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 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.

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 Hanna Gampe.

Name: Hannah Gampe

Major: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics option

Minors: Computer Science and Statistics

Hometown: Tyrone, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Behrend Excellence Award and Todd Leadership Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I grew up between Altoona and University Park, so I loved the community, connections, and opportunities to be found in the Penn State community. I wanted to go to a smaller campus where I could meet new people, and Behrend was perfect for me.

On choosing her major: I always loved math and the subject came naturally to me, so I decided to explore it more.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: During my first semester over Thanksgiving break, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and had to miss a week of school. I was told that I might not be able to come back from missing that much time, but I did. I finished my first semester with a 4.0 grade point average and have maintained it ever since.

Campus involvement: I am the president of Random Acts of Kindness, Pi Mu Epsilon, and the Disability Awareness and Resources for Equity group, and also vice president of University Park’s chapter of The Diabetes Link. I am also a member of Lion Ambassadors, Lion Scouts, Leadership Scholars, the 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, and Alternative Spring Break, and I am a math tutor.

Awards and recognitions: The President’s Award, the Most Promising Freshman in Mathematics, the Sparks Award, Evan Pugh Scholar, Academic Excellence in Mathematics, and Irvin H. Kochel Award

What makes her unique: I can sing the alphabet backward.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I played piano for nine years.

Her definition of a good life: Being happy with yourself and being kind to others. Showing kindness to others is, in turn, showing kindness to yourself. It’s important that your happiness come from within and not rely on another person or material things.

Her passions: I really like reading and I hope to travel when I get out of school.

Advice for first-year students: Don’t be afraid of your professors. They are people, too (shocking!). They want you to succeed, and they care about you.

A final note: The best advice I received regarding college was: “You can work hard for four years and have fun the rest of your life or have fun for four years and work hard the rest of your life.” That’s not to say you can’t have fun in college, but remember why you are there and make smart choices.

After graduation, Hannah, plans to start her career in data analysis or statistics.

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 Jessica Pengilly.

Major: Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior option)

Hometown: Mars, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the Aaron Meehl Scholarship and the John K. Henne Endowment for International Study.

On choosing her major: I absolutely love being outside.

Relationships are key: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend are the relationships that I’ve formed with my professors and fellow researchers.

What makes her unique: I can make any boring situation into a fun time.

Advice for first-year students: Do not be afraid to talk to your professors. They can be some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet. If you don’t understand a topic in class, meet with them during their office hours. Professors absolutely love it when you ask them questions.

Parting thoughts: College is only as fun as you make it. If you treat every week like it’s miserable, it will be. Find enjoyment in everything you do, and the college experience will be much better.

After her graduation in May, Jessica hopes to find work as a park ranger. 

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 Brooke Johnston.

Major: Environmental Science

Minor: Biology

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I originally wanted to attend a larger school, but when I toured Behrend I realized that the smaller school environment would give me more opportunities. I really liked the low student-to-professor ratio because I wanted to build meaningful mentor relationships.

On choosing her major: Environmental science is a diverse major that offers a lot of career options after college. I know environmental science majors who are going into geology, law, or construction consultancy.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I’ve had many great opportunities at Behrend, but when it comes to my proudest accomplishment, I think of my personal development rather than awards or research. I’m proud of the way I’ve come out of my shell at Behrend. As a freshman, I was very quiet, scared to ask questions, and hesitant to talk to people I didn’t know. Now, I’ve grown into someone who is confident in herself and isn’t afraid to raise her hand or speak up.

Campus involvement: Most of my extracurricular involvement at Behrend has involved Science Ambassadors. I would recommend Science Ambassadors to any STEM students because the organization pushed me to become more active in the School of Science and to meet new people. I also have been involved in undergraduate research for the biology department since sophomore year, which has been such an important part of my college experience.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I’m a very creative and artistic person. I’ve always loved writing, singing, painting, and dancing. I was in a dance program for jazz and ballet my entire K-12 years, and was in the school choir for six years.

What makes her unique: I’ve loved science and animals since I was a toddler. Beginning at a young age, I would pick up insects, snakes, and anything that moves. I’ve held everything from baby kangaroos (joeys) and binturongs (bear-cats) to Madagascar cockroaches and snails! I’ve also petted a rhino before, which is my go-to fun fact about myself for icebreakers.

Awards: Behrend Outstanding Freshman of the Year Award in 2020 .

Advice for first-year students: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This applies to all majors, but especially if you’re in the STEM fields because it’s important to be curious about everything. Being a scientist means a career full of questions, so start asking them now.

What she is passionate about: I could name many things I feel strongly about, but I’m most passionate about being respectful to nature. Nature is so intricate, and I truly admire the way every part of it fits together like a puzzle.

After her graduation in May, Brooke plans to attend graduate school at Syracuse University and work toward a Ph.D. in the biology, evolution, and ecology track.