Ava Clauser, an accounting major at Penn State Schuylkill, has balanced academics, leadership roles, and internships while discovering the power of networking. Her involvement in campus life and research, along with multiple internships, helped her build strong connections and gain valuable experience. Now, with a full-time role secured at the firm RKL, Clauser said she is confident in her career path and grateful for the mentorship and opportunities she found at Penn State Schuylkill.
On April 14, 23 students at Penn State Schuylkill were recognized for their accomplishments in the field of communication studies throughout the 2024-25 school year at the annual Communication Recognition Ceremony.
Penn State Schuylkill recently held its second annual Schuylkill Snap! juried photo show, showcasing 25 photographs that capture the spirit of the campus and Schuylkill County. First place went to Regan Kreitzer for Rooted in Dairy, a photo taken on a local farm. The photos are on display in the campus Art Space through July.
Malak Mowafi, a double major in criminal justice and cybersecurity analytics and operations, is making a lasting impact at Penn State Schuylkill. An athlete and student leader, she captains multiple sports teams, co-founded the Pickleball Club, and serves as vice president of the Criminal Justice Club. Her research spans cybersecurity awareness, AI in law enforcement, and crime perceptions among college students.
2023 Penn State Schuylkill graduate Sophia Bates has been accepted to George Mason University’s communication doctoral program with a graduate teaching assistantship, where she will focus her research on health communication. Currently a master's student at James Madison University who is finishing her thesis, for Bates Penn State Schuylkill is the place where her research ambitions first took root and began to sprout.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium (PERC) has named Mary Ann Smith, lecturer of biology at Penn State Schuylkill, as a 2025 Campus Sustainability Champion. This prestigious award honors individuals in Pennsylvania’s higher education community who have made significant contributions to environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Kyle Kaminski, a double major in cybersecurity and criminal justice, has embraced leadership and campus involvement at Penn State Schuylkill. As president of the Criminal Justice Club, founder of the Winter Sports Club and a key force behind intramural sports, he has worked to enhance student engagement. His research on artificial intelligence in global law enforcement, along with internships in law enforcement and cybersecurity, showcases his commitment to bridging both fields and preparing for a dynamic career.
This March, nine Penn State Schuylkill students presented original research at the Eastern Communication Association’s (ECA) James C. McCroskey and Virginia P. Richmond Undergraduate Scholars Conference. Under the guidance of Valerie Schrader, professor of communication arts and sciences, these students, along with one University Park student, presented 21 individual research projects and received several recognitions.
Kaely Walshaw, a dedicated student-athlete at Penn State Schuylkill, has balanced her leadership roles in academics, athletics and research while pursuing her passion for medicine. As the president of Tri-Beta, captain of the softball team, and a participant in undergraduate research, she has developed discipline, accountability and leadership skills.
