Category: School of Science

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Alex Irwin (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 Alex Irwin.

Major: Biology

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship, DeFrees Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship, Phillips Scholarship for Schreyer Scholars

Why he chose Behrend: I felt at home here. I could see myself going to college here and having success. The wonderful faculty and staff who were dedicated to my success even before I stepped on campus really helped me want to attend Behrend.

Why he chose his major: I’ve always been interested in the natural world, especially in how the human body works and functions.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being elected president of Lion Ambassadors. To have the honor of leading an organization that has given so much to me was an immense privilege.

Challenges overcome: Learning how to say no and not over-commit myself. I’m very passionate about everything I do and want to be as involved as I can be, but I cannot do everything. I had to learn how to prioritize my time and only say yes to things I know I can put one hundred percent of my efforts into.

Campus involvement: Treasurer and president of Lion Ambassadors, treasurer and president of Science Ambassadors, treasurer and president of the Behrend Schreyer Council, member of the Student Facilities Fee Committee, and Resident Assistant for two years.

Award: Aaron Meehl Biology Award (Outstanding Rising Junior)

What you’d be surprised to know about him: People would be surprised to find out that I have a full-size skeleton sitting in the front seat of my car.

His highest priority: Having success and graduating from medical school. I want to become a successful physician.

What he’s passionate about: Helping others, which is what initially drove me to pursue a career in medicine. I want to make sure that everyone receives the quality care they need.

Advice for first-year students: Talk with your professors and form relationships with them. They are truly wonderful people who want to help you succeed. They have connections in your field and can help you apply for jobs or graduate schools.

After his graduation in May, Alex will attend medical school at the Penn State College of Medicine.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Mya McElhinney (Nursing)

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Today, we’d like you to meet Mya McElhinney.

Major: Nursing

Minors: Psychological Science and Sociology

Certificates: Child Development, Global Awareness, and Trauma Studies

Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Irvin Kochel Leadership Scholarship, Barbara F. Junker Trustee Scholarship, Kochel International Scholarship for studying abroad.

Why she chose Behrend: I came to the campus and fell in love. I also wanted to play basketball, so that was a contributing factor. Though I didn’t play long, I loved Behrend, and the staff made me feel so welcome and supported.

Why she chose her major: Growing up, I was exposed to THON and the message of raising money for kids and families suffering from pediatric cancer. I was inspired and wanted to be that pillar of hope and support for people and make a difference in their lives.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Becoming a dancer at THON. This has been an aspiration and something I’ve wanted to do since I was a child. Behrend gave me that opportunity! I worked toward this goal for a few years and have served as Executive Director of Behrend’s THON Club.

Campus involvement: Behrend Benefitting THON, Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania, Active Minds, Theta Phi Alpha, Behrend Panhellenic Council.

Study abroad in Italy: I studied abroad, which is unique for a nursing major. I moved to Florence, Italy, for two and a half months and I was immersed in the culture and traveled around Europe. I got to meet so many different people and fell in love with the environment. What made this experience even more unique is that I went on scholarship, thanks to Behrend. I really wanted to study abroad but did not know how I was going to afford it. Staff members helped me find a scholarship that helped me tremendously. This left me with a little money to spend and do educational activities. I became great friends with the owners of a local restaurant, who made me feel like an extension of their family. I wouldn’t trade that  experience for the world.

Her highest priority: To build a life that I’m happy and proud of. I want to become the person I’ve always wanted to be. I want to grow in friendships, relationships, and myself to become the best version of myself. Coming to Behrend, I was very unsure in my skin, and in the past two years I’ve grown and developed confidence in myself, and I have Behrend and the people I met along the way to thank for that.

Focus on the good: Your attitude dictates what you get out of life. There’s so much more to college than learning and complaining.

Advice for first-year students: Find yourself throughout your time here. I am not friends with the same people I was in my first year, and if I told my first-year self where I am today, I believe that she would be baffled. When you leave college, you are not meant to be the same person you are when you started.

After her graduation in May, Mya will work as a nurse at UPMC Shadyside Oncology.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Ben Greissinger (Chemistry and Polymer Engineering and Science)

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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 Ben Greissinger.

Majors: Chemistry and Polymer Engineering and Science (PES)

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Donald and Judith Alstadt Scholarship for Chemistry 

Why he chose Behrend: I grew up in Erie and attended many events at Behrend, including Science Olympiad, College for Kids, FIRST LEGO League, and sporting events. I knew I wanted to be a Penn State student, and the small class size at Behrend made it a perfect fit for me.

Why he chose his majors: As a kid, I always wanted to do some type of engineering. PES fits well because it incorporates chemistry, which is one of my areas of interest. Due to PES requiring several chemistry classes, I decided to add chemistry as a second major.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I have been on the Dean’s List every semester. I’ve also done research with Dr. Michael Justik, associate professor of chemistry,  and have been part of two different poster presentations.

Campus involvement: Soccer intramural club, THON, Chemistry Club, Plastics Club, and Triangle Fraternity.

What makes him unique: I participated in Science Olympiad and FIRST LEGO League competitions at Behrend when I was in middle school. As a Behrend student, I’ve served as a judge for both competitions. It has been a cool full-circle experience.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I’m an Eagle Scout—I started scouting in kindergarten and earned the Eagle rank during the COVID pandemic, with a project focused on community safety.

His highest priority: Getting my Ph.D. in chemistry with a focus on polymers and/or organic synthesis.

What he’s passionate about: I’m a big soccer fan. I’m part of an indoor rec league that plays weekly. I also love playing board games, like Catan, Wingspan, and Terraforming Mars,  with my friends and family. When I’m on campus and not in class, you can most likely find me in the lab. I love doing reactions and being in the lab doing research.

Advice for first-year students: Join clubs, try new things, and get out of your comfort zone. If someone told me in my first year that I would be in a fraternity, I would’ve told them they were crazy. But by joining, I’ve gained some of my best friends from college, as well as alumni connections that could lead to future job opportunities. In clubs you’ll find like-minded individuals that enjoy the same things you do.

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

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Kylee Beers (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 Kylee Beers.

Major: Biology, Health Professions option

Minor: Psychological Science

Hometown: Clarion, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Phillips Scholarship for Schreyer Scholars, Dr. Ralph M. and Melanie R. Ford Trustee Scholarship

Why she chose her major: I’ve always been interested in how the human body works and how science can improve patient care. Growing up, I faced significant health challenges that required multiple surgeries. Experiencing healthcare from a patient’s perspective shaped my resilience and inspired my commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Gaining hands-on experience through research, volunteering in healthcare, and serving as a teaching assistant for two semesters. I also helped lead the Campus Care Kits initiative through the Lion’s Pantry, providing personal hygiene items to students in need. Balancing all of this with my coursework taught me perseverance, time management, and reinforced my passion for healthcare.

Campus involvement: Scrubs Club, Biology Club, Campus Care Kits initiative (two years), research, volunteering in healthcare settings, teaching assistant, and Lambda Sigma National Honor Society.

What makes her unique: I think what makes me unique is the combination of my personal experiences, leadership, and academic work. Going through multiple surgeries taught me empathy and resilience, and mentoring as a teaching assistant strengthened my leadership and communication skills. Spending time with my family, our dogs, and volunteering at a rescue center for horses while helping kids with disabilities has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of giving back—qualities I hope to bring into my future career in healthcare.

Advice for first-year students: Explore opportunities that match your interests and get involved early.  Take initiative in clubs or volunteer work. Build relationships with your professors and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.  

After her graduation in May, Kylee plans to enter the Physician Assistant program at Carlow University in Pittsburgh.  

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Samantha Creamer (Environmental Science)

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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 Samantha Leigh Creamer.

Major: Environmental Science

Hometown: Shanksville, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Chancellor’s Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: The beautiful Lake Erie is a prime resource to study for my degree, as is Wintergreen Gorge, which is right on campus. Also, Behrend is just the right size—small enough to know my professors and classmates, but large enough to be able to experience a variety of people and cultures.

Why she chose her major: I always wanted to major in something environment-related. My major in Environmental Science is versatile and opens a lot of doors career-wise.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Passing all of my classes, making many friends, and working at Dobbins Dining Hall.

Challenges overcome: During my sophomore year, before I started work and before I had many friends on campus, I was lonely. I went to Personal Counseling and they helped me realize that I was isolating myself and that being alone all the time wasn’t the best for me. This realization helped me get out of my shell. I joined Science Ambassadors, Greener Behrend, got a job at Dobbins, and started hanging out with the people I met at those places.

Campus involvement: Science Ambassadors and Greener Behrend.

What makes her unique: My attitude. I’ve always been independent and unafraid to go out and do things by myself. I’m a problem solver, and I can always find a way to get things done. Another thing that I think makes me unique is that if I’m stuck, I will ask for help.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I have heterochromia in my eyes. My left eye is blue and my right eye is green.

What she’s passionate about: I love to read and crochet. Over the past year I’ve made two blankets and I’m working on another one. I also love manga and anime.

Advice for first-year students: Get out and make friends. Not every friendship will last, but having a friend group that you can plan things with and have fun with will make your college experience ten times better.

Parting words: Be passionate, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. You don’t have to stop watching your favorite TV show or YouTuber so you can seem more grown up. You don’t have to stop being creative (coloring, drawing, writing) to make yourself seem older.

After her graduation in May, Samantha plans to work in resource conservation in Pennsylvania.

Standout Seniors: Meet Alix Lytle (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 Alix Lytle.

Major: Biology; Health Professions option

Hometown: Warren, Pennsylvania

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of its campus size and how connected to nature you can be. After being here for four years, I’ve realized there are so many more great reasons—number one being the faculty and staff. They’re here to help you succeed and reach your full potential. Looking back, they’re a huge reason for my success, both personally and academically.

Why she chose her major: Genuine care for others has always been central to who I am. It started when I was young and saw my mom dealing with constant back pain. At the time, I couldn’t do anything to ease what she was going through, but I knew someday I wanted to help—not just her, but others in similar situations. That moment first inspired my desire to care for people.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Stepping out of my shell. That might sound surprising to anyone who knows me now because I’m an outgoing person. But if first-year me had been told I would join multiple clubs and be preparing to move to South Carolina in just a few months, she would have thought that sounded impossible. It took time, encouragement, and a lot of pushing myself outside my comfort zone, but I’m incredibly proud of the person I’ve become. Behrend helped me grow into someone more confident, involved, and willing to take risks, and that personal growth is something I’ll carry with me into every new chapter ahead.

Campus involvement: Science Ambassadors, Lion Ambassadors, Student Government Association (public relations and senator), Random Acts of Kindness (public relations), Welcome Week guide, Biology Club, and tour guide.

Her highest priority: Continuing to be curious and learning how to be the best chiropractor I can be. Just as important to me is staying close to the people who mean the most in my life. Being ten hours away from them will be challenging, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Advice for first-year students: Allow yourself grace. You won’t be the same person four years from now, when you’re graduating, and that’s a good thing. Growth requires mistakes, setbacks, and moments where things don’t go the way you planned. Those messy, uncomfortable experiences are often the ones that shape you the most. So give yourself permission to struggle, to change your mind, and to evolve. Every challenge you face—or C you may get—is not the end of the world. It’s part of becoming the person you’re meant to be.

Parting words: I want to send a huge thank you to my mom and dad. Without their constant love and support, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Every accomplishment I’ve achieved is rooted in the foundation they gave me: my work ethic, my compassion for others, and the belief that I can do hard things.

After her graduation in May, Alix will attend Sherman College of Chiropractic in South Carolina to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.

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 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.

Infinite Lizards, Infinite Beauty

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Math and art converge in Behrend’s growing “geometry gallery”

By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

Math isn’t always numbers on a chalkboard. Sometimes it’s a work of art—a swirl of repeating lizards, 3-D printed in Penn State blue and white, then installed in a building where math, art, and science intersect. The lizards blend together in a hypnotic pattern, each appearing to shrink as it spirals toward infinity.  

The piece, Lizards that Tessellate the Hyperbolic Disk, was imagined by Dr. Joseph Previte, professor of mathematics, who wanted to capture the beauty of mathematics in a form anyone could see.

He took the design to the James R. Meehl Innovation Commons, the college’s open ideation lab, where engineering students Anthony Farrar and Quinlan Barnes transformed Previte’s concept into reality with 3-D-printed tiles and a sharp eye for symmetry.

The result is art born from math—or perhaps math revealed as art.

Dutch artist M.C. Escher showed the world that geometry could be beautiful with his mesmerizing tessellations and optical illusions, where patterns unfolded in ways both precise and poetic.

“For centuries, mathematicians questioned the value of studying this type of geometry, dismissed it as impractical and useless, with no relation to reality,” Previte said. “But it later proved essential to modern science, including helping Einstein describe how time and space work in his theory of relativity.”

While some mathematicians ridiculed the study of abstract math, others reveled in it. English mathematician G.H. Hardy argued that mathematics was a pure art form, divorced from practicality—something he took great pride in. Hardy’s theories later laid the groundwork for encryption, proving that beauty and utility often travel together.

That same tension—between abstraction and application, imagination and reality—now hangs on the wall at Behrend.  

Lizards that Tessellate the Hyperbolic Disk joins an existing sculpture, Math in Flight, a stage-5 Sierpinski tetrahedron, a fractal shape featuring a pattern of infinite triangles, that hangs high above the entrance to Roche Hall in the Science Complex.  

Math Club students built the sculpture using Zometool construction parts. It consists of 2,050 white balls and 6,144 red-and-blue struts.

Previte has plans to continue adding to the mathematics art gallery.

“I’d like to do the Platonic solids next,” he said. “I am currently looking for a student in Innovation Commons to make that project a reality.”

Standout Seniors 2025: Meet Nyla Zorbas (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2025 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 Nyla Zorbas.

Major: Biology; Genetic and Developmental Biology option

Minors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Hometown: Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Wolves Club of Erie

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it has a smaller campus with wonderful faculty and many research opportunities.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Presenting my research work on downy mildew, a fungus that effects grapes, at an international conference, the Plant and Animal Genome Conference, in San Diego, California.

Campus involvement: I was in Science Ambassadors, Biology club, and TriBeta.

Her top priority in the coming years: To continue to learn and grow in my research with plant pathology.

Advice for first-year students: You aren’t alone. Everyone around you is new to this as well. Go out and make friends, join clubs, talk with your professors. Who knows what opportunities may arise?

Parting thoughts: I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received over the last four years. I would not have been able to do this without my family and the faculty here at Behrend.

Nyla has accepted a position in a plant pathology laboratory after her graduation in May.