Director of International Programs, External Relations, Special Events and Projects
Marie-Louise had a distinguished career at Penn State Harrisburg, where she served as the Director of International Programs, External Relations, Special Events, and Projects from 2008 to 2024. In this role, she managed a diverse portfolio, including international programs, special events, and projects for the chancellor, serving a student body of about 5,000.
Marie-Louise’s professional journey also includes roles in fundraising and alumni relations, including as Director of Development at Penn State Harrisburg (2001-2008) and Director of Alumni Relations at the University of Virginia’s Darden School Foundation (1988-1994). She began her career in the pharmaceutical industry as a professional representative at Merck Sharp & Dohme and later worked as an Admissions Counselor at Vanderbilt University. Marie-Louise is a certified Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness Teacher with credentials from Yoga Renew, Davidji, and Sean Fargo. Since November 2022, she has been self-employed as a freelance instructor, offering her expertise in wellness practices.
She holds a B.A. in General Biology from Vanderbilt University and a Master's in Public Administration from Penn State Harrisburg. Throughout her career, Marie-Louise has been committed to both professional excellence and personal well-being, integrating her passion for wellness with her leadership experience in higher education.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Administrative Assistant, International Programs, External Relations, Special Events and Projects
Janet Althouse, originally from Wyoming, dedicated over seventeen years of service to Penn State Harrisburg. She joined the University in September 2005 as an administrative assistant in the Chancellor's office, leaving in 2008 to become a Milton Hershey School houseparent. In February 2009, she returned as an administrative assistant in the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, where she worked for nearly 10 years. In 2018, she transitioned to a role as an administrative assistant in the Office of International Affairs and External Relations, where she continued to serve until her retirement in 2024.
Known for her meticulous nature and excellent customer service skills, she quickly earned a reputation for being highly reliable and effective in her role. Throughout her career, she was celebrated for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
In her retirement, Janet enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband Adam, their two daughters, Lacey and Keely, and her granddaughter, Jovey. She also cherishes the company of her beloved dog, Zuzu. Janet is an active member of her church and takes great joy in hosting an annual Christmas play. Her dedication to her family, faith, and community continues to be at the heart of her life.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Professor Emerita of Community Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Dr. Holly Angelique dedicated her career to Penn State Harrisburg, where she was a faculty member for 28 years. She climbed the academic career ladder via a variety of administrative positions, including Chair of the M.A. program in Community Psychology and Social Change, Interim Director of the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, and the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. As a school director, she supervised approximately 50 full-time faculty members, 10 full-time staff members and 3 division chairs representing social sciences, education, and health and professional studies. In addition to 11 undergraduate degrees, she oversaw nine master’s programs, one doctoral program and multiple graduate certificate programs. As Assistant Dean, she supervised, and provided budget support for, the Registrar’s Office, Russell E. Horn Sr. Learning Center, Lambert Undergraduate Advising Center, Center for Teaching Excellence, and Continuing Education. She also oversaw Schreyer Honors program, Capital College Honors program, Faculty Senate, Academic Integrity and Grade Adjudication Committees, served as the College’s Designee for Visiting Scholars and point-person for all matters related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Additionally, she had leadership roles in the college’s strategic planning, policy administration (including all student petitions and academic integrity violations), and faculty/staff development, evaluation, and retention. She served in a variety of university-related positions, including but not limited to the liaison to World Campus and her infamous role as “drone girl,” (overseeing Policy PS11 Use of Drones). She also served as a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Committee and the Academic Executive Committee, where she provided strategic leadership to all aspects of the campus activities and operations.
As a scholar, Dr. Angelique’s research was proudly committed to DEIB, as well as political empowerment and activism. She pursued a Ph.D. in the academic discipline of Ecological-Community Psychology at Michigan State University specifically because of its social justice orientation. Her dissertation explored pathways to political activism (Angelique, 1997; Angelique et al, 2002), which provided a foundation for her future scholarship with Three Mile Island as the backdrop for her research on long-term environmental activism (Angelique & Culley, 2014; Angelique & Cunningham, 2006; Culley & Angelique, 2003, 2010, 2011). A second strand of her research explored critical feminism (Angelique, 2012; Angelique et al, 2013; Angelique & Culley, 2001, 2003; Angelique & Mulvey, 2012; Fegley, Angelique & Cunningham, 2006; Sullivan et al 1994; Taylor, Angelique & Kyle, 2003) and environmental justice (Angelique, 2014; Binette & Angelique, 2021; Cunningham & Angelique, 2010; Mercuri & Angelique, 2004; Quimby & Angelique, 2011;), with international reach (Marcoux, Angelique & Culley, 2009). Examples of her global commitment included research on Indonesian refugees in the U.S. (Humam, Weinstein & Angelique, 2017), the LGBT community in Vietnam (Nguyen & Angelique, 2017), and anti-nuclear activists at Fukushima Prefecture, Japan (Angelique & Culley, 2014). She also co-authored a summary of U.S. community psychology for the only international textbook in the field (Angelique & Culley, 2007). She was also active in the Society for Community Research and Action, Division 27 of the American Psychological Association, where she held positions, including Editor of a column in The Community Psychologist, Chair of the Standing Committee on Women, Founding Member of the Council of Education Programs, and Secretary of the Executive Committee.
Dr. Angelique devoted her career to her philosophy that a diversity of perspectives, cultures, and orientations to life are at the heart of rich and vibrant environments, and to dismantling structural foundations that privilege some and disadvantage others, in both research and practice. In addition to DEIB work, Dr. Angelique plans to pursue her lifelong passion for oil painting, and to explore all the beaches of Maine in her retirement.
Contributed by Dr. Vahid Motevalli
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Electrical Engineering
Dr. Omid Ansary retired in August 2024, after a remarkable 35+ year career at Penn State Harrisburg, with the final 12 years serving as the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Administration. Dr. Ansary’s journey at the college began as a professor of electrical engineering in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SSET), where his deep commitment to teaching and student success became evident. He went on to hold many influential roles, including serving as Director of SSET for nine years, before transitioning to his leadership role as Senior Associate Dean.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Ansary was a staunch advocate for student success, playing a critical role in many key initiatives that transformed the college. He led the introduction of first-year student admittance, helping to shift the college from an upper-division institution to one offering programs from associates to doctoral degrees. He also helped incorporate required externships and internships across all science and engineering curricula, ensuring that students gained valuable real-world experience. Dr. Ansary was a driving force behind the expansion of international activities at the college, including study abroad programs, research collaborations, and student exchanges, and was instrumental in creating more spaces on campus dedicated to extracurricular activities, teaching, and research.
Dr. Ansary's research interests included control systems, signals and systems, model order reductions, and computer architecture, areas in which he made significant contributions throughout his career. His work has helped shape the academic foundation for many students and professionals in the field of electrical engineering. Dr. Ansary holds a B.E., M.S.E.E., and Ph.D. from the University of Akron, further underscoring his deep academic expertise.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Penn State Harrisburg, the college established the Omid Ansary Student Emergency Assistance Fund. This fund provides vital support to students facing unexpected financial crises, such as job loss, transportation issues, and food or housing insecurity. Dr. Ansary leaves behind a lasting legacy at Penn State Harrisburg, having made a profound and lasting impact on the students, faculty, and community that he served so passionately throughout his illustrious career.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Executive Assistant, Office of the Chancellor
Sharon Blouch retired after a distinguished career at Penn State Harrisburg, having joined the institution in April 1998. Initially serving as a staff assistant in the Bursar’s Office, Sharon's primary responsibility was to assist students, parents, faculty, staff, and various University departments with matters related to tuition and fees, housing rates, financial aid, and University policies. Her attention to detail and dedication quickly made her a valued member of the team.
In May 2001, Sharon transitioned to the Chancellor’s Office as an administrative assistant, where she provided critical support to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and served as backup support to the Chancellor. During her tenure in this role, Sharon worked closely with three different academic deans. In 2007, she was appointed the administrative support coordinator for the Chancellor’s Office, where she continued to serve under three different chancellors, contributing significantly to the smooth operation of the office.
Sharon reflects on her career with gratitude, stating that she has "had the opportunity to work with an amazing team over the years. Our campus has always felt like an extended family and 'home away from home,' and working with the campus community has been a privilege."
Before joining Penn State Harrisburg, Sharon's work experience included serving as an office manager and a customer service student loan representative for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), as well as working as a teacher’s aide for the Middletown Area School District.
Sharon is a proud 2010 graduate of Penn State Harrisburg, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a business minor. Her educational journey began at Slippery Rock University, where she initially pursued a special education degree, and she also took courses at HACC.
Outside of her professional life, Sharon has been married to Edward Blouch for over 45 years. Together, they have two adult daughters, Chande and Corie, and five grandchildren: Ethan, Madyson, Emma, Addison, and Ellie. Sharon enjoys camping, hiking, home improvement projects, crafts, exercising, yoga, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Associate Professor Emeritus of Engineering, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Dr. Cecere joined Penn State Harrisburg in August 1982 as an assistant professor in the Building Construction Technology program. He earned his Ph.D. at North Texas State University and has been a CPC (Certificated Professional Constructor) since 2002. He also operated a construction consulting firm.
Dr. Cecere's research included planning and scheduling construction projects, project management, safety, and estimating. He is a co-author of an estimating text that the construction industry uses as well as many university construction programs.
During his forty-two years at Penn State Harrisburg, Dr. Cecere created and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in construction management, estimating, scheduling, and safety. He was the program coordinator for over 25 years and served on numerous college and University committees. Those committees included Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor’s appointment to the NCAA, the University’s Intercollegiate Athletics Committee and the SDCET faculty elected him to the college Faculty Senate. Dr. Cecere also served on the University Faculty Senate and chaired the University Faculty Senate Academic Affairs Committee. He also served on the University Faculty Senate Committees, including the Committees and Rules and the Committee on Instructional Facilities.
He also participated in regional and national professional associations. These included the National (AGC) Associated General Contractors of America (the nation’s largest commercial contractor association), the AGC Education and Research Foundation, the National Certified Professional Constructor Commission, the American Society for Engineering Education, and served on the NCAA Division III faculty representative committee.
Dr. Cecere’s involvement with the Associated Builders and Contractors also established Penn State Harrisburg’s first endowed scholarship, as well as numerous other endowments for Penn State Harrisburg students. He is an OSHA national instructor, teaching OSHA construction safety certificate courses, which he taught to Penn Stata Harrisburg students free as part of their coursework.
His service made Penn State Harrisburg a major leader in construction related universities and construction education for Pennsylvania as well as nationally. His involvement also played a key role in the constant high placement rate for graduates of the program.
Contributed by Dr. Shirley Clark
Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Dr. Chen earned his Ph.D. degree from the University of Minnesota. He was with Penn State Harrisburg for 35.5 years (1989-2024). His primary teaching included engineering mechanics, structural steel design, foundation design, and bridge engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His research covered broadly on dynamic soil-structure interaction, computational methods, limit states design, seismic analysis and design, floor vibrations, sustainable materials, geo-environmental engineering, historical structures, composite structures, wind engineering, high-speed rail bridges, and AI applications. He was involved with a number of research projects funded by various domestic and foreign agencies. His publication record includes 316 high quality referred journal papers (as of 2025), 2 technical manuals, 58+ research reports (producing 55 M.S. students and 3 co-advised Ph.D. students), 1 book, 3 book chapters, and 1 patent.
Dr. Chen has received a number of honors and awards including Outstanding Research Award from Penn State Harrisburg (twice), Research Fellow from National Sciences Council on Taiwan (multiple times), Daniel P. Jenny Research Award from Prestressed Concrete Institute (twice), Excellence in Transportation Design/Construction Award from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (three times), Outstanding Scholar Award from Central University (Taiwan), Research Fellow from Japan Society for Promotion of Science (twice), Outstanding Alumni Award from Cheng Kung University (Taiwan), and Distinguished Professor from the elite institutions of Central University (Taiwan), Cheng Kung University (Taiwan), Central South University (China), Tsinghua University (China), Chongqing University (China), Seoul National University (South Korea), University of Tokyo (Japan), and Kyushu University (Japan).
Dr. Chen had been actively involved with various technical committees within ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), ACI (American Concrete Institute), and AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction), and AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). He has conducted numerous seminars, workshops, and training courses over the years. He has also been an editor for Materials Testing (Germany) and the Journal of Structural Integrity and Maintenance (UK).
Dr. Chen is a registered professional engineer and has been an active technical consultant to various organizations. He has been the coordinator for the Graduate Programs for Engineering and Sciences at Penn State Harrisburg and Associate Chair for the Civil Engineering Program at Penn State Harrisburg. He has served on a variety of campus committees at various levels of capacity with several of them acting as the chair.
Conclusion from DeepSeek:
“Yohchia (Frank) Chen is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with significant contributions to civil engineering, particularly in seismic design, bridge engineering, and sustainable materials. His extensive publication record, numerous awards, and international collaborations underscore his impact on the field.”
In his retirement, Dr. Chen continues research collaborations with the universities in China and South Korea and gives lectures and presentations in China and South Korea yearly. He is the newly appointed editor of Engineering Applications of AI, a top journal of Elsevier. He looks forward to leisure travels and spending more time with his family and grandson Luke, and in Bible study.
Contributed by Dr. Shirley Clark
Associate Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Rick Ciocci joined the Penn State Harrisburg faculty in August 2002. Prior to that appointment, he worked for the Monsanto Research Corporation’s Mound Facility, AMP Incorporated’s General Products Division, and Harrisburg Area Community College’s Wildwood Campus. His academic background included a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
Dr. Ciocci's’s research interests included Pb-free electronics, sustainable engineering and manufacturing, and material flow analysis. Among his externally funded research projects were the study of naphthalene for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pb-free design and manufacturing for the University of Maryland’s Computer-Aided Life Cycle Engineering Center. He published academic-related papers on graduate studies in engineering technology, curriculum development, and first-year seminars in engineering. Dr. Ciocci was recognized for the College Faculty Advising Award and the College Faculty Teaching Award.
While at Penn State Harrisburg, Dr. Ciocci actively participated in University, college, and program service. He served as the Harrisburg representative of the University’s Penn State Sustainability Council for ten years. He served as the Harrisburg representative to the College of Engineering for fifteen years. He served as the Mechanical Engineering and Technology program chair for seven years and as the interim Biology and Science program chair for two years. He served as the faculty representative on the College Alumni Affairs Committee for three years, and served as the Co-chair of the College’s Curricular Affairs for ten years. He assisted in writing new program proposals and seeing the proposals approved for the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and the Mechanical Engineering Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate programs.
Dr. Ciocci enjoyed opportunities to interact with faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues outside the traditional classroom settings. He participated in the college’s New Student Orientation program for twenty years. He taught an online graduate course in environmental engineering management for the Great Valley Campus’ Master of Engineering Management every semester from 2012 to 2023. He led two spring break study tours to London and two to Darmstadt, Germany. He was the keynote speaker at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers V Congress in 2006 in Caracas, Venezuela. Dr. Ciocci was invited to lead an engineering mechanics teaching seminar to Fergusson College physics and mathematics faculty members in Pune, India in 2016.
Dr. Ciocci is currently serving as an adjunct faculty member at the Harrisburg Area Community College.
Contributed by Dr. Shirley Clark
Administrative Staff Assistant, Office of Physical Plant
Stacey began her career with Penn State in 1990 in the College of Education at University Park before transferring to Penn State Harrisburg in 1992 ,where she was the staff assistant in the Institute for State and Regional Affairs unit. Stacey worked in ISRA until 2014, then became the administrative assistant in Maintenance and Operations until her retirement in 2024. During her time at Penn State, Stacey was a valued asset to her team with her varied knowledge and experiences gained in her multiple roles at the University. She was known for her dedication, reliability, and organization. Stacey and her husband are looking forward to continuing their passion for cruising the Caribbean islands as well as exploring other tropical locations.
Contributed by Michael Roth
Associate Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Dr. Robert Gray joined Penn State in 1999, starting at Penn State Behrend. While at Penn State Behrend, he directed the Center for Navigation, Communication, and Information Systems at the Larson Transportation Institute in the College of Engineering at University Park. During this time, Dr. Gray secured a gifted locomotive cab from GE Transportation Systems in Erie, PA, and conducted electromagnetic interference research on wireless remote monitoring and diagnostic systems for worldwide locomotive health predictions using artificial intelligence (AI). Through an industry partnership, he developed and taught two special topics engineering courses, Introduction to Rail Systems and Reliability Engineering, which supported undergraduate engineering education and his rail systems research. In 2007, Dr. Gray joined Penn State Harrisburg, where he contributed to the college as the elected President of the Faculty Senate and expanded online graduate learning for 10 years as the Professor-in-Charge of the nationally ranked and successful World Campus Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering professional degree program. Dr. Gray received the Influential Advisor Award for exemplary service and dedication from Penn State Behrend’s Multicultural Council and was also nominated for the Council of Fellows’ Excellence in Teaching Award. Additionally, he received the General Electric Edison Award to Inventors for a patent submission on "Method for Data Transfer from a Mobile Asset Considering Communication Link Quality." Other honors include the William E. Jackson Award in Aviation, presented by the Washington, D.C.-based RTCA organization, which represents more than 200 international government, industry, and academic organizations involved in the development of airline aviation requirements. He also received the Best Paper Award at the Institute of Navigation (ION) International GPS Conference in Nashville, TN. Dr. Gray has taught more than 40 engineering and technology courses, including the development and teaching of online graduate courses in Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Sensor and Detection Systems for Homeland Security, and Online Graduate Research. He has supervised more than 75 online graduate research projects. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed conference and journal publications and holds three U.S. patents. Prior to joining Penn State, Dr. Gray was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as a research engineer in the Air Force Laboratory Sensors Division and served as an avionics engineer with the F16 program office. He also served on active duty in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard. Dr. Gray now serves as a Section Head overseeing Research & Development for mission-critical technology used in electronic support measures (ESM) for tactical electronic warfare (EW) systems at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, D.C.
Contributed by Dr. Shirley Clark
Director, Strategic Communications
Yvonne Harhigh dedicated nearly 20 years of service to Penn State Harrisburg, holding several key roles, including Director of Strategic Communications, Associate Director, and Senior Marketing Associate. Prior to her time at Penn State, she served as the Director of Publications for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Yvonne holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Penn State Harrisburg and is highly skilled in media relations, crisis communications, strategic communications planning and execution, as well as speechwriting and editing. Throughout her tenure at Penn State Harrisburg, she made significant and lasting contributions to the University’s communications efforts.
Outside of her professional achievements, Yvonne and her husband are the proud parents of two grown children, and she is an avid fan of Bruce Springsteen and travels far and wide to take in his concerts.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Campus Technology Officer, Penn State Harrisburg
Senior IT Director for Commonwealth Campuses
Dr. John Hoh worked at Penn State Harrisburg for over 16 years, serving in several key leadership roles, including Director of Information Technology Services, Campus Technology Officer, Associate Vice President for Teaching and Learning with Technology, and Senior IT Director for Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses. Before joining Penn State, John held positions as the Director of Computing Services at both Franklin & Marshall College and the West York Area School District.
John holds a Bachelor of Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a four-year starter on their varsity lacrosse team, earning All-Ivy recognition twice and serving as team captain during his senior year. He also holds a Master of Computer Science from the University of New Haven and a Doctor of Education in Research Methodologies/Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
John is a highly accomplished senior information technology professional, with a proven track record of managing complex IT projects that exceeded expectations. With expertise in strategic planning, systems design, and the implementation of best practices, he excelled in building high-performance teams, managing complex projects, and improving productivity. John’s skills in risk assessment, system security, infrastructure design, and organizational development, along with his strong interpersonal and negotiation abilities, made him a highly successful and respected leader in IT management. Throughout his career, he focused on process improvements, business continuity, and cost-effective solutions, delivering significant results for the organizations he has served, most notably at Penn State.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Associate Professor Emeritus of Communications, School of Humanities
Dr. Peter J. Kareithi joined Penn State Harrisburg in August 2001 as Assistant Professor of Communications after completing his Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1996. Prior to his graduate education, he was a successful journalist in Kenya, recognized as Kenyan Journalist of the Year in 1980 and Best Reporter in 1983. He taught journalism and media with a global perspective, and he was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 2008. In 2009, he was recognized with the college’s Excellence in Teaching Award. As a central faculty member in the school’s M.A. in Communications program, he was also recognized by the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (NAGS) with its NAGS Graduate Teaching Award in 2009. His research in African journalism and politics also led to visiting professorships at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University in Kenya in 2014. He completed his final semester teaching Communications at Penn State Harrisburg in Fall 2024, and he is recognized by Penn State as an Associate Professor Emeritus.
Contributed by Dr. Jeffrey Beck
Academic Program Coordinator, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Deborah Klugh began her career at Penn State Harrisburg in 2002, working part-time at Stacks Coffee Shop before transitioning to a Staff Assistant role for the Aquatics Program. In addition to her administrative responsibilities in Aquatics, she also earned her American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification to serve as a backup lifeguard when needed. In 2006, Deb secured her first full-time position as a Staff Assistant in the Registrar’s Office, where she worked for two years before being recruited to join the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education. There, she began her long-standing career in academics as an Academic Program Coordinator, supporting both undergraduate and graduate programs within BSED. Known for her flexibility and dedication, she readily stepped in to provide coverage across various programs whenever needed. Deb was a friendly and welcoming presence to students, faculty, and staff alike, embodying the values of Penn State Harrisburg and serving as a wonderful ambassador for the University and its mission. Deb retired in June 2024 and is now enjoying her well-earned retirement with her husband, Tom. Together, they cherish time with their three grandchildren, who occasionally join them on their cruising and travel adventures.
Contributed by Becky Parthemore
Administrative Assistant, Office of the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Angela Larks began her career at Penn State Harrisburg in 2006 as an administrative assistant, bringing her expertise and dedication to a variety of departments throughout her tenure. Notably, she served in the Chancellor’s Office and made significant contributions to advancing inclusive excellence in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her passion for fostering an inclusive environment was evident in her work, where she played a key role in supporting initiatives that championed diversity and equity. In 2024, Angela was honored with the college's Inclusive Excellence Award, recognizing her exceptional efforts to create a welcoming and supportive learning and working environment for all students and employees, regardless of background.
Angela has been married to her husband Mike for 25 years, they have two daughters, Gerae and Ashley and son-in-love Cornell, four grandchildren, Stephen, Caydence, Cornell III, and Cairo and one great granddaughter Tay'Lanni. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, travelling, supporting the Philly Eagles, and attending community events with her Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Academic Records Coordinator, Registrar’s Office
We celebrate Jeanette Logan today for her nearly 23 years of service at Penn State Harrisburg in various positions in the Registrar’s office. Jeanette’s steadfast commitment to our students shone through every day as she diligently helped any person who reached out for assistance. She enjoyed “working with great people in the Swatara Building, we were part of a crazy family….but [she] wouldn’t change a thing.” In retirement, she most enjoys spending time with her grandson, who has stolen her heart. We miss Jeanette’s camaraderie, humor, and extensive Penn State Harrisburg knowledge, and we wish her all the best in retirement.
Contributed by Paula Maynard
Admissions Officer, Office of Enrollment Management
Jayne Miller worked for Penn State Harrisburg for nearly 37 years, starting in Housing and Food Services. She also held positions in Continuing Education as well as Enrollment Services.
In her most recent position in enrollment services, she had a unique role that had both admissions and Registrar duties. Known locally as the LionPATH guru, Jayne was often the first to assist colleagues with challenges in LionPATH.
Jayne worked with students the entire time they were here. From admitting students, updating degree audits, and updating transfer credits, she played a key role in serving students.
Since retiring, (and before), she spends time with her daughter, crafting and selling their crafts at craft fairs.
Contributed by Rob Coffman
Administrative Support Coordinator, Recycling Markets Center Corporation
With 35 years of combined service at the Recycling Markets Center Corporation (RMC) and the Children’s Miracle Network at the Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Melanie has dedicated her entire career to non-profit selfless service.
When Melanie began at the RMC, funding was only promised for 5-years. Now 20 years later, funding has more than doubled, with the RMC as the recognized Pennsylvania entity of economic development through manufacturing use of Pennsylvania’s recycled materials.
Melanie has been responsible for center-wide organizational support, especially to the President and Board of Directors. She has been an active Secretary of the RMC Board of Directors, maintaining required Corporation recordkeeping. Melanie helped oversee the RMC transition from IBIS to SIMBA and has been an asset in tracking expenditures of the RMC from day one, September 2005.
Melanie has also supported her two stepdaughters as an engaged mother, with both attending Penn State Harrisburg.
Melanie has also been an advocate of non-profit operations in her local community, serving as an operations manager for the Millersburg Ferry Boat Association. At this life transition, where Melanie will assume the part-time role of events coordinator for the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Arts, she continues to grow in supporting an environmental non-profit organization.
We, the team at the Recycling Markets Center Corporation and our Board of Directors, thank Melanie for her diligent service to the mission of the Recycling Markets Center Corporation and wish her and her family much success in retirement.
Contributed by Robert Bylone
Administrative Support Assistant, Lambert Undergraduate Advising Center
Vicki Psyck joined Penn State Harrisburg in 2000 and was a key part of the team supporting the college’s transition to having first-year students. She also supported the logistical challenges of moving the Advising Center from Olmsted to the Student Enrichment Center in 2016. She coordinated the behind-the-scenes activities of New Student Orientations and was frequently one of the first people new students and families interacted with.
Throughout her time at Penn State Harrisburg, Vicki was dedicated to creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere to enhance student success and supporting her colleagues to have a productive and positive work experience. Colleagues praised her institutional memory, work ethic, dry humor, and baked goods.
In her retirement, Vicki has enjoyed traveling, exercising, gardening, reading, and spending time with her grandkids, family, and friends.
Contributed by Daniel Mercado
Associate Professor Emeritus of Communications and Humanities, School of Humanities
Catherine A. Rios joined Penn State Harrisburg in August 2003 as Assistant Professor of Communications and Humanities after completing her M.F.A. in Screenwriting and Cinematography at Columbia University in 2002. In 2009, she was promoted to Associate Professor, and at that time, she began to serve as coordinator of the undergraduate program in Communications, chairing the program from 2010 through 2016. She was a leader in Faculty Senate, serving as Penn State Harrisburg’s Faculty Senate President in 2013-2014, as well as later serving on the University Faculty Senate as a Penn State Harrisburg representative. She received the college’s Faculty Service Award in 2015. From 2015 through 2019, she served as Assistant Director of the School of Humanities, leading course scheduling efforts. In 2018, she was named a Faculty General Education Scholar for Penn State, and in 2019, she received the University’s Jack P. Royer Award for Active and Collaborative Learning. Her research included writing and directing screenplays, which appeared at film festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada, and her work as co-author of the historical account, "Murder in the Garment District" (the New Press), which made the New York Times Summer Reading List in 2020. She completed her final semester teaching Communications courses in spring 2024, retiring at the end of June. She is recognized by Penn State as Associate Professor Emeritus.
Contributed by Dr. Jeffrey Beck
Proposal and Award Generalist
Alison Shuler began her career with Penn State in 2001 at the Environmental Training Center at Penn State Harrisburg. After 13 years at the Environmental Training Center, she transitioned to the role of Internship Coordinator and Homeland Security Program Coordinator in the School of Public Affairs in 2014, where she coordinated administrative activities related to student enrichment through internship opportunities.
In 2023, Alison joined the Finance Office as a Proposal and Award Generalist. In her role, she worked closely with Finance and the Office of Research and Outreach (ORO) to distribute labor, monitor grant spending, and follow-ups as needed. Alison retired as a Proposal and Award Generalist in December 2024.
Alison had an incredible wealth of knowledge about Penn State Harrisburg, its policies and procedures, and the histories of various schools, units, and the campus. She was an amazing team player who consistently dedicated time to engaging in discussions and ensuring tasks were completed with excellence. Her collaborative spirit made her an invaluable asset to the campus community. Colleagues in ORO wish her the very best in this next chapter as she enjoys retirement with her family, but they will miss her dedication and genuine kindness.
Contributed by Dr. Sherri Kermanshachi and Alicia Wondolowski
Finance Officer
Jay Spiegel is a retired finance professional with a diverse career that spans both financial management and music. He retired after a distinguished tenure as the Finance Officer at Penn State Harrisburg, where he served from March 2012 until his retirement in 2024. In this role, he provided expert financial guidance to the Chancellor, overseeing areas such as tuition revenue, position management, and budget reviews. Jay was also responsible for managing research-related financial reporting, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines, and leading audits with no significant findings. His expertise in financial systems and training campus personnel was an integral part of Penn State Harrisburg’s financial operations.
Before his time as Finance Officer, Jay worked as an Assistant Finance Officer at Penn State Harrisburg from 2000 to 2012. His earlier career includes roles at Penn State Hershey, HealthMATE Inc., and the World Bank, where he gained valuable experience in finance, data analysis, and administrative support.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jay also had a vibrant career in music. In the early 1990s, he was the drummer for the alternative rock bands B.A.L.L., Gumball, and Dinosaur Jr., performing and touring around the world. His musical career brought him into the spotlight in the thriving alternative rock scene, where he traveled internationally and gained recognition for his dynamic drumming.
Jay earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from The American University (1981–1983) and completed an Information Systems Specialist Program at The George Washington University (1986–1989). Throughout his career, he demonstrated a unique ability to blend his financial expertise with his creative talents.
In his retirement, Jay remains involved in his community as a volunteer with Castaway Critters, an animal welfare organization, a position he has held since 2012.
Contributed by Todd Camp
Associate Professor Emerita of Education, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Dr. Martha Strickland is an Associate Professor Emerita of Education in the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education. Dr. Strickland earned her Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois University, her M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida, and her B.A. in Elementary Education from Wheaton College. As an educational psychologist with a background in international work, her scholarly focus was the study of building understanding between teachers and students from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds, including migrants and refugees. She also investigated the construction of diversity within teachers’ and students’ dialogues. Her scholarship is framed by the social constructivist theoretical approach that draws on Vygotsky. Gee's Discourse concept of storylines and Bakhtin's concept of dialogism also inform her work. This theoretical backdrop results in three key assumptions of constructing understanding within interactions which inform her scholarly pursuits 1) all meaning-making is embedded within the learner's cultural, historical, and social contexts, 2) understanding is a multivocal social process that is continually constructed within collaborative efforts, and 3) understanding is a co-constructed process provoking creativity and surprise. Dr. Strickland served the college in many capacities, including serving as a University Senator, as the Assistant Director of the Honors Program, in DEEC, and the Curriculum Affairs Committee, among others. She received the Faculty Diversity Award in 2014. Before coming to Penn State Harrisburg, she spent her career overseas as a teacher and international educational consultant in over thirty countries.
Contributed by Dr. Raffy Luquis
Distinguished Professor Emerita of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Dr. Elizabeth Tisdell, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, is the former Chair of Health and Professional Studies within the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education. She taught at Penn State Harrisburg in the Lifelong Learning and Adult Education graduate programs since 2002. She received her Ed.D. in Adult Education from the University of Georgia, earned her M.A. in Religion and Religious Education from Fordham University, and her B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Maine. She was the Chair of the Commission of Professors of Adult Education through the American Association of Adult and Continuing Education from 2012-2014, the Co-Editor of the Adult Education Quarterly from 2006-2011, and serves on numerous editorial boards of scholarly journals. Dr. Tisdell's research interests and publications have spanned the areas of qualitative and mixed methods research, spirituality and culture in adult learning, the health and education professions, medical education, and transformative pilgrimage learning. She has also done research over the years in critical media literacy and financial literacy among adult learners, and feminist and social justice issues in higher and adult education. More recently, she focused on the role of meditation and embodied learning and its implications for the health and well-being of communities of adult learners. Her most recent research with colleagues was “The Effects of Heart Rhythm Meditation on Vagal Tone and Well Being: A Mixed Methods Research Study.” She recently published the fifth edition of her book titled "Qualitative Research."
Contributed by Dr. Raffy Luquis
Professor Emerita of Mathematics Education, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Dr. Jane M. Wilburne is a Professor Emerita of Mathematics Education in the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education. She served as the Chair of Teacher Education until her retirement. Her expertise is in teacher practice related to enhancing teachers’ confidence and pedagogical knowledge to promote students’ mathematical problem-solving and reasoning skills. She coordinated and taught a series of four graduate mathematics education courses that led candidates to a state endorsement in mathematics coaching. Dr. Wilburne was the Principal Investigator on various Eisenhower Professional Development and Mathematics and Science Partnership grants of over $3 million related to STEM, teacher practice, and mathematics coaching. She has published articles on culturally relevant practices in the mathematics classroom, promoting mathematical problem-solving, and high-leverage teaching practices. Her co-authored book, "Cowboys Count, Monkeys Measure, and Princesses Problem Solve: Building Early Math Skills Through Storybooks," was co-published by Brookes Publishing Company and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Contributed by Dr. Raffy Luquis
Professor Emeritus of Environmental Engineering, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Dr. Yuefeng Xie joined Penn State Harrisburg in August 1995 as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering. He earned tenure as an Associate Professor in 2001 and was promoted to Professor in 2007. Over his 29-year tenure, Dr. Xie has been a prolific scholar, authoring four books on water disinfection and disinfection byproducts, and publishing over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles. As Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator, he secured more than $7 million in external research and training grants. Dr. Xie spearheaded the establishment of the water center and played a key role in raising funds for the 9,000-square-foot expansion of the Science and Technology Building.
A Fulbright Scholar and Fellow of the International Water Association, Dr. Xie also served on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board Drinking Water Committee across three administrations. His contributions have earned him numerous recognitions, including awards from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association, the Pennsylvania Section of AWWA, and the Chinese-American Professors in Environmental Engineering and Science. In 2023, Dr. Xie received the Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Education Award from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) and the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP). He was also named the AEESP Lecturer at the 2024 AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition.
Dr. Xie received the Penn State Harrisburg Faculty Excellence in Research Award in 2002 and the Penn State University Faculty Outreach Award in 2014. In recognition of his long-standing contributions to water management at Penn State, he was nominated for an honorary road, Xie Lane. Through his advocacy efforts, a new road, Water Doc Lane, was established on the Penn State University Park campus as a lasting tribute to all water professionals.
Contributed by Dr. Shirley Clark