Category: School of Science

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 Nathan Murarik.

Major: Mathematics, Pure Mathematics option

Minor: Computer Science

Associate Degree:  Information Sciences and Technology (Penn State DuBois):

Hometown: Karthaus, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Penn State Provost Award; Evelyn W. Cronister Memorial Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: When I saw that Behrend was the only campus with a Software Engineering program, I had to join in on the fun! I later realized my passion was in Mathematics, but the uniqueness of the Software Engineering program is what brought me to Behrend.

On choosing his major: I’m always asking “why,” and mathematics unabashedly answers that question for me. It allows one to make educated conclusions, prove properties, and appreciate the complexity of the beauty around us. I find joy in learning how computers utilize mathematics to solve problems that a programmer or an engineer might face in their daily work.

Campus involvement: Gender and Sexual Equality Club – Multi-Cultural Council Representative; Math Club – Vice-President, President; Council of Commonwealth Student Governments – Information Technology Coordinator; 2023 Fall Concert Committee – Logistics Chair; Alternative Spring Break 2024

What makes him unique: I have a book filled with daily sayings authored by me. My favorite is,” Anyone could have chosen my path. The beauty is they didn’t.”

What you might be surprised to know about him: I was raised on a farm.

Words to live by: “Do not fear death, but rather the unlived life. You don’t have to live forever. You just have to live.” ― Natalie Babbitt

His highest priority for the coming years: Attaining a Ph.D. and paying down my student loans.

His passion: My biggest passion, outside of mathematics, is education. Every human being has the right to an unbiased education in pursuit of enlightenment or upward economic mobility. I despise those who fear knowledge but favor ad hominem arguments against the very literature that develops an open-mindset, critical thinking, and a healthy curiosity.

Advice for first-year students: Test the assumptions you’ve made about the world, its systems, and its people. I assure you that at some point, you will struggle with one of those assumptions and mature as a person.

After his graduation in December, Nathan plans to specialize in computational mathematics research at a university, industry stakeholder, or, in his words, “wherever the wind takes me.”

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 Haley Altadonna. 

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

Hometown: Wattsburg, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Graygo Trustee Scholarship, Education Abroad Scholarship, Greg and Heather Yahn Family Scholarship, Aaron Meehl Scholarship, Summer Success Scholarship, McAllister Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: Behrend has a beautiful campus located right next to Wintergreen Gorge, and it is only a short drive to Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park. I knew that being surrounded by nature and wildlife would provide the best research opportunities and learning experiences for me.

On choosing her major: I chose to major in biology with a focus on ecology, evolution, and behavior because I was interested in working with wildlife. Behrend offers five options for the biology major, so I could easily tailor my degree to my interests and career goals.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I am proudest of the personal and professional growth I’ve achieved by participating in undergraduate research for three years. My research involved studying the anti-predator defenses of snails and the predator-prey interactions of aquatic invertebrates. I have also worked on population studies of spotted salamanders and mystery snails. Among many other things, my work has even given me the opportunity to present at the national Animal Behavior Society conference in Portland, Oregon.

Awards and recognitions: Council of Fellows Undergraduate Student Research Award

Advice for first-year students: Don’t feel like you have to overextend yourself to be successful. Involving yourself with things that you are passionate about and making a good reputation for yourself is more valuable than adding lines to your resume. Being great at a few things can be better than being average at a lot of things.

After graduation, Haley plans to attend graduate school at Case Western Reserve University and work toward a Ph.D. in biology with a focus on ecology and evolutionary biology.

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 Jordyn Hetz: 

Major: Dual major in Mathematics and Secondary Education in Mathematics

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship, STEM Leaders Scholarship, Chancellor’s Scholarship

On choosing her major: I have always been passionate about helping others and always loved math, so choosing the dual major seemed like a natural fit.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment has been my involvement in the Noyce scholarship program. It has given me the opportunity to be in front of a classroom more than the typical education student, and I have also had the opportunity to build a great network with local teachers.

Awards and recognitions: Most Promising Freshman in Mathematics award, the President’s Freshman Award

Her passions: All Penn State sports! Behrend provides the unique opportunity to still be involved with the athletics at University Park while also being able to attend a school that isn’t as big.

Advice for first-year students: Make use of faculty members’ office hours. There is going to be a time where you struggle, and it is important to learn that it is okay to ask for help. Establishing a rapport with professors early on will make attending office hours less daunting. Professors want you to succeed, but they cannot help if they don’t know you are struggling!

After her graduation in December, Jordyn plans to become a high school math teacher.

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 Phillips.

Major: Biology with the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior option

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I loved the small campus atmosphere while still getting a Penn State degree. I enjoyed the Erie area when I visited, as well as everyone who I met while looking at the school. I had an opportunity to play volleyball as well, which allowed me to create close bonds with some great people.

On choosing her major: In high school, I developed a love for conservation. I have always enjoyed the environment, and being able to protect it is something that I want to spend my life doing. I love being outside, and my major allows me to conduct field work in nature.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Playing volleyball has allowed me to have many proud moments. I received Co-Player of the Year honors in 2022, as well as First Team All-Conference in 2022 and 2023. Our team won the AMCC championship during our 2021 season, after not having an official playing year in 2020.

Campus involvement: I served as captain of the women’s volleyball team during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. I am also the Student Athlete Advisor Committee representative for the team. I did on-campus research with five science faculty members: Dr. Matthew Gruwell and Dr. Ivor Knight during my junior year and Dr. Lynne Beaty, Dr. Sam Nutile, and Dr. Adam Simpson in my senior year.

Awards and recognitions: I was on the Dean’s List all four years of college. I received All-Academic AMCC honors from 2020 through 2024 and Chi Alpha Sigma National Student-Athlete Honor Society in 2023 and 2024.

Advice for first-year students: The college experience is what you make of it. Don’t be afraid to have fun, take some chances, and even fail; it’s how you learn.

After her graduation in May, Hannah plans to find work in the field of conservation or ecology.

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.

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 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.

Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 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’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

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

Major: Environmental Science

Minors: Biology and Chemistry

Hometown: Centre Hall, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: When I first visited Behrend, I knew this was the place for me. Behrend is a small school that offers so many opportunities. It has allowed me to grow socially, academically, and professionally.

On choosing her major: I chose to major in Environmental Science because, when I was in high school, I read Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. I wanted to combine my interests in biology and chemistry to study chemical pollution in the environment.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My undergraduate research and presenting my findings at the annual Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry North America conference.

Campus involvement: Behrend Alternative Break, Behrend Honors Student Association, Greener Behrend, and the Schreyer Scholars Program.

Awards and recognitions: Undergraduate 2021 Jerry Covert Student Research Award, Cavano Leadership Award, Most Outstanding Student Organization Officer Award, Penn State Behrend Academic Excellence Award.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: In another life, I would be a K-12 science teacher.

Her passions: Science and science education. I want to foster curiosity and be a mentor to other aspiring scientists.

Advice for first-year students: It is important to balance hard work with fun. It’s obviously important to prioritize your studies, but make sure you spend time with your friends, get outside, take up a hobby, and just step away from your work for a few hours.

After her graduation in May, Olivia will begin a research assistantship at Penn State University Park and begin working toward a master’s degree in Ecology.