Michael Chorney, professor of biology in Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Science, Engineering, and Technology, has received the Technology Council of Central PA’s (TCCP) Inclusive Competitiveness in Technology Award, presented at the inaugural Women in Tech event this summer.
TCCP is “committed to raising awareness and facilitating change through networking, the recognition and celebration of women, and the encouragement of the development of the next generation of women in the technological sphere.” Chorney’s award recognized his active commitment to inclusion, advancement, and diversity in technology over the course of his career at Penn State Harrisburg and, previously, at the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine. His work has been supported by multiple national grants in collaboration with Pennsylvania’s historically black colleges and universities, and private support.
Rachael Baliira, a 2017 graduate of Penn State Harrisburg’s science program, also attended the event. Chorney served as her mentor while she was a student. Under his guidance, she established the Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) at Penn State Harrisburg. MAPS works closely with the Student National Medical Association at Penn State Hershey, an organization committed to diversifying the ranks of medical professionals. Chorney serves as faculty adviser for the Harrisburg group.
Currently enrolled in a postbaccalaureate program at the University of Michigan, Baliira was a Schreyer Honors student at Penn State Harrisburg. She presented her thesis nationally at the annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students last spring and at Harvard University.
