a group until he signed up for Concert Choir class in his first year at Behrend.

“Some of us in the class started a kind of club where we would meet up in Ohio Hall to work on our songs,” Rohl said.

One night, at the end of a choir meet-up, he asked if anyone in the group had any other styles of songs they wanted to work on. Rohl, who had been a fan of the barbershop quartet classic, 76 Trombones, was about to suggest barbershop songs when Wade Williams, now a junior History major, said, “I’ve always wanted to start a Barbershop Quartet.”

“Me, too,” Rohl said.

Wade is a bass singer, Rohl is a baritone, so they needed a tenor and a lead.

They found both in Joey George, a senior Computer Engineering major, who had grown up singing in choirs and at church and could sing both tenor and lead.

The trio looked all over Behrend for a fourth member before Wade did an internet search and found Lake Erie Sound, an established Erie barbershop chorus. He reached out to its leader, John Donohue, who directs the chorus of about two dozen men.

“He probably thought, ‘Why are these college kids bugging me?’ but we talked him into coming to listen and sing with us,” Rohl said.

After that one practice, Donohue, a 2015 Mechanical Engineering alumnus, was in.

“It just sounded so good when we sang together that I knew we had to put our efforts toward getting better and refining our performance,” Donohue said.

The group began practicing a couple of times a week, meeting when Donohue, who is about ten years older and has a job and family, could join them.   

“It was great to meet young people who had been bitten by the ‘barbershop bug,’” Donohue said. “They were eager from the start and soaked up any knowledge I shared with them.”

They chose a name—Four Score Quartet—and performed the National Anthem at a Behrend home track meet in the spring. They hadn’t considered doing much more until Donohue mentioned a nearby competition—the Seneca Land District of Barbershop Harmony Society District Competition in Rochester, New York.

“He said, ‘Hey, there’s this competition in twenty days. Do you guys want to do it?’” Rohl said.

They not only did it; they won it and were named district champions.

“John was not surprised, but we were!” Rohl said.

The group sang four songs, two in preliminaries and two in the finals: “Wait ‘Til the Sun Shines, Nellie,” “A Son of the Sea,” “Sweet and Lovely,” and “That Old Black Magic,” which earned them their highest score of the day. Each song is scored separately, and then song scores are added together to get a final score.

scores

If it sounds easy, Rohl will assure you that it is not.

“It’s actually really difficult to sing barbershop harmony, but I love challenging myself and doing hard things,” Rohl said. “When you have to work hard at something, mastering it is much more rewarding.”

Barbershop singing is different from any other type of choral group singing but it still requires plenty of talent and practice.

 “Although the technique is different than in a classical choir, it’s still very demanding from a musical perspective and can really push an individual both vocally and emotionally,” Donohue said.

Donohue is happy to see younger people interested in barbershop quartet and said that while it is sometimes viewed as an old-fashioned type of singing, that perception is changing.

“In the past ten to fifteen years, quartets have began to adopt more musical theater pieces and songs from pop-culture,” he said.

 Winning the competition solidified the students’ commitment to the quartet.

“We’re all very dedicated to it now, even more so than before,” said Rohl.

Hear the Four Score Quartet for yourself at the group’s YouTube page. 

WHY IS IT CALLED BARBERSHOP QUARTET?

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, every barbershop had its own quartet. The term “barbershop” in reference to harmonizing was first documented in 1910, alongside the release of the song Play That Barbershop Chord.

During this time, barbers were more than just hairdressers; they also pulled teeth and performed minor surgeries. Barbershops gradually became social hubs where locals could gather, play instruments, and sing while waiting for their turn in the chair.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barbershop harmony is believed to be rooted in the Bllack community. According to a post on The Barbershop Harmony Society blog: “Lynn Abbott, a jazz archivist at Tulane University, was an expert on early African-American popular music and gospel quartets. He discovered overwhelming evidence that barbershop quartetting was pervasive in African-American culture in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including among many men who went on to become the pioneers of jazz. Abbott published his findings in a 1992 academic paper that forever changed the way Barbershoppers understand their roots.”

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The Four Score Barbershop Quartet includes, from left, John Donohue ’15, and Behrend students, Joey George, Wade Williams, and Max Rohl.

Standout Seniors: Meet Cameron Schmidt (Software 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.

Today, we’d like you to meet Cameron Schmidt.

Cameron Schmidt

Major: Software Engineering

Minors: Game Development, Computer Science

Hometown: North Ridgeville, Ohio

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend for two reasons. The first was because of the Software Engineering program. I wanted Software Engineering over Computer Science, so I needed to find a school that had a good Software Engineering program, and after touring Behrend, I found it here. The second reason: Penn State. I was born and raised in Ohio, but grew up a Penn Stater because of my dad, who is a Penn State alumnus. During my childhood, if I was out with my dad and he was wearing a Penn State shirt there was always a chance we’d hear a ” WE ARE” from across a room, or I’d hear my dad suddenly yell “WE ARE” at other strangers wearing Penn State stuff. Complete strangers who he had never met before, connected simply by the fact that they went to the same school. Having that sense of community growing up made me realize early on that Penn State was special.

On choosing his major: I initially chose Computer Science, before I even decided where I wanted to go to school, simply because I wanted to make software applications. As I learned about the differences between Software Engineering and Computer Science, I ended up choosing Software Engineering, because unlike Computer Science, it also focused on Software Development concepts like documentation, design and implementation, project management, computer hardware, and more.

Campus involvement: While I was at Behrend I was mainly involved with one organization, Alpha Phi Omega, which is a co-ed service fraternity. I joined APO my second semester, mainly to make friends but soon began taking leadership positions in the group. APO really helped me develop my leadership skills, which helped me later when I became a resident assistant, throughout the rest of college, and in life in general.

A seat at the council table: I was also involved with an organization at University Park called the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments, or CCSG. For about three semesters, I served as the Associate Director of Student Affairs. My favorite part about my time in CCSG were the committee meetings. They gave me experience facilitating discussion among people, which I really enjoy.

People might be surprised to learn: I spent two summers at University Park, taking classes and working. The first summer, I just worked as an RA and took a few classes. The second summer, I worked as an RA and a Research Assistant and took quite a few classes. I have a lot of great memories from my time there, and gained a lot of academic, RA, and life experience!

His definition of living a good life: A good life is a life that is filled with little stress, less problems, where you have financial stability, and are doing what makes you happy. I want to emphasize the last point: do what makes you happy, only you know what that is and only you know how to achieve it.

HIs passions: I am passionate about learning and not just in an academic sense. I like learning about people and where they come from, what they’re passionate about. I also like learning about subjects completely unrelated to my field.

Advice for first-year students: The most important thing I think first year students should know is that it’s ok to mess up. Learn from your mistakes instead of letting them consume you. In my first semester, I failed two classes, got a D in two, and late-dropped one. It was really hard, but I learned from what I did wrong and came back from it. Another big piece of advice is to surround yourself with good people who will support you when you’re down, people you can learn from, and people who will help you grow as a person. That person for me in my first year and now, is my friend Ben Coler. I hope everyone can find someone like that.

After his graduation in May, Cameron plans to find work as an engineer in the game development industry, with hopes of eventually transitioning to game design and/or game production.

Standout Seniors: Meet Tecumseh Thundercloud (Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology)

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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 Tecumseh Thundercloud.

Tecumseh thundercloud

Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET)

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Chancellor’s Scholarship, Provost’s Award, and the Petersen Trustee Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the well-respected engineering programs that provide invaluable hands-on experience. I knew Behrend graduates stand out to employers looking for people to join their teams. Another important factor for me was how close campus is to home. I wanted to easily be able to go home while maintaining my part-time job. These two factors made Behrend the obvious choice.

On choosing his major: The ECET major was an easy choice because it combines my previous studies of electronics at a technical school with my personal interest in computer networking and programming. The electrical side of the major expanded upon my previous knowledge and skills, while the computer side allowed me to explore new opportunities in an adjacent field.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend has been my involvement in a thongophone instrument modifications senior design project. A thongophone is a percussive instrument that is played by striking the openings of tubes of various lengths. For my project, I had to help fix numerous hardware and software issues that prevented the instrument from functioning. Now that the thongophone modifications are complete, the automated file play option allows teachers and students of all ages to interact with it. There is even a live play option using a MIDI keyboard! Contributing to an instrument that will remain on campus and benefit students for years to come has been immensely rewarding.

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thongophone

Awards and recognitions: I’ve been on the Dean’s List five times. 

Advice for first-year students: I’ve learned that it’s OK not to have everything figured out immediately; exploration and flexibility are an important part of the journey. My first semester was my toughest overall, but then I found a system that worked for me. Manage your time, do the work, and utilize all the resources Behrend has to offer. The only wrong choice is to not apply yourself, so make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

After his graduation in May, Tecumseh will continue working for Signal-Tech, an Erie-based wholesale manufacturer of directional LED signs and signals. He will be assisting in the development of their printed circuit board line, an opportunity to apply his technical skills to support the company’s innovation efforts.

Standout Seniors: Meet Olivia Wright (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.

Today, we’d like you to meet Olivia Wright.

olivia wright - preferred

Major:  Mechanical Engineering

Minor:  Sustainability Leadership

Hometown:  Fairview, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: S-STEM Leaders Scholarship, Penn State Behrend Chancellor’s Scholarship, Nelson Grode Memorial Scholarship, Edward and Barbara F. Junker Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because I could pursue both an engineering degree at a top engineering school and continue playing water polo.

On choosing her major: I chose Mechanical Engineering because it is one of the broadest, most versatile engineering majors that can allow you to work in any industry. I plan to use my ME major, combined with my Sustainability Leadership minor, to have a career in the energy industry.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I am proud to be graduating with a variety of experiences including performing research for my Sustainability Leadership minor, interning at both National Fuel Gas Company and General Electric Gas and Power, and completing my capstone senior design project.

Campus involvement: I am Captain of the Women’s Water Polo Team, Vice President of Behrend Engineering Ambassadors; Corresponding Secretary of Tau Beta Pi Engineering National Honor Society; Mentor and member of the NSF S-STEM Leaders Program; and a member of Behrend Honors Program, Lambda Sigma National Honor Society, and Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society.

Awards and recognitions: ACWPC (Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches) Women’s Water Polo All-Academic Team four times, President’s Freshman Award for Behrend.

Advice for first-year students: College goes by fast, so get involved and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

After graduation, Olivia will be working at Hatch Ltd in Pittsburgh as a mechanical engineer.

Standout Seniors: Meet Benjamin Coler (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.

Today, we’d like you to meet Benjamin Coler.

BenColer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Clarksville, Maryland

Scholarships and awards: I received the Penn State Discover Award, Behrend Excellence Award, and STEM Leaders Scholarship. I was also in the Behrend Honors Program.

On choosing Behrend: After touring the Behrend campus, I immediately fell in love with it. I loved the small feel and the low student-to-faculty ratio, which meant I could get to know each of my professors, and they could get to know me.

On choosing his major: Since a very young age, I have been intrigued by how things function and would often try to design and create my own inventions. I had a middle school tech teacher who fueled my passion for engineering by helping me build a robot that I designed.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I am proud of who I am today; I am proud of the things I’ve done, the people I’ve helped, and the bonds that I have made. I am proud of what I’ve learned from being at Behrend and of the knowledge that I have passed along to others. The experiences I have gained from being at Behrend have shaped the person I am today.

Campus involvement: I was most involved with Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity.

Friend to all: I am a people person. I love meeting new people and getting to know who they are, and I have the ability to connect with anyone I meet regardless of any social, political, and/or ethical based differences. I am able to remain unbiased and stay open-minded, and this has allowed me to connect with all kinds of people and understand their differences.

His definition of living a good life: Living a good life is finding satisfaction in your experiences. There is no set path or objectives that fit everyone. Each person is different, and what makes their definition of a good life is unique. To find satisfaction in all these experiences is where you will find the most happiness.

His passions: I love playing guitar and have been teaching myself for nearly a year. I practice almost every day.

Advice for first-year students: This stage in your life is so valuable. During this time, you will learn so much more than what you learn in your classes. You will learn who you are and what you want to do (both professionally and personally). Two pieces of advice: Failure is good, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the beginning, and every once in a while, look back at where you started and feel proud of what you have achieved, whether that was passing a class, taking on a new challenge, or putting yourself in situations that you normally don’t put yourself in. Don’t compare yourself to others because your journey through college is your own; your accomplishments and experiences are unique to you.

Parting thoughts: Be a friend; be of service; and be a leader.

Ben has accepted a position at Parker Lord Corp in Erie after his graduation in May.

Standout Seniors: Meet Chris Annear (Industrial 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.

Today, we’d like you to meet Chris Annear.

chris A copy

Major: Industrial Engineering

Minors: Technical Sales and Operations and Supply Chain Management

Hometown: Fredonia, New York

On why he chose Behrend: I wanted to run cross country and be in the small school environment.

On choosing his major: I want to pursue a career in disaster response logistics, sustainable production systems, and research additive manufacturing.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Winning best student paper for the engineering economy track and winning best poster in the engineering division of the Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research Conference.

Campus involvement: Cross country and track, Engineering Ambassador, Vice President of Materials and Manufacturing Group

Awards and recognitions: 2022 IISE (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers) Best Student Paper Engineering Economy Award; 2022 Behrend Sigma Xi First Place Poster Presentation, Physics-Mathematics-Engineering Division; 2023 Silver finalists in Race to the Case Interdisciplinary Supply Chain Competition at the University of Pittsburgh; Tau Beta Phi Honor Society (inducted Spring 2022); Schreyer Honors College (inducted Fall 2021); Chi Alpha Sigma, Athletic Honor Society (inducted Spring 2023).

ChrisAnnear2

His talents: All things 3D printing, whether its FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), resin or binder Jet printing.

What you might be surprised to learn about him: I have been to all 50 states.

His highest priority for the coming years: Pursuing a master’s degree and finding a place in industry where I’ll be able to make an impact.

Advice for first-year students: Get to know your professors and contribute to research in your field. Don’t waste your college experience hiding in your dorm.

After his graduation in May, Chris plans to pursue a master’s degree in industrial engineering.

Standout Seniors: Meet Hannah Olanrewaju (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.

Today, we’d like you to meet Hannah Olanrewaju:

Hannah Olanrewaju 5

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: D. Schreyer Renaissance Scholarship, Gerald Bayles Memorial Scholarship, Bunton Waller Scholarship, Mead Family Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Chancellor Award Scholarship, and Society of Distinguished Alumni Trustee Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: Penn State has always been a large part of my family: All my immediate family as well as two uncles have chosen Penn State. I always wanted to follow in their footsteps and felt that Behrend was the campus that best fit my needs because of the size, location, and great engineering programs.

On choosing her major: I chose to pursue mechanical engineering because it allows me to combine my academic strengths with my creativity through a broad study of topics and applications. The variety of skills I have learned allow for career flexibility, which gives me the opportunity to better explore my interests.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: During the fall semester of my junior year, my term GPA fell to a 3.02, which is below the Schreyer Honors College requirement of a 3.40. The following semester, I worked diligently and earned a 3.54 for the spring of 2023. During this time, I had to prove to myself that I could overcome my academic obstacles and doing so has been my proudest accomplishment during my time here.

Campus involvement: I was a Lion Scout campus tour guide and a peer mentor for a group of five students in the STEM Leaders Program. I was also a member of the Schreyer Honors College and the Behrend Honors Program.

Awards and recognitions: In my first year, I received the Division of Undergraduate Studies Award.

What makes her unique: I love exploring different styles of music and playing instruments. From elementary to high school, I played the upright bass in the school orchestra. Currently, I enjoy playing the piano and the ukulele.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I can conversationally speak and understand Mandarin. My mom is Taiwanese, and she taught my sister and me the language when we were young.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved! The more you engage with campus life, the more likely you are to make friends, define and then refine your career goals, experience leadership opportunities, and have fun. Also, it really helps to do your homework early enough that you have time to ask the professor questions if you need to. Lastly, it is important to find a balance of school, work, and fun.

Parting thoughts: I would like to thank my mom, sister, stepdad, and friends for supporting me during college. I truly could not have done it without them!

After her graduation in May, Hannah plans to work in her field, and possibly pursue a Master of Business Administration degree.

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 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.