Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Emily Jackovic (Accounting and Finance)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Emily Jackovic.

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Penn State Provost Award

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the opportunity to be on the swim team while also being part of a strong dual-degree academic program.

Why she chose her majors: I excelled in accounting in high school and have always been interested in owning my own business. Studying accounting and finance gave me a strong foundation in understanding how money works and how financial decisions impact a business.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Finishing as a top performer in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Pittsburgh Collegiate Stock Picker Challenge competition. I was also honored to travel to California to attend a professional conference, which helped expand my network and career perspective.

Challenges overcome: Balancing a demanding course load, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement was challenging at times. Learning how to manage my time effectively and stay disciplined helped me grow both academically and personally.

Campus involvement: President of the Accounting Club, School of Business Ambassador, member of Behrend Swim team (two years), and founder of the Women in Business club.

What makes her unique: I enjoy taking initiative and building opportunities where they don’t already exist, which is what led me to found Women in Business. I’m motivated, outgoing, and enjoy bringing people together.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love being outdoors and around water. I enjoy paddleboarding, pickleball, and hiking. I’ve visited twelve national parks so far.

Her highest priority: Gaining experience in public accounting and learning as much as possible. Within the next ten years, I hope to use that knowledge to start my own wedding venue business.

What she’s passionate about: Leadership, professional development, and creating opportunities for others—especially helping students build confidence and connections early in their careers.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved on campus early. It’s the best way to make friends and build connections. Also, take the time to connect with your professors. They offer valuable mentorship and networking opportunities that can open doors later on.

After her graduation in May, Emily will work full time at H2R CPA in Pittsburgh, beginning her career in public accounting.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Daniel Easly (Mechanical Engineering)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Daniel Easly.

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Prischak Scholarship

Why he chose Behrend: The outstanding engineering department and proximity to my home.

Why he chose his major: I chose Mechanical Engineering for the curriculum of various engineering disciplines. This broad spectrum of classes allows for knowledge that spans various industries.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Maintaining a good GPA while being involved in multiple programs on campus.

Challenges overcome: Finals in the fall of my junior year. Overcoming this workload while studying with my peers and getting good results was quite fulfilling.

Campus involvement: Penn State Behrend Men’s Volleyball and Behrend Engineering Ambassadors.

Awards: Most Improved Player (2024 and 2025 seasons), Second Team All-Conference AMCC (2025), Academic All-Conference (2025)

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I enjoy skiing and baking!

His highest priority: Excelling in my career, buying a house, and starting a family.

What he’s passionate about: The sport of volleyball, engineering, LEGOs, family, and sports.

After his graduation in May, Daniel plans to work as a mechanical engineer in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Samanth Hulings (Environmental Science)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Samantha Hulings.

Major: Environmental Science

Hometown: Kane, Pennsylvania

Award: Excellence in Environmental Science, Research

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the professor-to-student ratio. It’s very nice to have the ability to build professional relationships with professors and attend their office hours to get help if needed. I also love the small campus. Behrend also has the Wintergreen Gorge in its backyard, so there are many opportunities to get out in nature.

Challenges overcome: Being away from home and my family was a big challenge for me. I’m very much a homebody and I live about two hours from Behrend, so not being able to see my family and pets was pretty challenging in my first year. I called home frequently to stay in touch, and I went home a lot on the weekends.

What she’s passionate about: Being outdoors. Whether it’s spending my evening on a trail ride on one of my horses or just taking a break to touch grass, being outside resets my busy brain.

Advice for first-year students: Don’t be afraid to go to your professor’s office hours. They really do want to help you.

After her graduation in May, Samantha will work in seasonal fieldwork for Ecological Field Services.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Owen Kagle (Business Economics and Finance)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Owen Kagle.

Majors: Business Economics and Finance

Hometown: Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Provost Award and Leadership Scholarship

Why he chose Behrend: I loved the campus, the community, and the abundance of opportunities that are available here. The professors and staff all want to see you succeed, and that gives you a support network like no other to draw from.

Why he chose his majors: I’ve been interested in the financial world since I was young, and my love for economics started with a very passionate teacher in high school, Mr. Lucas, who challenged me to learn as much as I could about how theory can be applied to the real world. I wanted both the theoretical side in business economics and the statistical side in finance, and I could attain both in four years at Behrend, so it was the perfect fit for me.

Campus involvement: Resident Assistant in the on-campus apartments, senator for Student Government Association, night building assistant for Student Leadership and Involvement, fundraising chair and chancellor for the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, Business Ambassador, tour guide, lead analyst for the Intrieri Family Student-Managed Fund, member of Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, and vice president of the South East Asian Association.

Advice for first-year students: Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and get involved. That’s where you’ll get the most out of your college experience and find some of your best friends.

After his graduation in May, Owen will join the FP&A team at Westinghouse for the summer and then return to Behrend to earn a Master of Business Administration degree.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Himani Karia (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Himani Karia.

Major: Biology, Healthcare Professions option

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Penn State Erie Alumni Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: When I toured the campus during my senior year of high school, I felt a sense of belonging. I was drawn to the small class sizes, opportunities to get involved, and the beautiful campus scenery. I wanted to choose a college that felt like home, and Behrend was the epitome of that.

Why she chose her major: My interest in biology started in middle school when I learned about science topics related to DNA, disease, and healthcare. I wanted to choose a major where I could learn about key systems and processes in biology that would provide me with a good foundation to prepare me as a future healthcare professional.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Developing my leadership skills. By joining Lion Ambassadors, becoming a Resident Assistant, and joining Student Government Association, I learned how to manage my time and responsibilities, how to communicate effectively, and how to serve the community at Behrend and in Erie.

Campus involvement: Student Government Association (secretary, senator, Constitutional Review Committee chair), Resident Assistant, Lion Ambassadors (Constitution Committee chair, Internal Affairs Committee chair), Multicultural Council (promotions coordinator), and Scrubs Club.

Awards: President Walker Award, Dean’s List.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I studied an Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam for eight years and did many stage performances. Also, I can play the ukulele and sing three octaves.

What she’s passionate about: Serving the community. I want to become a physician who can combine scientific and clinical knowledge to find a cure for health issues or illnesses that don’t have a cure. That way I can serve the community in the most meaningful way.

After her graduation in May, Himani plans to pursue a career as a physician.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Morgan McQueeney (Psychology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Morgan McQueeney.

Major: Psychology (B.S.)

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Petersen Family Trustee Scholarship and Ernest E. and Bernice C. Fryer and Family Psychology Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: I have a long line of family members who attended Penn State Behrend, so I had a lot of love for the campus.

Why she chose her major: I learned about psychology in high school and fell in love with it. I also learned a lot about the field from my mom. She has a Ph.D. in behavioral health.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My work with the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) club. Specifically, when I worked with my fellow executive board members and schools in the community to create more than 600 holiday cards for veterans and deliver them to the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home here in Erie.

Challenges overcome: I’ve had to overcome my shyness and social anxiety. I’m thankful I’ve had such a great community that helped me come out of my shell.

Campus involvement: Lion Entertainment Board, Random Acts of Kindness, Alpha Phi Omega

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love comic books and botanical Legos.

Advice for first-year students: There are so many clubs and opportunities available at Behrend. Don’t be afraid to get out there and try something new.

After her graduation in May, Morgan plans to work full time in the field of psychology in the Erie area before pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Chloe Heeter (Mechanical Engineering)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Chloe Heeter.

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: Joseph A. and Berit I.Benacci Family Scholarship and a Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship

Why she chose Behrend: It is a smaller school where I could build relationships with my professors and meet with them when I needed help. It’s also a strong engineering school and was close to home for me.

Why she chose her major: I’ve always loved math and science and enjoy solving problems. I also love fixing things, altering them to better meet my needs, or building things from scratch.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Graduating. When I started college, I hated it and wanted to drop out. I’ve come a long way since then and have grown to genuinely enjoy college.

Awards: Dean’s List, several semesters

Advice for first-year students: Talk to as many people as you can when you first start and find a good group of friends in your major. Also, try out multiple clubs and see what fits you best because it might even help you decide what you want to do once you graduate.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Brooke Korb (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Brooke Korb.

A young woman with long dark hair and glasses smiles at the camera from a grassy field filled with artificial sunflowers.

Major: Biology

Minor: Politics and Government

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: PNC Leadership Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship

Awards and accolades: ATHENA Young Professional Award finalist, Aaron Meehl Biology Award (Outstanding Rising Senior), Christopher M. Geitner Award, Guy W. Wilson Award for Service to the College, Most Outstanding Student Organization Member, and President Walker Award.

Why she chose Behrend: I was fortunate to visit Behrend often in middle school and high school. A few of my family members are also Penn State alumni. With every experience I had on campus, I was exposed to great people and engaging lectures. It also stood out to me that Behrend was a smaller campus, meaning I could get to know my professors and classmates very well.

Why she chose her major: I love science and wanted to learn how I could apply it to help others in need, especially in the public health sector. I’m deeply interested in the intersection of science and social issues. The biology coursework at Behrend was flexible in letting me explore this interest.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: During my first year on campus, I participated in my first Alternative Spring Break trip to Fort Myers, Florida. We helped with disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Ian. It was an eye-opening, emotional experience that deeply impacted me as a person. I loved serving alongside other Behrend students and connecting with them at this level. I was an ASB student leader for three more trips. It has been a transformative experience for me.

Campus involvement: Alternative Spring Break, Lion Ambassadors, Science Ambassadors, Lion Scouts, Women’s Engagement Council, Gender and Sexuality Equality Club, and Random Acts of Kindness.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: During my sophomore-year ASB trip, I volunteered at the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. I got to assist with trail maintenance, which included carrying buckets of rocks up and down trails as it rained.

What she’s passionate about: Getting out of my comfort zone. If I hadn’t gotten over my fears or anxieties, my life would have looked a lot different than it does now. We owe it to ourselves to be a little daring from time to time.

Advice for first-year students: College is your time to explore. Nothing is set in stone. You may end up changing your major or anticipated career path, and that’s okay! The most important thing is that you follow your passion and do what makes you happy.

After her graduation in May, Brooke plans to attend Slippery Rock University to pursue a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in environmental and occupational health.

Lights, Camera, Community

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

What if your classroom wasn’t just a classroom, but a creative agency with real clients, real deadlines, and real impact?

That’s the idea behind COMM 481: Advanced Multimedia Production, a new course taught by Tom Deau, lecturer in media and communication. Students in the course don’t just learn production skills — they use those skills to help community partners.

After connecting with Harborcreek Township Supervisor Dean Pepicello, students recently launched a live-streaming initiative for the township’s bi-monthly public meetings, giving community members easier access to local government. The first stream went live on March 4. The next is scheduled for March 18, at 5 p.m. The live streams can be viewed on the Wintergreen Media YouTube channel.

The township streaming project is just one of several new initiatives this semester. Deau’s students also are producing a promotional video for HARVEST 912, a nonprofit that supports individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Other projects include employee profile videos for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, “Day in the Life” features for social media, and a promotional video for the “Empower Her Summit,” a Junior Achievement of Western PA event that will be held on campus later this month.

These experiences embody the college’s Open Lab model of learning, in which students and faculty members partner with business, industry, and community organizations to design new products, develop new services, or solve specific business challenges. The projects benefit the community, but they help students, too: By applying the fundamentals they learn in class, students gain résumé-building, real-world experience.

 

 

 

6 Things I learned at Behrend’s Culture Fair

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

One of the first things I learned at the Penn State Behrend Culture Fair is that hospitality is serious business in Saudi Arabia — and I experienced it almost immediately. In Saudi culture, welcoming guests isn’t just a polite gesture; it’s a point of pride, often described as part of the very “DNA” of the country. Visitors are traditionally greeted with Arabic coffee and dates, a pairing that symbolizes warmth, generosity, and respect.

So, when I approached the Saudi Arabia table, one of fourteen, at yesterday’s Culture Fair, I barely had time to take in the display before students dressed in traditional white thobes and red‑and‑white head coverings welcomed me with that same spirit of hospitality. They offered Gahwa, a spiced Arabic coffee infused with cardamom, cloves, and saffron, along with soft, caramel‑like Medjool and Khalas dates, a staple of Gulf welcome traditions. It was a delicious introduction to the afternoon and a perfect reminder of how meaningful cultural traditions can feel when shared person to person.

Here are five more interesting things I learned while I “took a trip around the world” in McGarvey Commons — happily gathering international snacks and fascinating facts along the way:

Sri Lanka: Tea isn’t just a drink; it’s an identity. Sri Lankans take it seriously. It’s the country’s top export, and Lipton Tea traces its roots back there.

Mecca: The Kaaba — the black cube at the center of Masjid al‑Haram — is the most sacred site in Islam, and Muslims around the world face it during prayer.

Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle, tucked into the Bavarian Alps, inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. King Ludwig II really earned that “Fairy‑tale King” nickname.

Indonesia: This stunningly beautiful country is called the “Mother of Spices,” thanks to volcanic soil that produces nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and more.

United Arab Emirates: License plates can be luxury items and symbols of tremendous wealth. Single‑digit plates (like “P7” which sold for nearly $15 million USD in 2023) are often pricier than the supercars they’re attached to.

These were just a few of the stories and facts our students, faculty, and staff shared — each one a reminder of how much of the world is already right here with us on campus.

Events like the Culture Fair show that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms. It happens in conversations, in shared traditions, in the foods we taste, and in the stories we exchange. Behrend is fortunate to be a campus where so many cultures meet, teach, and celebrate together.

I left McGarvey Commons with a full stomach, a handful of new rabbit holes to dive into on Google, and the distinct feeling that I’d only scratched the surface. That’s kind of the point — and exactly why events like this matter.