Students Win Undergraduate Research Awards

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Annually, Penn State Behrend provides nearly $350,000 in undergraduate research support to provide incentive for student involvement in faculty research projects.

Students, who are eligible to receive awards of up to $2,600, are required to follow a formal proposal process, including selecting of a faculty mentor, developing a research project, composing a proposal, and undergoing a review process at the school and college level.

We’d like you to meet two of the newest winners—Olivia D’Annibale and Jessica Stoker.

olivia d'annibale1

Olivia D’Annibale, above, a senior Biology major, was the recipient of a $2,600 Council of Fellows Undergraduate Student Research Award to work with Dr. Michael Campbell, professor of Biology and associate director of the School of Science, in his molecular lab doing research on potatoes and their reaction to a sprout suppressant.

“I’ve been involved in undergraduate research since my freshman year, and it’s been a very rewarding and educational experience,” D’Annibale said. “Dr. Campbell and I submitted a paper to the American Journal of Potato Research and I just got the news that the paper is officially published online!” (Read it here.)

D’Annibale plans to attend graduate school following her graduation in May. In the future, she hopes to be a genetic counselor and help those dealing with genetic diseases and concerns.

Jessica Stoker, a senior Psychology major, was the recipient of a $2,600 Council of Fellows Undergraduate Student Research Award to work on research projects with two associate professors of psychology: “Meta-Analysis of Sexual Assault Prevention Programs” with Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggen and “The Influence of Money on Romantic Couple Decision Making and Attachment, Social Support, and Pain” with Dr. Carol Wilson.

Stoker served as the lead student researcher and assisted in various facets of the projects from literature review to study design and procedure as well as coding and analysis of behavior observation. She also presented her work at the Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research and Creative Accomplishment Conference and the Pennsylvania Midwestern Psychological Association Meeting in Chicago, and the Society of Personality and Social Psychology Annual Convention in San Diego.

“My research experience at Behrend has inspired me to continue with a career in research and academia,” Stoker said. “It has provided numerous opportunities for exploring new ideas and interests, experiences, networking, and mentoring.

Stoker has been accepted into the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program at Idaho State University following her graduation in May. She hopes to pursue a career in psychological research and academia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class of 2016: Meet Brittany Ochs (Plastics Engineering Technology)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Brittany Ochs.

Brittany Ochs2

Major: Plastics Engineering Technology

Hometown: Lucinda, Pennsylvania

On choosing to major in Plastics Engineering Technology: I have always been interested in math, science, and art. I also enjoyed working with my dad at our farm back home and tearing things apart and putting them back together. This major allows me to use my creativity and art to design parts and molds, my math and science skills to perform experiments and analyze data, and my hands to work with the equipment. It’s all the things that I enjoy.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Winning first place in a Society for Professional Engineers blow-molding design contest.

Campus involvement: I’m the president of the plastics engineering technology club and a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, Society of Plastics Engineers, and Society of Women Engineers. I’m also a STEM scholarship recipient and a member of two national honor societies, Tau Alpha Pi and Lambda Sigma.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: Eventually, I’d like to own a small farm and raise beef cattle.

Personal passions: I love the outdoors, hunting, and sports.

Advice for current students: Do not be afraid to ask for help!

Brittany has accepted a position as a process engineer at US Endoscopy following her graduation in May.

Class of 2016: Meet Tyler Tracy (Secondary Math Education and Mathematics)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Tyler Tracy

tyler tracy1

Major(s): Secondary Math Education and Mathematics

Minor: Statistics

Hometown: Chippewa, Pennsylvania

On choosing to major in Secondary Math Education: Teaching math is something I’ve enjoyed since high school. Seeing students succeed and grow as individuals is worth all the invested time.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Receiving the Outstanding Math Tutor Award from the college’s Learning Resource Center. My time working as a head math tutor for the LRC and helping so many of my fellow students figure out how math works has been a truly rewarding experience for me.

Mind over math: I think the biggest obstacle for some people who don’t like math is the belief that they are not good at math and never will be. A fixed mindset like that will hinder learning. But if you go into it with a growth mindset and an attitude that you can accomplish anything with hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to learn it.

Campus involvement: I’m the head math tutor for the LRC, a GRE Prep Session instructor, and a teaching assistant in physics. I’m also a member of the math club.

Political Science Major Wins Two-Month Fellowship to Berlin

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megan mcconnell

Megan McConnell

Megan McConnell, a sophomore majoring in Political Science at Penn State Behrend, has won a fully-funded Cultural Vista Fellowship to complete a two-month internship in Berlin this summer. The fellowship also covers an orientation in New York City, airfare, housing, internship placement, and transportation.

Cultural Vista Fellowships offer U.S. college students the opportunity to advance their career goals, develop global competencies, and experience life in another culture.

“Cultural Vista Fellowship is a classic example of engaged scholarship affording students with a hands-on international two-months internship experience, in this case in Berlin, Germany, immersing Megan in German language and culture, and giving her the opportunity to gain solid real world experience by interning with a German employer,” said Dr. Eva Kuttenberg, associate professor of German. “I am humbled by Megan’s drive and commitment.”

McConnell, who is minoring in German and History, is one of just four national recipients of the fellowship.

“I think my strong background in German language and ability to adapt to diverse situations played a big part in why I was selected,” McConnell said. “My comfort interacting with people from all walks of life also helped make me a viable candidate.”

McConnell will attend orientation in New York City at the end of May before departing for Berlin on June 1. While she is there, she’ll be working as an intern with a political organization.

“I’m looking forward to gaining invaluable insight into the German political system and ideologies,”McConnell said. “I plan on pursuing a career in politics and diplomacy, so this experience will help me interact with the country in a diplomatic sense later.”

McConnell is the third winner of a fully-funded fellowship from Penn State Behrend. Last year, History major Olivia Duryea won a Teaching Assistants fellowship and spent nine months in Bad Hofgastein, Austria, assisting with English classes. In 2009, Physics and Science major Nicole Gall won a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst Research Internship in Science and Engineering Fellowship and spent three months working in a physics lab at the University of Tuebingen, Germany.

Class of 2016: Meet Trey Neveux (Mechanical Engineering)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Trey Neveux

Trey Neveux2

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Butler, Pennsylvania

On choosing to major in Mechanical Engineering: I’ve always enjoyed science and creating things. Mesh those two things together and you’ll find engineering at the intersection. I chose mechanical engineering to engage my widespread interest in physical systems that are easy to visualize, such as clutches, gearboxes, brakes, etc.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I was part of the student team which created the disc golf course on campus. It really highlights the college’s beautiful grounds and it’s the only disc golf course in the Erie area. Learn more about the disc golf course here and here. Use this QR Code to go directly to the Disc Golf map:

QR code

Campus involvement: I’ve been involved in Residence Life, the Lion Entertainment Board, Disc Golf Club, the SGA’s Supreme Court, and Tau Beta Pi, and I sat on both the Information Technology Fee and Student Activity Fee Allocation committees.

On flying, scuba diving, and woodworking: I’m never bored because I have a wide variety of hobbies. After graduation, I really want to explore some hobbies that just weren’t feasible in college, like flying, scuba diving, and woodworking.

Advice for current students: Your time at Behrend is finite, and the rate at which that time disappears is faster than you can imagine. Take advantage of all the opportunities that Penn State Behrend offers you!

Trey has been accepted into the Ph.D. graduate program in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Class of 2016: Meet Courtney Hopson (Elementary and Early Childhood Education)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Courtney Hopson

Courtney Hopson1

Major: Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Hometown: Erie

Why Behrend? I knew I wanted to go to a Penn State campus because of the rigorous, hands-on programs offered. I chose Behrend specifically so I could play volleyball.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Winning the MVP award this volleyball season, because it was given to me by my teammates. I have been through so much with my team and couldn’t be prouder to be a part of something so special.

What makes you unique? My level of motivation when facing a challenge. I am always trying to improve myself in every aspect of my life. I love to set goals and strive to reach them. I am a really competitive person and I love the process that goes into getting great results.

What’s your passion? I am passionate about inspiring children like I have been inspired through my life. I have such a great support system in my family and in my church, and it really bothers me to know that some children don’t have that support. I want my students to know that they have someone who cares for them and is rooting for them to succeed.

Advice for current students: Not everything is going to go smoothly, and that is okay! It’s all about the journey, so enjoy your time in college and do the best that you can.

Courtney plans to work as an elementary school teacher following her graduation in May.

Class of 2016: Meet Jordan Mushrush

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Jordan Mushrush.

Jordan Mushrush1

Jordan Mushrush

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Operations and Supply Chain Management

Hometown: McKean, Pennsylvania

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: As president of the engineering society Tau Beta Pi, I led an expansion of activities that included bringing a speaker from NASA and a Pi Day charity fundraiser. I also was president of Behrend Robotics, involved in Omicron Delta Kappa and a musician for the student theatre production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” I am also involved in Omicron Delta Kappa.

Not-so-secret superpower: I am a musician, composer, orchestra member and conductor. I have played with and conducted orchestras for several community theatre groups, including the Erie Playhouse and Lake Effect Theatre. I like playing in pit orchestras because the books usually are written for many instruments (I play bassoon, saxophone, clarinet, and flute), which challenges me and improves my abilities.

Spirit in spades: I also orchestrated part of “Spirit of Erie,” a 200-actor pageant created and produced by an amazing team from the Erie Playhouse as part of 2013’s Oliver Hazard Perry bicentennial celebration.

Advice for current students: Whatever you decide to major in or do in your spare time, pursue what makes you happy. The rest will follow.

Jordan plans to find work as an engineer or project manager after his graduation in December, but hopes to own his own business someday.

2016 Standout Seniors: Meet Jalyn Eaton

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Jalyn Eaton.

 Jayln Eaton

Jalyn Eaton

Major: Project and Supply Chain Management

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Pittsburgh

On choosing Behrend: I didn’t choose Behrend; Behrend chose me. I visited the campus multiple times with a program called Upward Bound and I just fell in love. I love the size of the college because it’s easy to network and connect with other students and faculty and staff members.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Over the course of my college career, I’ve done a lot of things I never thought I’d do in terms of leadership, but being a guest speaker at the 29th Annual Scholarship Luncheon here on campus this fall is among my proudest accomplishments. It was absolutely amazing that I was chosen to speak in front of my fellow scholars, parents, faculty, staff, and chancellor!

Campus involvement: I am currently president of the Human Relations Programming Council. In the past, I’ve been the vice president of the HRPC, treasurer of the Multi-Cultural Council, and secretary of the National Society of Engineers. I’m also a member of the Association of Black Collegians and the Organization of African and Caribbean Students as well as the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Historical vision: I love to research abandoned properties. I can look at an empty structure and bring it back to life in my mind. It’s interesting to learn the history and back story.

Advice for current students: Do not come to college with expectations. Imagine you’re about to ride a roller coaster for the first time and have no clue what’s beyond that first hill climb. You’ll have lots of ups and downs while you’re here, but it’s exhilarating. And, there’s a lot of support at Behrend; someone is always willing to help you.

Jalyn plans to work in supply chain management in Pittsburgh following her graduation in May.

2016 Standout Seniors: Meet Nick Swanson

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Nick Swanson.

Nick Swanson1

Major: Physics

Minor: Mathematics

Hometown: Lakewood, New York

On choosing to major in Physics: Originally, I wanted to design 3D graphics for video games and movies, so I entered Behrend as a Software Engineer major and planned to minor in Physics. Come to find out, I wasn’t a huge fan of coding, so I switched to a Physics major because I thought it would give me a lot of opportunities, and it has.

Physics can be fun (no really): I credit my love for physics to my high school physics teacher, Jefferson Padgett. He made physics fun and interesting. I couldn’t wait for class. I always knew I’d be in a good mood when I left.

All the world’s a math problem: Being able to understand how and why something works is a really great feeling. Sure, it can be frustrating at times, but when you break it all down and figure it out, you realize how beautiful and mathematical the world really is.

Embracing winter: I picked up snowboarding a few years ago. I wish I would’ve started earlier because it’s really relaxing and fun.

On continuing education: I love to learn and am looking forward to having more time after school to learn more about energy systems, home improvement, and electronics. I have a 3D printer and I’d like to be able to incorporate electronics into the prints because it would be a cool achievement.

On nuclear power: I’ve had an interest in nuclear energy since high school. Although dangerous, nuclear energy is actually a super-efficient way of obtaining power.

Advice for current students: Make friends with older students. They’ve been in your shoes and understand your struggles. They might even learn something from you, too.

Nick has accepted a position as an engineer at Rolls-Royce Nuclear in Pittsburgh following his graduation in May.

Students escape to Madagascar via Washington, D.C.

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Reem Elhafiz Abdalla, Jillian Dunn, Lillie Gabreski, Dalia Tenda Batuuka
Reem Elhafiz Abdalla, Jillian Dunn, Lillie Gabreski and Dalia Tenda Batuuka represented Penn State Behrend at Howard University’s 14th Annual National Model African Union Summit last month.

By Steve Orbanek
Marketing Communications Specialist, Penn State Behrend

Dalia Tenda Batuuka, Jillian Dunn, Lillie Gabreski and Reem Elhafiz Abdalla are not natives of Madagascar. None of them has ever stepped foot in the country.

Talk to any of these four Penn State Behrend students for even a few minutes though, and you might just think they were native-born Malagasy.

Last month, the students attended and participated in Howard University’s 14th Annual National Model African Union Summit. Sponsored by the African Union Mission and Member State Embassies in Washington, D.C., the four-day summit is a simulation of the proceedings of the African Union, requiring participants to research their assigned countries in-depth before attending the conference.

This marked the first time that Penn State Behrend was represented at the summit, held in February with more than 45 colleges and universities participating. The Behrend students’ assigned country was, of course, Madagascar. The group represented the college well, winning the Michelle Tooley Outstanding Delegation in Committee Award in recognition of their performance on the Social Matters Committee.

“Students really do have to act as delegates and adopt the stance of the country they’re representing,” said Naaborle Sackeyfio, a lecturer in comparative politics who also attended the summit.

The students chose to participate after taking Sackeyfio’s Introduction to Contemporary Africa course during the fall semester.

“We were in the course together, and Dr. Sackeyfio mentioned this summit. It just seemed like such a great opportunity,” said Batuuka, a first-year psychology major.

Each student was assigned a different committee for the summit, in this case Economics (Gabreski), Peace and Security (Batuuka), Social Matters (Abdalla) and Regional Economic Matters (Dunn). This meant that the group had plenty of studying to do beforehand.

“The whole point was to go there and play the role of actual delegates from Madagascar, so you had to be very familiar with the country in advance,” Batuuka said.

The group met several times a week and spent long hours preparing for the event. There were times during the summit where other countries’ delegates would call their expertise into question, but the students held their ground.

“People would contest things over even the smallest words. There were times where you definitely had to stand up and make your case heard,” said Gabreski, a senior political science major.

“The margin for error was very small,” added Dunn, a sophomore political science major.

While the students were happy to receive an award for how they represented Madagascar, it was not the only thing they took away from the summit.

“After this experience, I have such a newfound appreciation for politicians,” Batuuka said. “You always hear, ‘What’s wrong with Congress? Why aren’t they passing this?’ but you realize that it’s not that easy.”