Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Design Contest
Elizabeth Vigliano
This year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Design Contest invited students to visually capture the lasting impact of Dr. King’s life and legacy in a way that felt meaningful to them. Rather than working from a single quote, students were encouraged to interpret his message in their own voice.
We selected Elizabeth Vigliano for her original hand-drawn design titled A Revolution of Values. Created entirely with pencil and paper, without the use of AI or digital design tools, her drawing reflects the time, focus, and thought she invested in every detail. Through bold, dimensional lettering woven with leaves, vines, and blooming flowers, Elizabeth illustrates how Dr. King’s values continue to grow, take root, and inspire new generations.
Eric A. and Josephine Walker Award
Cailynn White
Cailynn White is the recipient of the Walker Award for her academic distinction and leadership on campus. Cailynn has been a fixture on the Dean’s List, is a member of 4 different honor societies, has participated as a member of multiple campus clubs (i.e., PRIDE Club, Astronomy Club, Human Development Club, Capital Players Theatre Club, and Psychology Club) and has served on the Executive Board of the PRIDE Club since 2023. She is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all students, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, she has also successfully completed internships (only one was for credit) at PA 211 CONTACT Helpline, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Amiracle4sure, and volunteers to teach children who have special needs soccer through Lower Dauphin Penn FC Youth Tops Soccer and serves as the Londonderry Athletic Association T-Ball Assistant Coach. Cailynn has managed to do all of this while maintaining an A average. She will be graduating in May of 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and certificates in Child Development and Behavioral Health and Counseling.
Linda Rhen Career Studies Award for Excellence as a Peer Mentor
Janiya Cruse-McCottry
Janiya is an outstanding peer mentor. She fosters meaningful relationships with the Career Studies students, exhibiting patience and compassion when working with them. This year, Janiya has taken on the additional role of intern for the Career Studies Program, embracing all the challenges this position brings. In this role, she demonstrates strong communication and problem-solving skills. Janiya regularly monitors the many complex schedules involved with the program and develops solutions when a problem arises. She has shown incredible growth in her leadership skills, often instructing small groups of students. Janiya is truly deserving of this award.
Jenay C. Jordan
Jenay embraces the role of a peer mentor with great enthusiasm and care. She builds trusting, sincere friendships with the students, treating them like any other friend. Jenay radiates fun wherever she goes and as a result the students truly enjoy their time with her. While Jenay is pursuing a demanding major, she demonstrates incredible commitment to her job as a peer mentor. In addition to her scheduled shifts, Jenay volunteers to attend most of our extra-curricular events, including joining the newly formed Special Olympics Unified Bocce Team. Jenay’s dedication to the students and the program epitomizes the meaning of this award.
Linda Rhen Career Studies Award for the Outstanding Career Studies Student
Shriya Acharya
Shriya is an outstanding Career Studies student. Career Studies students are encouraged to embrace all the experiences available to them at Penn State Harrisburg, including academic enrichment, social opportunities, and campus life. Shriya works hard in the academic classes she audits each semester as well as in the Career Studies classes that are part of the program. She enthusiastically participates in social activities and events for both Career Studies and the WeDesi Indian Student Association, which she has joined.
We have seen wonderful growth in her independent skills on campus and in practice work experiences at area businesses, particularly in the areas of initiative and communication. Shriya genuinely deserves this award; we couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments.
Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Society Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Junhyeong Ahn
Junhyeong exemplifies the purpose of this award through exceptional academic distinction, meaningful campus involvement, and clear potential for future achievement in their field. His work in numerical methods and CFD-based simulation demonstrates both advanced technical ability and a strong commitment to research excellence, strengthened by faculty mentorship and rigorous scholarly development. He’s actively engaged in campus research events, poster sessions, and collaborative projects while also representing Penn State Harrisburg at professional engineering conferences, where he shared his findings and connected with experts in the field. Through dedication, curiosity, and a passion for solving complex engineering problems, Junhyeong has built a strong foundation for a successful career and has made a lasting impact on the academic community.
Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Society Outstanding Senior Award
Enrin Debbarma
Enirn embodies the spirit of this award through his outstanding academic achievement, deep campus involvement, and remarkable promise for future success. As one of the first from his hometown in India to study in the U.S., he excelled academically while conducting research, presenting at a design conference, and contributing to campus life through cultural performances and multiple on campus jobs. His dedication and resilience led to competitive software engineering offers, interviews with major tech companies, and back to back selections for Y Combinator hackathons-clear indicators of his exceptional potential. His journey at Penn State Harrisburg has shaped him into a driven, community minded leader with a bright future in the tech industry and beyond.
Evan Pugh Scholar Award (Juniors)
Raphael F. Bastos
Zoee M. Edmonds
Brighton E. Pearson
Evan Pugh Scholar Award (Seniors)
Kate O. Bukowski
Tressa L. Burger
Antonio J. Castellano
Trinity Dang
Nathan Hanna
Jie Lee
Yi Lu
President Sparks Award
Bayad R. Ahmed
Lauren M. Ajebon
Abdullah T. Al-Zoubi
John R. Ames
Nathan M. Catalfano
Emma P. Champion
Cade M. Clark
Panikadis Diskul
Xiuqi Du
Hajar El Harragui
Sarah El Harragui
Raheeg H. Elgezouli
Logan S. Fraunfelter
Zachary M. Gibson
Tamsila Hameed
Esther Jung
Ireh Kang
Ashley Lavin
Xintong Li
Andrew M. Moss
Siena M. Ondecko
Dhyana N. Patel
Simran R. Sookram
Namuun Tserendagva
Jessica O. Ugwoaga
Yi Zhu
President Walker Award
Sara Abdalla
Zamiel Acosta Pichardo
Turki Alhassan
Kayla Ash
Sophia Baldini
Rebeka Balibuno
Dominic Basselgia
Lidya Basta
Amarbayasgalan Bayaraa
Demi Marres Beshay
Pawan Bhattarai
Charles Bolenbaugh
Mya Borgel
William Bowmer
Clint Bricker
Brayden Brinkash
Alexis Bureau
Carys Chace
Seng Chon Chang
Bella Chavez
Zhuoyunhao Chen
Akira Cho
Jia Choi
Chris Ciarochi
La'niyah Coleman
Samantha Dandridge
Peter Dang
Vitoria DaSilva Rebouco
Tucker Deal
Kameryn Dengler
Ilesha Dhyani
Brayden Dow
Adharsha Dulal
Kang-En Feng
Malcolm Ferree
Yahet Ferrer
Andrew Fisic
Grace Flickinger
Dillon Foley
Alice Frankovich
Caiden Gardner
Gregory Gillespie
Shane Glenn
Michael Guk
Ali Guliyev
Murad Gurbanov
Jharna Gurung
Alexis Harding
Chance Harling
Kamryn Haubert
Ryan Hill
Remi Houry
Yinran Huang
Aiden Ippolito
Jordan Johnson
Ellen Jurosky
Matt Kao
I Gusti Ngurah Kayana
Benjamin Kerr
Danielle Minhae Kim
Sophia King
Lydia Labib
Yueran Lai
Katelin Lane
James Laursen Perales
Giovanni Lazzarotti
Henry Lewis
Jiatong Liu
Preston Mason
Shaeli McGeary
Alexander Mckinney
Jorgi Mclaughlin
Denny Miller
Hailey Miller
Thomas Miller
Naira Mohammed
Peyton Morrison
Jiajun Mou
Myah Mulgrew
Madison Murray
Ali Najim
Joshua Nartey
MacKenzie Neatrour
Samantha Newbury
Tram Nguyen
Ahmad Njie
Shakaria Noble
Gwenda Osei-Kissi
Safae Oulmalem
Vincent Paladini
Leila Pasic
Shivam Patel
Kenny Pham
MaKayla Reichel
Jacob Rodriguez
McCartney Rostalski
Lydia Salmons
Calvin Sarver
Mollie Shadle
Josiah Shamberger
Feiyang Shen
Joshua Shiery
Junaid Siddiqui
Zaid Siddiqui
Paxton Simmons
Anjalee Singh
Cailyn Smith
Jessica Stowe
Mason Stump
Beila Sun
Zetong Tan
Sarah Tang
Andre Thomas
Teagan Thrasher
Morgan Umphrey
Owen Underkoffler
Marisa Vidal
Douglas Wann
Siqi Wei
Fiona Weng
Adam Wiekrykas
Elena Wolfe
Eliot Wood
Vera Wu
Cleo Yatsko
Ethan Yorty
Brandon Yu
Clem E. Gilpin Award for Outstanding Social Science Student
Josephine Grella
The Clem E. Gilpin Award for Outstanding Social Science student is awarded to Josephine Grella. Josephine has emerged as a leader in the sociology program, demonstrating outstanding academic performance in her classes while simultaneously conducting independent research that intersects urban ecology, sociology, and public policy. She is quick to speak in class, offering insightful and critical comments that help all students learn. She is always willing to help other students, offering notes and other support to students. Josephine has been an active participant in promoting the sociology program by volunteering at recruitment events. She exemplifies the criteria of the award and the culture and spirit of the sociology program at Penn State Harrisburg.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Student Award
Christine Mains
The Communication Sciences and Disorders Program Award recognizes a student in the major who has demonstrated excellence in their academics, service to the major, and overall potential in their future career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. The award this year is being presented to Christine Mains and she is certainly deserving. Although Christine has only been on our campus for one year as she is completing her pre-requisite courses to enter graduate school for speech-language pathology, she has made a significant impact in all of her academics and with all of our faculty. Faculty feedback is unanimous in that Christine is a joy to have in class, as she not only contributes to classroom discussions, but also elevates the discourse and encourages others to participate. As her instructor in two courses and someone who has been teaching for over 20 years, I can honestly say that Christine is one of the hardest working and conscientious students I have encountered in my career. In just two semesters, Christine was able to impress the faculty of our program with her work ethic and drive to succeed to be nominated for and win this award. While all of these accomplishments and accolades qualify Christine to win this award, it is perhaps the final component of the award description that is most notable. That is, her potential in the profession. Christine is going to be an exceptional speech-language pathologist. We are a helping profession and Christine's future clients will be rewarded greatly for her decision to pursue this degree. Congratulations Christine!
Excellence in Secondary Education Award
Hannah M. Gorrell
Ms. Gorrell typifies what it means to be an educator committed to her craft and her students. From the start of her time in the Teacher Education Program, she exhibited all the qualities we look for in a teacher candidate. Like the award winners that preceded her, her academic achievements are exemplary, with high-quality writing and the demonstration of strong critical thinking skills. And she maintained a 4.0 GPA as a Capital College Honors Student. What sets her apart is how centered she is in all educational dispositions and in her own persona. During her student teaching experience, Ms. Gorrell has shown that she teaches from a place of authenticity and balance, and she has an instinct for meeting students where they are. Further, her extracurricular work on and off campus - from membership in Sigma Tau Delta and to volunteering at the Palmyra Public Library - shows that she is not just committed to her own growth but to the larger community of which she is apart.
Jane Blakely Keat Award for Excellence in Elementary Education
Alexandra Reyes
Alexandra Reyes is receiving this award because of her strong commitment to teaching and outstanding qualities. This award honors a graduating senior who has demonstrated remarkable dedication, integrity, professionalism, academic excellence, and a true passion for teaching young children. Elementary education is a challenging and essential profession, one that requires both skill and heart to inspire students. Alexandra Reyes brings these qualities to her work, building a strong foundation for her future through the caring and engaging environments she creates. Her impact on students is already evident, and she is truly deserving of our admiration and recognition.
Alexandra,...congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Wishing you continued success as you embark on your journey to becoming an exceptional educator.
Outstanding Graduate Student in Applied Behavior Analysis Award
Eric Orange
Eric Orange is the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Student in Applied Behavior Analysis Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, advanced clinical competence, and sustained engagement in scholarly and applied work. Eric is a leader among his peers, consistently demonstrating an advanced understanding of behavior analytic principles and the ability to apply them skillfully in complex clinical contexts. He has been actively involved in research since the beginning of the program, reflecting a strong commitment to integrating science and practice. Eric is currently completing his internship at The Vista School, an intensive behavior intervention setting, where he leads complex cases with a high degree of professionalism, clinical judgment, and ethical sensitivity. Beyond his technical skills, Eric embodies the professional values of the discipline, such as reliability, collaboration, and reflective practice, and is widely respected by faculty, supervisors, and peers alike. His clinical acumen, leadership, and professional demeanor distinguish him as an emerging clinician-scholar in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Outstanding Graduate Student in Clinical Psychology
Kai Richmond
Kai Richmond completed a placement as an outpatient therapist intern at Hillside Elementary in New Cumberland through a special service provided to the school by Laurel Life, a behavioral and mental health services agency. Kai’s duties included providing in-classroom behavioral interventions and individual and group therapy to children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Throughout the Fall 2025 semester, Kai earned the highest possible ratings from his site supervisor, Brooke Bernas. Here are Brooke’s comments about Kai:”Kai has been a breath of fresh air for me. I have had several interns in the past and Kai is exceptional. He takes initiative, is creative in his approaches, asks questions, and helps without being asked. He approaches the students with a calm and consistent tone of voice which helps the students feel safe and comfortable. He understands that he needs to meet the students where they are and sometimes this takes a lot of patience. He is reliable with being on time and showing up on his scheduled days. I only needed to show him how to write DAP notes one time and he was able to demonstrate this skill appropriately.”
Kai plans to become a licensed professional counselor and engage in clinical practice following the completion of his degree here as Penn State Harrisburg.
Outstanding Graduate Student in Teaching and Curriculum Award
Austyn Briggs
Ms. Austyn Briggs began he work at Penn State Harrisburg as an M.Ed. candidate working to attain her Secondary General Science teaching certification. She worked through that program in five semesters while teaching full time as a chemistry teacher, earning a grade of "A" in all classes. Ms. Briggs did not slow down. She continued to take two courses per semester in pursuit of her M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum, impressing each professor with her passion and work ethic. Ms. Briggs is dedicated to lighting a fire in her students about science and its real-world applications. As a science teacher in a school district that serves marginalized communities, she understands the importance of culturally responsive teaching and is committed to helping her students reach their highest potential through engaging curriculum and meaningful assessment. Ms. Briggs' natural curiosity and enthusiasm have lent themselves well to her development as a teacher-researcher and have propelled her to the top of the list for receiving this award.
Outstanding Undergraduate in Human Development and Family Science Award
Mindy Zheng
Mindy exemplifies the values, dedication, and professional promise that define the Human Development and Family Studies major at Penn State Harrisburg. She approaches every assignment with care and produces high-quality work that demonstrates both intellectual depth and personal relevance. She is proactive in seeking support and guidance to ensure her success. She is also remarkably self-aware, she recognizes her own areas for growth and works around them with tenacity and purpose, always striving to improve.
Mindy has presented her academic work at multiple research conferences, showing both courage and enthusiasm in sharing her ideas with broader audiences. She is a peer mentor in the Career Studies program and is currently completing an internship in a community program, where she works directly with youth and families.
Life presents each of us with different challenges, and some face more obstacles than others. What distinguishes individuals is how they respond. Mindy responds with determination, hard work, and fortitude, qualities that allow her to overcome difficulties and move steadily toward her goals. This combination of resilience and dedication is precisely what the field of Human Development and Family Studies represents.
Outstanding Undergraduate in Kinesiology Award
Lilian Nop
The Kinesiology faculty selected Lilian Nop as this year's outstanding undergraduate for her record of high academic achievement across all of the kinesiology sub-disciplines. While we have many students who demonstrate academic excellence, it is Lilian's deep and reflexive thinking has set her apart. For example, in her "History of Sport in America" course, Lillian is examining the history and gender politics of women's kickboxing and mixed martial arts programs, using her own experiences in kickboxing to frame this inquiry. With plans to go on to Physical Therapy school, the kinesiology faculty are confident that Lilian's dual commitment to academic excellence and ethical practice will make her an excellent and patient-centered clinician.
Outstanding Undergraduate Psychology Student Award
JJ Snoke
JJ Snoke is an accomplished student and researcher. His professors describe him as one of their strongest students. They identify his excellent writing skills, his ability to formulate thoughtful research questions, his discipline to see a task through with little supervision, and his motivation to deliver more than what is required, as just a few of his strengths. They also note that he is a genuinely good person. In 2023 JJ began working at the Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research with Dr. Chris Whipple and Dr. Ovgu Kaynak. He presented their research project; Familiarity and Support: Public Perceptions of Harm Reduction Strategies in Pennsylvania, at the 2024 Eastern Psychological Association Conference and at the 2024 Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Justice Educators Conference. The work was recently published in the Journal of Substance Use and Misuse. Currently, JJ is a first-year Criminology PhD student in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University. His primary focus is on research in corrections. JJ is currently working on 3 research projects: an autoethnographic study on corrections in Pennsylvania, a study examining inmate coping strategies upon re-entry, and a study examining the influence of legal cynicism on correctional programming.
Biobehavioral Health Student Excellence Award
Aspen Walker
Aspen Walker is the 2025 recipient of the Penn State Harrisburg Biobehavioral Health Student Excellence Award, a distinction she earned by bridging the gap between rigorous BBH coursework and compassionate behavioral research. As a graduating senior in the Biobehavioral Health (BBH) program, Aspen has set a high bar for her peers through her academic discipline and her commitment to the well-being of the Penn State community. Academically, Aspen is in a class of her own. Maintaining a high GPA while juggling the rigors of her extracurricular and athletic commitments, she demonstrates a disciplined pursuit of excellence that sets the standard for her peers. However, what truly defines Aspen as a BBH leader is her ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world impact. Her commitment to the well-being of others whether leading student initiatives or mentoring newcomers, is impressive. Perhaps most impressive is Aspen’s intellectual curiosity. She spearheaded an independent research project focused on student-athlete mental health, a critical and often overlooked area of collegiate life. By tackling this complex issue with nuance and empathy, she has provided valuable insights that promise to improve the lives of her fellow student-athletes. For her academic success, her selfless service, and her self-driven, impactful research, we are proud to honor Aspen Walker with this award.
Thomas G. Bowers Award for Excellence in Clinical Psychology
Fai Albawardi
Fai has been an all-around outstanding student. She has scored at or near the top of every class she has taken at Penn State Harrisburg. She is completing her clinical sequence at Arrow Counseling in York, PA. According to her supervisor, Kelsey Phillips, “Fai has demonstrated eagerness to learn, dedication and compassion. She has shown the ability to engage in meaningful self-reflection and identify intrapersonal conflicts that have arose for her in trainings and sessions through supervision. Fai brings knowledge and her ability to understand clients experiences through utilizing psychoeducation and reflecting emotions, which has helped strengthen rapport and enhance the therapeutic process.” Fai has also been an outstanding researcher. She is the author of two peer-reviewed journal articles and two peer-reviewed conference presentations. Her research has explored several topics, including carcinophobia, acceptance and commitment therapy for parents of children with chronic illness, father hunger, and countertransference issues in psychotherapy.
Following the completion of her degree here at Penn State Harrisburg, Fai plans to attain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and have a career as a university professor at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Saudi Arabia.
Beta Gamma Sigma Graduate Student Award
Pooja Patel
Pooja joined PSH in 2023 to pursue her UG in Finance. Due to her exceptional performance as a UG student, she applied for and was accepted into the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program to start her MBA concurrently with her UG degree. As an IUG student, she has maintained a 3.94 GPA in her undergraduate degree in Finance and a 4.0 GPA in the MBA program so far. Academically, Pooja has had an exceptional career so far. She has been on the Dean’s list continuously since 2023. She has also, based on her academic achievements, won the Wachovia Bank Business Scholarship. Pooja has also been very active in college life and has demonstrated exceptional leadership talent. She is the Vice President and Fund Manager of the SBA Investment Club. She has also worked as a Senior Analyst for the Finance Club. Her exceptional academic and leadership achievements have earned her membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. She embodies the principles and values of Beta Gamma Sigma which are honor, integrity, the pursuit of wisdom, and earnestness. In addition to the above, Pooja has also gained valuable work experience as a Financial Analyst at Hershey Gift Shop and Northwest Bank. I have had Pooja in my classes, and I was immensely impressed by her hard work, work ethic, and keen observations regarding complex ideas. Her future plans include growing herself in the dynamic field of finance. Eventually, she plans to pursue a career in commercial banking, wealth management, or investment banking, with a particular interest in international markets and currency trading.
Beta Gamma Sigma Undergraduate Student Award
Cody Unger
Cody is a responsible and engaged senior majoring in finance with an impeccable academic record, demonstrating a clear ability to connect theory with real-world financial issues. He is determined to pursue a successful career, and his particularly high GPA reflects his dedication and passion for the field. It is especially impressive that Cody has gained valuable business experience while excelling as a full-time student at Penn State Harrisburg. He serves as a Senior Analyst in our Finance Club and is a member of the Student Investment Committee. In addition, he has extensive experience teaching improvisational theater classes and workshops. Cody has demonstrated exemplary academic performance and embodies the principles and values of Beta Gamma Sigma - honor and integrity the pursuit of wisdom, and earnestness.
Graduate Student Engagement Award
MacKenzie Mowery
MacKenzie is one of those students who makes us think about how they are able to achieve so much in such a short time. She joined PSH in 2022 to pursue her UG in Management. Due to her exceptional performance as a UG student, she applied for and was accepted into the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program to start her MBA concurrently with her UG degree. As an IUG student, she has maintained a 3.92 GPA in her MBA program so far. Her other academic achievements include the , membership in the Chi Alpha Honor Society (which honors and recognizes student-athletes for academic and athletic excellence), and recognition by the CSC Academic All-District Team (for top student-athletes who balance academic performance (3.5+ GPA) with strong athletic contributions). On the athletics side, Mackenzie has been a member of the Penn State Harrisburg Women’s Soccer Team since 2022. By the way, this team advanced to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 in 2025, and Mackenzie was one of its star players. She has been part of the United East All-Conference Team, United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team, and Women’s Soccer Leadership Group Team Leader since 2024 (a group that promotes accountability, servant leadership, and positive team cultures. In addition to all of the above, she also finds time to volunteer at Water Street Mission.
Higher Information Group Business Excellence Award
Aiden Beiler
Aiden is a senior IUG student majoring in Finance and taking graduate classes to complete his MBA with a 3.8 GPA. He has led the Penn State Pro Sales Club for the last two years and has attended and participated in several national sales competitions. This November, when the National Sales Challenge event was canceled, instead of feeling bad about this, he looked for another opportunity for the students to do and signed up our chapter to participate at the Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition in Rhode Island. He was instrumental in helping to recruit and train our students for this event. He made it into the third round of a four-round sales role play competition and placed 15th overall at the event that had 42 universities represented. He also cheered on two other students who made it into the finals for the elevator pitch competition that was also held as part of this event.
Aiden also placed first at the FBLA impromptu speaking competition at nationals this past summer and took third place at a local sales competition at Susquehanna University. He has presented to the School of Business Advisory Board, the Professional Sales Education Center Advisory Board, and served as one of our panelists for the AI in Sales Symposium this past spring semester, sponsored by Truist Bank and the Penn State Harrisburg Launchbox. Whether representing the university through the Pro Sales Club or on the club Volleyball team, Aiden has always had a positive attitude, a smile, and a willingness to help. In addition to his academic and campus involvement, Aiden currently operates three ventures in the Lancaster area.
Higher Information Group Business Excellence Award
Anabelle Martinez
Anabelle is concurrently majoring in Human Capital Management and Marketing and is also an IUG student in the MBA program. She has a 3.9 cumulative GPA in her undergraduate studies and a 4.0 in her graduate coursework. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and the National Society of Leadership & Success. Anabelle is the president of the SHRM club and chapter (Society for Human Resource Management). She has been instrumental in outreach with local leaders to speak at Penn State Harrisburg. These events have been open to all majors, and students have made connections with industry leaders as a result. She is also gainfully employed while completing all of this as a class instructor in the martial arts.
Outstanding MBA Student Award
Skylar Freitag
Skylar joined Penn State in the Fall of 2022 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Project and Supply Chain Management. In 2024, based on his exceptional undergraduate performance, he was accepted into our Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate program, which allowed him to concurrently take graduate courses to earn an MBA. This is an academically challenging program, yet Skylar has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the MBA. He has been on the Dean’s list throughout his academic career at PSH and is graduating in May with both degrees, with distinction. I have had the pleasure of having him in two of my graduate classes, and I am very impressed by his work ethic, dedication, and ability to analyze and explain complex ideas. In addition to his academic work, Skylar has been very active in college life and has gained considerable work experience. He has worked as a research assistant for two MBA faculty members. He is also the longest-serving resident assistant for PSH. He is also a member and the former chapter president of Beta Gamma Sigma. In one of my conversations with him, he told me he intends to pursue a PhD in Supply Chain, work on sustainable supply chain practices, and develop efficient supply chain networks critical to delivering humanitarian aid.
Outstanding MSIS Student Award
Jordan Carpenter
Jordan joined our Master of Science in Information Systems program in 2024 after finishing her Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Mary Washington. She has been an exceptional student who came to the program with the prestigious Button-Waller Assistantship. She has also maintained a 3.9 GPA in her MS program. She has been a graduate assistant at the School of Business Administration since 2024 and has assisted professors on a number of research projects that included data analysis and literature reviews. In addition to her excellent academic record, Jordan has competed on the Women’s Basketball team, where she has broken several school records and been named Player of the Year, 1st-team All-Conference, and All-American. She is currently playing on the Women’s Flag Football team, competing in their inaugural season this year. As a result of her academic and athletic achievements, Jordan has been nominated to join Beta Gamma Sigma and Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Societies. Along with the above achievements, Jordan has also gained valuable work experience in her field. She has worked as an IT development Specialist for Techead in Henrico, Virginia, and as an IST Cybersecurity Intern for Chesterfield County Government. Her final project in the master's program reflects her future professional endeavors as she is working on a literature review and qualitative thematic analysis examining the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Defenses.
Academy of American Poets Prize/ Staff. Sgt. Robert E. Miller Memorial Poetry Prize
Angeline Henward
Judges were unanimous in selecting first-year student Angeline Henward's poem "Medusa's Musings at the Zoo" for the 2026 Academy of American Poets Prize. The poem uses a deft mixture of techniques such as imagery, metaphor, musicality, and persona to create a compelling and sympathetic portrait of the much-vilified and misunderstood mythological character Medusa. In Henward's lively retelling, Medusa visits the reptile house at a zoo and wonders about motherhood, the often inhumane treatment of animals, and inequality. Rereading the poem rewards the careful reader with its allusions to classical mythology, as in this passage: "The hissing in my ear grows louder. As always / I feel the weight of my children resting on my shoulders. / Emerald, amber, glistening: / Their scales are slick as oil, sliding / over the rough notches of my cracked cobblestone cranium." Her poem will be published in the spring 2026 issue of From the Fallout Shelter. Angeline's work is both very promising and well deserving of this award.
Academy of American Poets Prize/ Staff. Sgt. Robert E. Miller Memorial Poetry Prize (Runner-up)
Naomi Teklemariam
A first-year student interested in international politics, Naomi Teklemariam explores the connections between domestic violence and the violence that can be re-perpetrated through speech in her poem. A kind of violence is re-perpetrated by the speaker's mother as she repeats a cliche about staying with the "devil you know," the speaker's father, rather than seeking an uncertain independence. But as the speaker of the poem asserts: "The devil has been here long enough / to carve his ire on the table, / the table where we eat dinner together, / and I pray it never collapses / under the burden of slammed fists / and shattered glassware." The judges were impressed by the poem's extended metaphor, its speaker's clear and unsentimental gaze, and its insistence that there are "some devils/ you do not dine with." Her poem is well deserving of this recognition, and it will be published in the spring 2026 issue of From the Fallout Shelter.
Composition Writing Award
Yahet Ferrer
Yahet's informed argumentative essay, "Abortion Restrictions and Their Impact on Women's Health," tackles a controversial issue, that of women's reproductive rights in the United States in 2025, and demonstrates clearly its exigency and the contrasting arguments that make this topic such a hot-button issue. She skillfully employs secondary sources, including two academic articles, to serve as background and examples for her argument, and her summary of how these sources contribute to the scholarly conversation in the conclusion of her essay is an excellent example of synthesis and analysis. By using specific examples, data, and scholarly opinions, Yahet crafts her argument carefully but forcefully. Her attention to justice for women of color and from lower-income backgrounds also shows her deep care for the rights of all people and their ability to maintain bodily autonomy. Yahet's essay stands out as an impressive example of how students can communicate their passion for an issue through a written essay.
Composition Writing Award for Multilingual Students
Yanzi Wu
Yanzi's essay demonstrates impressive academic maturity by categorizing scholarly views into two distinct "camps": love as an impulsive biological nature and love as a conscious ethical action. The essay expertly navigates Helen Fisher’s biochemical research on dopamine-rich brain regions and contrasts it with Erich Fromm’s definition of love as a disciplined art of responsibility. This ability to bridge the gap between hard science and humanistic theory is rare and highly effective. What makes this paper truly unique is how Yanzi uses cinema to test these academic theories. Whether analyzing the "resonance of souls" in Titanic, the struggle with social norms in The Idea of You, or the realization of self-awareness in Her, Yanzi treats film not just as entertainment, but as a laboratory for human behavior. The analysis of Interstellar is particularly moving, as it redefines love as a "transcendent" force that drives a father to fulfill a lifelong responsibility across time and space. Yanzi’s thesis offers a sophisticated "middle ground": true love is ignited by an irreplaceable moment of passion but is only perfected through enduring mutual respect. By arguing that Mr. Darcy’s actions in Pride and Prejudice were motivated by a "prior, involuntary moment" rather than mere duty, Yanzi provides a nuanced understanding of how emotion and obligation coexist. This essay is a testament to Yanzi’s ability to use the English language to explore the most complex of human emotions with clarity, structure, and heart.
Creative Achievement Award in the Arts (Graduate)
Payton Becker
Payton Becker’s multimedia work in Heritage and Museum Practice represents a remarkable achievement, bringing together an artistic sensibility and eye with a deep grounding in public history. Becker’s work demonstrates the power of expressive forms to connect audiences with the past and with too-often hidden (sometimes literally buried) histories. Becker’s portfolio contains brilliant virtual reality museums and 3D modeled and printed reconstructions of material culture, as well as sharp and insightful graphic design projects geared towards helping public audiences connect with and interpret the past. From the fabulous to the poignant, her varied projects are consistently executed with skill, sensitivity, and artistic flair.
Creative Achievement Award in the Visual Arts (Undergraduate)
Elizabeth Vigliano
This award acknowledges a student who has produced an outstanding body of work in the visual arts. Elizabeth Vigliano has been recognized for excellence in graphic design, producing design work both by hand and digitally that is sophisticated and creative. Her inventiveness is paired with solid craft and conceptual development, demonstrating a mature and compelling approach to the field of graphic design.
George D. Wolf Award for Academic Excellence in American Studies (B.A.)
Benjamin Fortuna
This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a B.A. student in American Studies. Benjamin Fortuna has excelled in the American Studies program. He is an outstanding contributor in class, an innovative thinker who comes up with novel interpretations of literature, and a persuasive essayist who writes argument-driven papers. Faculty note his preparation, sharp intellect, and good nature. Ben is a worthy recipient of this year’s George D. Wolf award.
John S. Patterson Award for Academic Excellence in American Studies (M.A.)
Bryce Rinehart
This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement by an M.A. student in American Studies. Bryce’s nominators commend his intellectual rigor, maturity, and curiosity, acknowledging the ways in which he contributes meaningfully to our community and the fields to which he is apprenticing himself. Bryce’s scholarship is unfolding at the intersections of queer studies, disability studies, and memoir theory; he brings ambitious research questions to these fields and executes his ideas with clarity, command, and theoretical sophistication. Bryce has already demonstrated an ability to intervene in key questions and debates in his areas of study, which is positioning him to produce truly innovative and interdisciplinary scholarship. We are thrilled to support his work and see where his future takes him in and beyond American Studies.
Media Arts Award (Undergraduate)
Turki Alhassan
After writing a persuasive essay using the support of scholarly sources to argue that art education is crucial for students in school, the final assignment of our course (English 15) asked Turki to make the same argument but in a different genre or media form. In response, Turki wrote and illustrated a children's book called "Small Colors, Big Feelings," which skillfully makes the same argument but leverages the media affordances of a children's book: characters, page layout, illustrations, color, handwritten text, and most importantly, a storytelling approach that acknowledges children as the main audience for the book. The book is remarkably effective in its planning and conceptualization as well as its execution, and in this project, Turki has demonstrated an unusual mastery of writing, multimodal revision, and visual storytelling.
Outstanding Analytical/Scholarly Research Writing Award (Undergraduate)
Key Haney
This award recognizes excellence in a collected body of undergraduate analytical/scholarly research. Key Haney’s collected body of work displays, in the words of their nominator, “an unparalleled commitment to research.” Their projects feature numerous methodologies (including ethnography of online fandom spaces) and a deep commitment to the human experience. Haney's body of scholarly research is varied, reaching from explorations of effects of food insecurity in Pennsylvania to the necessity of recognizing autism diagnosis inequalities. Haney’s work has already been recognized outside of the classroom, as they were one of the presenters at the inaugural Undergraduate Showcase at the Fan Studies Network North American Conference. Haney is a deserving recipient of this award.
Outstanding Undergraduate Creative Writing Award
Grace Duong
The evolution of Grace's creative writing over the last four years has been thrilling to witness. She's a student who truly makes the most of her educational experiences, often seeking to participate in groups and organizations that further her creative and professional interests. In the past two years, she has served as an editor for both of our campus' literary journals, Fission and From the Fallout Shelter, where her advertising, outreach, and editing tasks were essential at making both journals the best they could be. Her own creative writing has been published numerous times, and her poems have consistently been recognized by faculty and judges for our competitions as some of the most engaging we've seen. Her body of work is uniquely voice driven and often blends the ordinary and extraordinary in ways that meaningfully connect with contemporary audiences. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for her and her creative writing.
Outstanding Undergraduate Creative Writing Award
Cameron Geyer
Cameron Geyer's creative nonfiction takes on mature topics with an experimental flair that speaks to his keen observation of his culture. His essays always read more like a manuscript-in-progress, and less like an assignment submitted to meet a grade. His poetry cultivates a dynamic, tone-driven style, and isn't afraid to take risks or explore new forms. In his years in the School of Humanities as an English major, he has fine-tuned a style and a voice that stands out - quietly, but with power - among his peers. As a classmate, he always maintained a professional approach to the process of creative writing, and the process of working with his peers to improve their (and his) creative writing. He is richly deserving of this award.
Outstanding Writing Award (Graduate)
Sean Dixon
Sean Dixon's body of writing produced in the American Studies PhD program shows deep engagement with scholarship, careful attention to the social, and a keen analytic mind. His work engages with the social ramifications of belief, particularly the construction and deployment of belief systems which are deliberately “combative.” His work is influenced by scholarship from folkloristics, anthropology, and religious studies and contributes meaningful to these fields of knowledge and study. His writing offers a synthesis of ethnographic method and cultural criticism and proceeds with lucid, insightful prose. His work promises to be an important contribution to the ethnography of belief.
Sue Samuelson Award for Academic Excellence in American Studies (Ph.D.)
Shelley Morrisette
This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a doctoral student in American Studies. Shelley Morrisette is on the verge of completing his dissertation on the Ladies Professional Golf Association. When published, this dissertation will instantly become the authoritative source on the LPGA and its history. Morrisette's dissertation combines exhaustive research in newspapers, magazines, and archives; an accessible prose style that emphasizes storytelling; and quantitative rigor that employs the tools of economics to explain the business side of the LPGA. This mixed methods approach fuses the cultural analysis of American Studies with Economics and shows Morrisette’s sophisticated approach to the materials. The American Studies faculty are glad to recognize this exceptional work!
William J. Mahar Award of Excellence in the Performing Arts
Noah Weber
When people meet Noah Weber, they are often blown away by how quiet he is. Then he picks up his bass. Bass Noah is an altogether different person. As a performer, Noah is an accomplished musician with a great ear and even better technique. His talent has become a pillar of the music program and you can hear his work all over campus, from the campus band to our musical theatre productions to his work with numerous campus and community shareholders as the president of the campus Jam Club and as a member of his campus group, Happy Technology. To borrow a line from Johnny Cash, Noah has been and continues to be everywhere, man. It is not an overstatement to say that our music community would be lost without his work ethic, talent, and willingness to perform. Noah has that rare ability to make those around him better musicians and I can’t begin to thank him enough for his contributions.
Abigail Young
In her time at Penn State Harrisburg, Abby has demonstrated immense talent, drive, and commitment to the theatre program on our campus. Throughout her coursework, she has proven to be a thoughtful, rigorous, and passionate artist, and she excelled in analyzing play texts and applying that to her acting work. Abby has been actively involved in theatre production work, recently serving as the Co-Director for the Capital Players’ student production The Candidate in Fall 2025. She was also involved in the School of Humanities annual MLK Play for the past two years in a row, contributing her own writings as part of last year’s show. As Secretary of the student-run theatre organization, Capital Players, Abby was a driving force in the extracurricular theatre activities on campus from 2024-2026. Her own performance credits include numerous School of Humanities Mainstage shows in the Kulkarni Theatre and Penn State Harrisburg Blackbox productions. Abby has consistently shown a strong commitment for the arts, and is a well-liked, model student who has great potential for leadership.
Andrew S. Donahue Award
Tyler Caruso
The Andrew S. Donahue Award recognizes an outstanding student who demonstrates considerable potential for success in the criminal justice field. Tyler Caruso exemplifies this distinction through both academic excellence and extensive professional experience.
Graduating with an impressive 3.91 GPA, Tyler brings a remarkable depth of real-world expertise to his studies. A retired U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, he has served as a Federal Protective Security Officer with the Department of Homeland Security, a military police officer in Quantico, Virginia with the Department of the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, and a Public Safety Communications Specialist with the U.S. Marshals Service. He returned to Penn State Harrisburg to complete his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, strengthening his professional experience with rigorous academic training.
Tyler consistently distinguishes himself in every professional interaction. During field trips and guest speaker visits, criminal justice professionals have repeatedly recognized his experience, professionalism, and leadership potential - often expressing strong interest in recruiting him. Beyond his applied experience, he is completing an independent research project examining emotional use of force in hostage negotiations, with the goal of submitting the work for peer-reviewed publication.
With his breadth of field experience, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to evidence-based practice, Tyler Caruso is exceptionally well prepared for continued success in the criminal justice field.
Criminal Justice Community Service Award
Cailynn White
The Criminal Justice Community Service Award recognizes a student who has made meaningful contributions to the local college community and/or the broader community. Cailynn White exemplifies this commitment to service in every aspect of her academic and professional life.
Graduating with dual majors in Criminal Justice and Psychology, along with minors in Human Development and English, Cailynn has maintained an outstanding 3.95 GPA. While her academic excellence is remarkable, it is her unwavering dedication to serving others that truly distinguishes her.
Cailynn’s commitment to community impact is both broad and deeply personal. She currently serves as a PA 211 Contact Helpline Specialist, where she assists callers navigating domestic abuse, mental health crises, homelessness, senior services, and other urgent challenges. In this role, she engages directly with individuals in vulnerable circumstances, providing critical information, emotional support, and pathways to resources during moments of crisis.
Her service extends even further. Cailynn works as a case manager serving justice-involved clients, a position that began as an internship and evolved into employment due to her exceptional performance and dedication. In this capacity, she has witnessed firsthand the complex intersections of criminal justice involvement, healthcare access, and social services that shape the lives of some of the most disadvantaged members of our community. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, proactively seeking out resources and consulting with mentors and colleagues when existing supports fall short. Her advocacy reflects both compassion and persistence.
Importantly, Cailynn’s leadership is not limited to client advocacy. She has also demonstrated the courage to advocate for safe, responsible, and sustainable working conditions for frontline service professionals. By standing up for appropriate workplace protections and supports, she shows a deep understanding that effective service delivery requires care not only for clients, but also for those who serve them. This balance of empathy, professionalism, and ethical responsibility speaks to her integrity and future leadership potential within the field of criminal justice.
Beyond her professional roles, Cailynn’s volunteerism is extraordinary in both scope and consistency. She serves as a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, mentoring a child with developmental disabilities. She coaches special needs athletes through Lower Dauphin Penn Youth FC Youth TOPS Soccer, volunteers with Special Olympics events including Bowling and the Polar Plunge, supports the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, and contributes to community initiatives such as the Bethesda Mission Men’s Shelter, local food drives, and the Communities That Care Books on Board Bookmobile. She has also volunteered at the Pennsylvania State Police Homicide Symposium and assisted in youth athletics through the Londonderry Athletic Association.
Across every role, Cailynn demonstrates exceptional time management, maturity, and a genuine passion for service. She does not view community engagement as an extracurricular activity; it is central to who she is. Her consistent willingness to invest her time, energy, and compassion into strengthening both individuals and institutions reflects the very spirit of the Criminal Justice Community Service Award.
The world and our community is measurably better because of Cailynn White.
Criminal Justice Online Student Award
Sherille Whyte
The Criminal Justice Online Student Award recognizes a student who demonstrates outstanding potential for success in the criminal justice field. Sherille Whyte exemplifies this potential through her strong academic performance and commitment to excellence in the online learning environment.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a cumulative GPA of 3.670, Sherille has demonstrated consistent academic achievement, discipline, and intellectual engagement throughout her program. Success in an online degree requires significant self-motivation, time management, and the ability to think critically and work independently. Sherille’s performance reflects these strengths and highlights her readiness for professional success.
Her accomplishments speak to both her dedication to the field and her capacity to meet challenges with focus and determination. Sherille Whyte represents the promise and professionalism this award is designed to honor.
Irving and Mildred Hand State, Urban and Regional Affairs Award
Shazib Altaf
Shazib has contributed significantly to the study of cannabis policy and public health in the American states. He has co-authored three peer-reviewed journal articles on how policy design variation shapes public health outcomes and is lead author on a fourth. He also contributed to a $1.6 million NIH R-01 grant proposal to expand this work. Shazib has made excellent contributions to the study of state policy and public health.
James M. Ruiz Criminal Justice Scholar Award
Makayla Smith
The James M. Ruiz Criminal Justice Scholar Award is presented in memory of Dr. James M. Ruiz, associate professor of criminal justice and retired sergeant of the New Orleans Police Department. This award recognizes a student who demonstrates outstanding potential for success in graduate or professional school. Makayla Smith exemplifies that potential in every respect.
An Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) student, Makayla is already completing graduate coursework while finishing her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, maintaining an exceptional 3.95 GPA. An Honors Program student frequently enrolled in six or seven courses per semester, she has also earned certificates in Undergraduate Research Readiness, Inclusion and Equity Advocacy, and Graduate Assistant Teaching.
Makayla is deeply committed to advancing knowledge in the field. Following participation in a police-focused Research Experience for Undergraduates, she completed an honors thesis examining police appearance policies and regulatory frameworks, supported by the Penn State 2025 Erickson Discovery Grant. She presented her research at the 2025 American Society of Criminology Annual Meeting and at campus Research Day.
In the classroom, Makayla brings a rare combination of intellectual sharpness, humility, and inclusive positivity. She engages complex material thoughtfully while encouraging others to share their perspectives, elevating discussion without ever diminishing those around her. Her excellence and humanity work seamlessly together.
Beyond academics, Makayla serves as a Student Auxiliary Officer with University Police, volunteers with the campus food pantry, and mentors elementary students during academic breaks. After graduation, she will remain at Penn State Harrisburg to complete her M.A. in Criminal Justice and continue her work in research, teaching, and service.
Makayla Smith embodies the scholarly promise, integrity, and commitment to the field that this award was created to honor.
Kenneth W. Masters Award in Public Policy
Kent Da Liu
Kent Da Liu’s record reflects the purpose of the Kenneth W. Masters Award in Public Policy by recognizing applied analysis that contributes to informed and effective policymaking. Kent has approached his public policy coursework with a consistent willingness to work through difficult questions, especially those that require moving between data, analysis, and practical application. In class, he contributes regularly and with purpose, grounding discussion in evidence and engaging directly with the implications of policy choices. He has excelled across the curriculum, including in quantitative political analysis, where he developed skills in statistical reasoning and coding using R. His work beyond the classroom totally reflects the same focus. Kent is currently interning with a State Representative, has served as a research assistant in Dr. Mallinson’s Policy Process Lab working with cannabis policy and political behavior data, and is completing an honors thesis on sports gaming policy. He also developed a policy brief addressing the funding and finances of cyber charter schools in the Commonwealth, later presenting it as part of a School of Public Affairs Public Affairs Research Colloquia. Congratulations, Kent!
Public Administration Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Samson O. Fapetu
Samson Oluwaseun Fapetu, a second-year MPA student, has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance, intellectual rigor, and a strong commitment to public service. Drawing on his legal training and experience as a member of the Nigerian Bar, he brings a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective that enriches class discussions and research work. Samson embraced the challenge of mastering quantitative methods and social network analysis, producing research that has already led to a conference submission and is poised for publication. Samson’s work ethic, curiosity, and commitment to advancing the public good exemplify the core values of the MPA program, making him highly deserving of the Outstanding Graduate Student Award.
Steven A. Peterson Political Science and Public Policy Award
Bibiana G. Posada Flores
Bibiana Posada Flores has distinguished herself through sustained academic achievement and thoughtful engagement with public policy. She has earned six semesters on the Dean’s List, and has been an active participant in the Capital Honors Program. In the classroom, she is consistently prepared and engages in ways that move discussion forward, often asking the question others are still circling. Her honors thesis, “Awakening the Sleeping Giant: Latino Voter Mobilization and the Role of Socioeconomic Factors,” takes on questions of participation, inequality, and representation with a level of rigor that stands out at the undergraduate level. Her work as a Student Advocate with Bread for the World extends this commitment beyond the classroom. She has participated in congressional advocacy on SNAP and WIC, including meetings with U.S. Senators, bringing professionalism, clarity, and a steady presence to conversations where each of those qualities carries real weight. Bibiana’s record truly reflects the purpose of the Steven A. Peterson Award by linking careful scholarship with public engagement in ways that strengthen democratic inclusion.
The Robert J. Bresler and Carol R. Nechemias Outstanding Political Science Senior Award
Michael Lippert
Michael’s record reflects the purpose of the Robert J. Bresler and Carol R. Nechemias Outstanding Political Science Senior Award by recognizing leadership grounded in attentiveness, trust, scholarship - with a near perfect GPA - and a demonstrated capacity for public service. In class, he carries himself in a steady manner, never rushing to speak, but consistently offering comments that are sharp and substantive when he does. That approach totally reflects a broader pattern. His work demonstrates strong writing and careful thinking, earning top marks, while his presence is defined by attentiveness to others. He takes time to engage with classmates, continuing discussions and ensuring that others are included. Beyond the classroom, Michael is a natural leader in student organizations and across campus. He listens closely, explains ideas with care, and builds trust through direct interaction. His advocacy for others and his interest in making campus spaces more welcoming point to a clear orientation toward public service. Congratulations, Michael! We are excited to see what you do next.
CE Outstanding Senior Award
Katherine Eimer
In addition to her stellar classroom performance, Kat is very active in the PSH chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). As part of ASCE, Kat has been a key part of the concrete canoe team and an integral part of the club's leadership. She is also in the honor's program and has presented several conference papers: including in Alaska. Kat is also a part of the PSH soccer team.
Computer Science Outstanding Graduate Student
Tulika Mandal
Tulika Mandal earned the Most Outstanding Computer Science Graduate Student award based on strong academic performance, sustained research contributions, and applied industry impact. Over the past two years, she has distinguished herself through rigorous scholarship and meaningful engagement in applied AI and machine learning research.
As a research assistant under Dr. Tran at Penn State Harrisburg, Tulika focused on building end-to-end machine learning pipelines for large-scale 3D brain MRI data to support accurate neurological disease classification. She regularly led research paper study sessions, presenting and facilitating technical discussions on methodology, experimental design, and emerging AI approaches. She co-authored peer-reviewed publications, including the conference paper “MTMLD-AWSR: A Novel Multi-Teacher Multi-Level Distillation Approach for Class Incremental Learning in Edge-Cloud Systems,” published in the 2025 IEEE Cloud Summit proceedings, and a journal article on medical image-based vascular localization. She is currently preparing an additional journal manuscript related to 3D brain MRI research.
Tulika also completed a summer internship at Penn State Health, where she developed a large language model-powered Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) chatbot for internal policy documents, translating advanced AI techniques into a practical healthcare application. Following graduation, she plans to pursue an industry role focused on AI and intelligent systems, continuing to contribute to applied machine learning research and development.
Computer Science Outstanding Student
Alexander Petrov
Alexander Petrov, a former Team USA Figure Skater, earned the Most Outstanding Computer Science Undergraduate Student award based on sustained academic excellence and outstanding contributions outside of the classroom. He made the Dean's list every semester, earning close to a 4.0 grade point average. Outside the classroom, he was active in research, took leadership roles in student organization, and achieved success in multiple internships. He worked with Biology students on Industrial Hemp research under the Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates (MC-REU), developing a Machine Learning image model for predicting seed germination rates. He served as a Chief Technical Officer and later as the President at the Computing and AI club, where he worked with several clubs at the Harrisburg campus to bring technical workshops and events to students. Alexander completed internships with Intel on an internal Linux Kernel enablement team and with Minitab on a DevOps and Cloud platform engineering team. After graduation, Alexander is starting a full-time DevOps engineering position at Minitab.
Electrical Engineering Scholastic Achievement Award
Cole Hadley
Cole transferred to Penn State Harrisburg after beginning in Computer Engineering at Berks and University Park, and his three semesters here were highly impactful. The professors were supportive, welcoming, and truly invested in their students, which he greatly appreciated after coming from a large campus. He became involved with the IEEE club, eventually serving as Technical Chair and leading hands-on electronics workshops. Since graduation, he is continuing his service in the PA Air National Guard as an Avionics Systems Technician while seeking a career in electronics design or the nuclear power industry.
Faculty Comments: Cole's academic achievement speaks for itself with a near perfect GPA! Cole was a sharp, hard working, detail-oriented student who is sure to represent Penn State Harrisburg well in the future. In addition to academics, he spearheaded many IEEE activities, including developing and presenting workshops on PCB design and hands-on soldering sessions. He demonstrated exceptional knowledge and scholastic skill while mentoring others during these sessions.
Electrical Engineering Technology Scholastic Achievement Award
Aleksander Bazhan
Aleksander earned an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in 2008 and has since built a career in the power delivery industry as an engineering technician. While balancing full-time work and family life with his wife and three children, he returned to complete his Bachelor’s Degree at Penn State Harrisburg. His studies strengthened his expertise across multiple areas of electrical engineering with a focus on power systems. His team’s capstone project, developing a custom battery cell charging system, has further expanded his interest in embedded systems. Aleksander plans to continue advancing his career in the power industry.
Faculty Comments: Alex consistently demonstrated exceptional attentiveness and dedication throughout both the lectures and lab sessions. He was highly engaged, frequently asking thoughtful questions that reflected his genuine interest in the course material, which I am sure, has contributed to his excellent GPA. His polite and respectful demeanor contributed positively to the learning environment, and his enthusiasm for learning was evident in every interaction.
Electrical Faculty Outstanding Senior Award
Aaron Beverlin
During his time at Penn State Harrisburg, Aaron has grown academically, professionally, and personally. What began as curiosity in a single class developed into a genuine passion for technology. He became involved with the IEEE student chapter, eventually helping to develop workshops and support fellow students. These experiences strengthened his skills and gave him the confidence to take on more complex and rewarding projects. His time here has shaped his goals and prepared him for the next steps in his journey.
Faculty Comments: Aaron has shared his technical passion by leading soldering workshops and providing Hackathon leadership with IEEE. He is meticulous and possesses great leadership qualities, but is humble as well. His focus on signal integrity, power systems and a genuine eagerness to debug will lend well to his future pursuit of a graduate degree and will ultimately be an asset to any engineering entity.
Mathematical Sciences Outstanding Student
Michaela Spangler
Michaela Spangler is completing her Bachelor’s in Mathematical Sciences with the Secondary Education Mathematics option this spring. She was selected by the math faculty for this award due to her quality work in mathematics, her dedication as a student, and her zestful enjoyment of learning. Michaela has excelled as student, performing well in both her mathematics and education courses. She is a superb student with a tenacious passion for learning. She is an active contributor to every class of which she has been a part. She is an adept communicator and praised by her instructors. Her future students will be honored to have her as their teacher.
Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Senior Award
Adriana B. Medina Galindo
Adriana Medina Galindo is the 2026 Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Senior. In addition to her excellent academic record as an undergraduate student, Adriana has been passionate about STEM research. She has participated in the Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates and is part of the second cohort in our Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate degree program. Adriana is the winner of the Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Society Undergraduate Student Award and the Doris Hughes Memorial Award. She has served as Vice President of our IEEE student chapter and Treasurer of SWE. Adriana has also given back to the campus community, serving as a New Student Orientation leader and a Lion Ambassador. Her hard work and dedication make her an excellent recipient of this award.
Mechanical Engineering Technology Outstanding Senior Award
Sean Frist
Sean Frist joined the Mechanical Engineering Technology program after completing his Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from HACC. Since joining Penn State Harrisburg, Sean's excellent academic performance has put him at the top of the MET program. He also gives back to the program, working as a student assistant, assisting faculty in several areas. Sean has a passion for mechanical design and rapid prototyping. He works on projects in additive manufacturing and is looking forward to taking his skills in this area to be part of a design team able to respond quickly to the increasing demands in the manufacturing sector. Sean is a truly deserving recipient of the Mechanical Engineering Technology Outstanding Senior Award.
Science Outstanding Student Award
Mane J. Khachatryan
Mane was chosen as this year's award winner for numerous reasons that are far too many to list here. Mane's bright, shining and outgoing personality, hard work, dedication and drive will leave a lasting impression on our campus. Mane is brilliant and thoughtful, but also kind, caring and respectful.
There aren't many students, faculty and staff who don't know Mane and when we announced to our department that she was our clear winner of this award, our colleagues offered nothing but agreement. Her accomplishments far surpass that of others she stands next to. She engaged in research, served as club president for the Health Sciences Club, engages in community service, works in healthcare, and so much more.
Her work ethic is unparallelled and faculty regularly ask that she serve as a teaching assistant in their classes and labs because of this and her ability to educate others in effective ways but also because she enhances our classroom experiences exponentially. Students benefit from her presence and regularly voice that to us.
Mane is a standout and even if we considered 20 years of graduating students, she would still stand out as the clear and undisputed winner of this award. We can't wait to see what you do next as it will certainly be great. We look forward to watching you grow and succeed in your future endeavors.
SDCET Outstanding Senior Award
Nicholas Trott
Student has a passion for construction as shown through his course work and a good GPA.