Anwi Tadzong, a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering at University Park, participated in a Penn State Alternative Breaks trip to Ashville, North Carolina, to provide relief following Hurricane Helene, which devastated the area in September 2024. Tadzong and other volunteers collaborated with Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) to rebuild destroyed homes; planted more than 140 tree saplings to help restore the 40% of the area’s trees that were destroyed by the hurricane; prepared hot meals local veterans; and packaged approximately 700 food bags for local schoolchildren. “This service trip reinforced and strengthened my desire and passion for service. The lessons I learned from pulling out nails and staples for eight hours straight were far greater than I could have imagined," Tadzong said. "Regardless of my degree and career, what drives me is the hope that because of something I did, tomorrow will be better than today. It is in our hands to create the future we want to see. I am truly honored to have taken part in such life-changing service, and I know this is just the one of many more to come.”
Alyssa Brown, a first-year student studying accounting and finance at Penn State Berks, joined other University students from the Berks and Abington campuses on a service trip to Puerto Rico. The students volunteered at two different farms, one at which they planted kidney beans and the other at which they learned about the history of coffee beans in the region; learned about the island’s history and immersed themselves in its culture; and assisted at a nonprofit animal shelter and volunteered as Flight Angels to bring 10 adopted dogs — which have an overpopulation in Puerto Rico — to the United States. “To experience Puerto Rico through the intentionally chosen rhythms of local life was heart-awakening. Every moment — every meal, every smile, every act of care — felt purposeful," Brown said. "In the States, some days the only smile I see is the one I give myself in the mirror before leaving the house. But in Puerto Rico, I never once felt that loneliness. The culture breathes togetherness. Strangers greet you like family. Love is loud and ever-present.” Read more about the trip on Penn State News.
Asher Talty, a first-year student studying political science and philosophy at University Park, traveled to Egypt as part of his ARAB 099/499 course offered through the College of the Liberal Arts. “Not only did I have the chance to use my language skills in the real world, but I gained a new appreciation for the Arab world’s culture, history, traditions and people," Talty said. "This trip was an unforgettable experience that has brought my Arabic studies to life in a way I never imagined.”
Aniya Childers, a senior majoring in health policy and administration with a minor in sociology at Penn State Harrisburg, participated in an Alternative Spring Break trip to Hawaii in a campus partnership with GIVE Volunteers. “This experience has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but it allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture while reminding me of the importance of humility and global responsibility," Childers said. "Through introspection and community service, I've discovered that, although we are only a small part of a larger globe where every choice we make has an influence, we can occasionally be incredibly self-centered and only consider our roles in our local communities.”
The John Sr. and Kimlyn Patishnock Undergraduate Research Award: Excellence in Information Literacy is awarded to University Park students who achieved outstanding undergraduate student research at the Undergraduate Research Exhibition. From left, Isaac Gray, second place; Dalimar Flores-Torres, first place; Paige Fino, grand prize; Gabrielle Mu, honorable mention; Natalie Meriwether, honorable mention; Kimlyn Patishnock and John Patishnock Sr. Not pictured: Lucas Beddick, third place; Jaacob Kohler, honorable mention; Abigail Silberman, honorable mention.
The John Sr. and Kimlyn Patishnock Undergraduate Research Award: Excellence in Information Literacy is awarded to University Park students who achieved outstanding undergraduate student research at the Undergraduate Research Exhibition. From left, Isaac Gray, second place; Dalimar Flores-Torres, first place; Paige Fino, grand prize; Gabrielle Mu, honorable mention; Natalie Meriwether, honorable mention; Kimlyn Patishnock and John Patishnock Sr. Not pictured: Lucas Beddick, third place; Jacob Kohler, honorable mention; Abigail Silberman, honorable mention.
Vasant Honavar, professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, stands before a screen presenting his current research focuses during the AI for Science panel, hosted by the Penn State Center for Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Scientific Applications (CENSAI), which Honavar is the director of.
Suhas Bettapalli Nagaraj, fourth-year doctoral student in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, stands for a photo in front of his research poster during the Penn State AI Week poster session on April 16. The poster is titled "Generative AI for Efficient and Empathetic Conversational Models in Mental Health." He was awarded third place in the poster session judging.
Penn State's AI Week, coordinated by the Penn State AI Hub, brings University faculty, students and staff together to showcase ongoing artificial intelligence research, activities, education and outreach across campuses. Above, AI Week poster session and AI Awards winners stand with Vijaykrishnan Narayanan, associate dean for innovation in the College of Engineering, and Patrick Dudas, associate director of the Penn State Center for Immersive Experiences, who coordinated AI Week events.
