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 Emma Whiteman.
Major: Biology, Health Professions option
Minor: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Harborcreek, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Awards: I completed the Behrend Honors Program and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society.
Why she chose Behrend: I liked the location. It feels semi-rural, but is not far from major shopping areas and downtown Erie. Also, the smaller class sizes gave me the ability to get to know my professors, which really helped with my studies.
Why she chose her major: I have wanted to go into the medical field for years and Biology gave me the best foundation be able to take the Medical College Admissions Test and achieve my goal of becoming a doctor.
Campus involvement: I was a dual-sport athlete competing in Swimming and Diving and the Track and Field Teams. I was also treasurer of the Biology club and a Science Ambassador.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Helping to host fun youth outreach events, including Boo-ology and the Prehistoric Easter Egg Hunt.
Highest priority in the coming years: To get a job within the medical field to gain as much information as possible before going to medical school.
Advice for first-year students: College will be challenging at times, and you will struggle. Just stay positive and remember that while grades are important, they are not the only important thing in college. Make time for yourself and to have some fun, too.
After her graduation in May, Emma plans to work in the medical field for a couple of years before attending medical school.
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.
Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend for its warm community and supportive atmosphere. The small class sizes allow for genuine interactions with professors, and being close to home helps me stay connected with my family. The campus is beautiful year-round, with everything conveniently within walking distance. It’s a place where I can excel both academically and personally.
Why she chose her major: I chose psychology because I want to focus on the importance of emotional well-being. In my community, this topic isn’t taken seriously, and many people don’t feel comfortable discussing their struggles. I hope to help change that by encouraging open conversations and providing support. My goal is to make a positive impact and help others feel more at ease seeking help when needed.
Student involvement: I founded Behrend Brown Girls (BBG) and currently serve as its president. I am also an Ambassador for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and previously served as the promotion coordinator for the South Asian Student Organization (SASO). Additionally, I interned with the Mentor Project at CORE, a community outreach program, where I supported youth development and educational initiatives.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Presenting my research at the Sigma Xi conference was a huge milestone for me, as it allowed me to contribute to discussions and deepen my understanding of psychological research. Through my internship, I’ve also had the chance to work closely with middle- and elementary-school students, helping them navigate challenges and create a space where they feel supported. On top of that, founding Behrend Brown Girls and leading the club to receive the Student Most Engaged Club award has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the direct impact of my work, both in research and in the lives of others, has been truly fulfilling.
Challenges overcome: As a first-generation college student, I’ve had to navigate many challenges, from adjusting to academic expectations to figuring out how to access the resources I needed. My parents didn’t attend college, so I didn’t have that support system at home. However, this experience has made me more resourceful and determined. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, seek out mentors, and create a network of support. These challenges have not only shaped my academic journey but also motivated me to help others, especially immigrant and first- generation students, find their own path to success.
What you’d be surprised to know about her: I’m fluent in three languages and am currently learning my fourth.
Advice for first-year students: My advice for first-year students is to seek help when needed and get involved on campus early. Building a support system, whether through clubs or connecting with professors and peers, is key to thriving in college. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of every opportunity to grow and learn.
After her graduation in May, Aarati plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling with a goal of becoming a school counselor.
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: Keri Saulino
Major: Environmental Science
Minors: Biology, Sustainability Leadership
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Gerald Bayles Memorial Scholarship, the Penn State Provost Award from the Schreyer Honors College, and the Chancellor’s Scholarship.
On choosing Behrend: The main reason I came to Behrend was because my major only exists here; however, the longer I have been at Behrend, the more I have appreciated it. The people at Behrend are so friendly, and having such easy access to Wintergreen Gorge, Lake Erie, and so many other natural areas for geoscience and ecology classes really enhanced my learning experience.
On choosing her major: I really care about the planet. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we grow are all supported by the environment. Knowing how climate change affects our natural systems and the people across the globe inspired me to learn what I can do to help.
Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I earned second place in undergraduate oral presentations at the Regional Science Consortium conference for my research on round gobies. I had presented at conferences before, but never an oral presentation, nor had I won anything before.
Awards: AMCC All-Sportsmanship Team Award twice for good sportsmanship; President Walker Award (4.0 GPA), Outstanding Freshman in Chemistry/American Chemical Society Award, First-Year Writing Award, President Sparks Award, Academic Excellence in Environmental Science – Research Award, Dean’s list throughout college years.
Campus involvement: I am a Schreyer Scholar and was on the Behrend Schreyer council as the secretary for one year and vice president for two years. I played on the women’s tennis team starting in my second year and was the team captain in my senior year. I am a Science Ambassador and am highly involved with Greener Behrend, where I served as treasurer for one year and as president for the last two years. This past year, I also took on the role of sustainable lab consultant, where I go into a lab on campus and work to find ways to make it more sustainable.
On overcoming challenges: Maintaining good mental health throughout school, and life in general, has been a bit of a challenge. I would describe myself as a perfectionist, but life is not perfect, making it sometimes hard to be proud of accomplishments or feel satisfied in my work. This has also made it difficult to start projects, as I worry about them not being “perfect.” The phrase “if something is worth doing, it is worth doing badly” has helped me a lot, showing that something done poorly is better than not trying at all. I have been trying to do more new things, no matter how bad, and it has helped me to let go of some of the pressure I put on myself.
What makes her unique: I was obsessed with cooking shows as a kid and would recreate dishes myself. This experience has been helpful in the present day because I love to do my own plant-based cooking and come up with new recipes. I love bringing a dish or sharing something I’ve made with others so they can taste how good vegan food can be.
What you may be surprised to know about her: I really enjoy seeing and making art, especially what may be seen as odd. I like pieces that confuse me and make me think. I did ceramics throughout high school, making a large jar with four faces on it, a Tim Burton inspired jack-in-the-box, a skull with vines coming out of it, and more. I am trying to get into painting right now, and I hope to have a ceramics studio someday.
Have passport, will travel: Aside from my career goals, my personal goals in the immediate future are do more traveling, go to more festivals, and attend more concerts. I went to the Bahamas and Iceland as a study abroad trip while at Behrend, and this opened my eyes to how much more there is to see and experience.
Her passions: A lot of my hobbies and interests have turned into my desire to be more sustainable. I love to watch videos on sustainable actions, read books on the causes of climate change, and talk to people about these topics. It brings me joy to know I am making a difference.
Advice for first-year students: Prioritize your schoolwork, but also include time for fun and for breaks. You will not forget the friends and memories you make along the way.
After her graduation in May, Keri plans to pursue a career in conservation or sustainable development. She also plans to attend graduate school after gaining some experience in her field.
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 Daniel Boehme.
Majors: Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies (IBE) and Finance ’24; currently pursuing a Master in Manufacturing Management degree.
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Daniel, flanked by his parents, poses with his siblings who are all Penn State Behrend graduates.
Behrend is a family thing: All three of my older siblings attended Penn State Behrend. My brother David played baseball at Behrend and earned an IBE degree, my sister Kaylee was in Nursing, and my sister Victoria was a Marketing major.
Why he chose his major: Behrend’s IBE program has a 100 percent job placement rate out of college. It is a versatile degree that offers a ton of job opportunities. Companies like the skillset that an IBE degree provides. I have plenty of business experience, such as finance, supply chain, marketing, and management, as well as engineering experience with manufacturing and design.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Completing both an IBE degree and Finance degree while being a student-athlete. Baseball takes up a lot of time, so it was an exciting challenge to dual-major while also being a competitive athlete.
Time-management master: Time management is a skill that I’ve become more proficient at over the years. Being on the road for baseball made it difficult at times to manage my academics. I learned a few lessons and got much better at communicating with partners and professors and understanding how to schedule my time appropriately so that my work gets completed.
Campus involvement: Member of the men’s baseball team. This is my fifth year on the team, and it’s been a great experience from beginning to end. I’ve made numerous friendships that I’ll take with me long after I leave Behrend.
Awards: I was named to the First Team All-AMCC Team for baseball this past season and was named to the All-Conference Academic Team. Behrend won our conference in 2021 and 2024. We hope to repeat in 2025. I have been named to the all-conference academic team.
Traveling man: I will be traveling for work, and I’m excited to experience different people and places. I’ve lived all my life in Pittsburgh and Erie, so it will be great to see what other places have in store. Eventually, I will probably return to Pittsburgh to be near family because we are very close.
Advice for first-year students: Time flies, so embrace every moment. Go out of your way to talk to your classmates or professors. There’s something about communicating in person that gives you a dopamine effect and makes you feel more productive. Make sure you have some hobbies outside of school, ones that are healthy for you and help relieve stress when you feel overwhelmed.
After his graduation in May, Daniel will join Wabtec’s LEAD Operations Program, an intensive two-year rotational program that develops domain expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen.
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 Ronan Murphy.
Majors: Finance and Accounting
Hometown: Fredonia, New York
Scholarships: Class of 1922 Memorial Scholarship; Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarship; Presidential Scholarship; Intrieri Family Student Scholarship; Penn State University Discover Award
Why he chose Behrend: Proximity to family, access to sports, and networking possibilities of Penn State Alumni. I originally planned to transfer to University Park after two years but decided to stay at Behrend because of the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund and friends I had made on the swim team and within the Black School of Business.
Why he chose his majors: I’ve had a lifelong interest in finance and the income potential it offers. When I was young, I frequently read about investing and bonded with my grandfather over it.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being appointed president of the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund after having worked through the ranks over the years (associate analyst, analyst, lead analyst).
Challenges overcome: In my senior year of high school, I broke my hand one week before our biggest swim meet of the year. This was devastating and it was difficult to get back in the water when I started swimming at Behrend. I’m more than glad that I did. I achieved most of my goals over the last four years, and that has been very rewarding.
Campus involvement: President of the Business Analytics Team, captain of the 2024-2025 Men’s Varsity Swimming Team, and president of the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund.
What’s free time? Being on a sports team, having a double major, and being involved in several extracurriculars is tough, but I have been able to handle it well. When I get into the workforce and I have fewer responsibilities, I’m not sure what I’ll do!
What you’d be surprised to know about him: I have strong communication skills in high -stress situations. Being on a sports team can be pretty taxing, and I have been there for people when they are not in the greatest mood and need coached up. Same thing for group projects in my upper-level finance classes and my intermediate accounting class.
Kick or swim: Originally, I wanted to play soccer but missed the try-out deadline, so I joined the swim team.
Top priority in coming years: Paying off student loans and making new friends in Nashville. I have always easily made friends with my teammates, so having to go about meeting people in a different way may be a challenge.
Advice for first-year students: Take advantage of living next to a Great Lake. Go to the bayfront and to Presque Isle State Park. The grey skies can get you down in the winter, so get outside and enjoy yourself when you can.
Ronan has accepted a position with Mariner Wealth Advisors. He will work at the company’s Nashville, Tennessee, location after his graduation in May.
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 Jacob Gajewski.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Akron, New York
Why he chose Behrend: Small class sizes and the ability to interact with faculty. It also provided me with the opportunity to continue playing soccer at the college level while also being able to focus on my education.
Why he chose his major: Both of my parents are engineers, so I was guided down this path. I also have had an interest in learning how things work. I chose Mechanical Engineering because it offers broad opportunities.
Proudest accomplishment: Playing four years of college soccer while also maintaining a high GPA in a challenging major.
Student involvement: Penn State Behrend men’s soccer, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, Chi Alpha Sigma – College Athlete Honor Society, Materials and Manufacturing Group
Awards and accolades: Dean’s List every semester, Academic All-Conference for soccer – four years.
What he’s passionate about: Continuing to learn through experiences in both the classroom and other environments.
Advice for first-year students: Get involved early on. Meet people, join clubs and do activities that you are interested in. This will surround you with people who share similar goals and interests as you, while also letting you have some fun.
Jacob has accepted a position as an associate product engineer in the Space Actuation and Avionics Group at Moog Inc in Elma, New York, following his graduation in May.
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 Tanvi Pabbati.
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Why she chose Behrend: It felt like the perfect fit for me. I attended high school in Erie, so Behrend was close to home. I liked the small class sizes and opportunity for one-on-one interactions with faculty members. Also, the campus is beautiful and the trails in Wintergreen gorge are great.
Why she chose her major: I developed an interest in programming after taking a class in high school. I enjoyed learning new programming languages and making fun projects. Computer science is constantly evolving. These changes keep the field interesting. There’s always something to learn or discover.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Contributing to student organizations in leadership roles while managing my academics and making the Dean’s List has been both challenging and rewarding. A highlight for me was helping to restart the South Asian Student Organization (SASO) during my first year.
Campus involvement: I was the president of SASO, a Global Ambassador, and served as an International Student Orientation Leader. I’m a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I’ve also done undergraduate research work.
Highest priority in the coming years: Obtaining a master’s degree and getting into a field that focuses on both robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Global-minded: I’m passionate about learning about diverse cultures, which is why I was part of Global Ambassadors and other cultural organizations. Through my active participation in the multicultural clubs on campus, I’ve been able to help international students connect with fellow students, experience their own culture despite being far from home, and provide a platform for them to share their culture.
Advice for first-year students: Join organizations, go to club meetings, and attend events. Building connections will improve your experience at college, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
After her graduation in May, Tanvi plans to pursue a master’s degree in AI or robotics.
Scholarships: Provost’s Award, Corey N. Farrell Memorial Scholarship, and Class of 1922 Memorial Scholarship.
Why he chose Behrend: It is among the few colleges in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a fiction and poetry option. The class sizes are small, which allows for more one-on-one time with professors, and the campus itself is on a beautiful piece of land that is great for hiking.
Why he chose his major: I attended Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School as a creative writing major and wanted to further my education in the discipline. Language can be an effective, powerful tool if wielded correctly.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Though it may seem simple to some, attending college is my proudest accomplishment. As a first-generation college student from a blue-collar family, attaining a college degree has been an aspiration of mine since I was in grade school. Graduating from a top college like Penn State Behrend feels surreal.
Awards: Sonnenberg Poetry Award in 2021 and 2025, and the Cranage Creative Writing Award in 2025.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: I’m a multi-published writer across multiple genres including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Also, I have a twin sister.
Highest priority for the coming years: Asidefrom securing a full-time job, I plan on devoting my time to advocating for the transgender community in Erie and Pittsburgh. Trans youth are particularly vulnerable at this time, and I want to give back to my community, like my trans elders did for me when I was younger and discovering my identity.
What he is passionate about: Ang Lee’s 2005 film Brokeback Mountain and vampires.
Advice for first-year students: Get out of your dorm and find your own version of fun and community. These four years are just as much about self-discovery as they are about learning. Go on a hike in the gorge, take a class you’re interested in, and don’t be afraid to talk to other first-year students—they’re just as confused and overwhelmed as you!
A nod to family: I want to thank my grandfather, Richard, for his decades of hard work and countless hours-long drives from Butler County to Erie. Without him, I would not be where I am today. I am eternally grateful for him and the sacrifices he has made for me.
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 Jay Abraham.
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Why he chose his major: It’s the closest thing to applied wizardry.
Campus involvement: President of the Behrend student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Computer Engineering Club, and Behrend’s Fitness Club.
Involvement = connections: Being involved in student organizations, taking on leadership roles, helping professors with research projects, and attending networking events opened doors for me that I would never have found otherwise. Doing these things was not just about padding my resume, but about building real connections with professors, collaborating with peers on ambitious projects, and gaining leadership experience that boosted my confidence and shaped my career trajectory.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: English is my second language.
What he’s passionate about: Electrical engineering, public transportation infrastructure, sustainable energy, and urban design.
Advice for first-year students: Get involved as much as possible on campus. The value of your degree isn’t just in the classes you take, but also in the things you do outside of the classroom. I’ve found that the students who thrive the most aren’t necessarily the ones with the highest GPAs, but those who immerse themselves in the opportunities around them. Joining clubs, taking on leadership roles, attending career fairs, and saying “yes” to new experiences will make all the difference. You never know which professor, project, or chance encounter will lead to your next internship, job, or lifelong friendship.
After his graduation in May, Jay will be a power systems and controls automation engineer working with the digital integration solutions team at Eaton.
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 Jason Chen.
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Hopewell, Virginia
Scholarships: Lincoln Trustee Scholarship, Provost Award, Penn State Academic Grant, Bunton Waller Scholarship, PNC leadership Scholarship.
Why he chose Behrend: I chose Penn State Behrend because of its beautiful and inviting campus, which immediately made me feel at home. The natural surroundings created an environment where I knew I could thrive both academically and personally. Additionally, the students I spoke with before enrolling highly recommended Behrend and emphasized the unique opportunities it offers. They shared their experiences with hands-on learning and small class sizes that allow for close relationships with professors. Hearing about these distinctive opportunities, such as undergraduate research, solidified my decision to become part of Behrend.
Why he chose his major: Since I was a young child, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. As I progressed through school, I was drawn to biology and the sciences. The more I learned, the more eager I became to understand the complexities of the human body, genetics, and medicine. My curiosity and passion for science fueled my desire to pursue a major that would challenge me intellectually while preparing me for a career in healthcare.
His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend has been successfully balancing academics, leadership, and research while making a meaningful impact on campus. From the start of my undergraduate career, I sought out opportunities to get involved, and I have thrived. Serving as president of Science Ambassadors, director of Welcome Week, and Bingo chair of Lion Ambassadors allowed me to develop my leadership and organizational skills while fostering a sense of community among students. Additionally, completing two ecological research projects pushed me to think critically, manage long-term commitments, and contribute to scientific inquiry.
On overcoming challenges: Starting college at the age of sixteen was a challenging but transformative experience for me. Being younger than my peers, I had to quickly adapt to the academic rigor and social dynamics of college life while learning to balance coursework, extracurricular involvement, and personal responsibilities. Managing my time effectively and staying disciplined were crucial in navigating this transition.
Campus involvement: Lion Ambassadors (Bingo chair and social chair), Science Ambassadors (member and president), THON (fundraising captain), Behrend First Gens, Tri-Beta, Biology Club, Leadership Scholars, Welcome Week (guide, leader, director), and Alternative Spring Break
What you might be surprised to know about him: I’m a huge sneakerhead and love collecting streetwear!
His top priority for the coming years: My highest priority is getting into medical school and developing the skills and knowledge to become a compassionate and competent doctor. I am committed to excelling academically, gaining hands-on experience in clinical and research settings, and continuously improving my ability to connect with and care for patients. Beyond just earning a degree, I want to cultivate the qualities that define a great physician—empathy, resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong dedication to learning.
Advice for first-year students: College is a learning experience, and mistakes are part of growth. Don’t be too hard on yourself—learn from them and move forward.
After graduation in May, Jason plans to attend medical school.
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