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.
Margo DelliCarpini, Penn State vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor, will be leaving the University effective June 30 to take on a new position as the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at the College of New Jersey.
Coming from a large high school with a graduating class of over 850 students, Arabi Chavira wanted a smaller setting when selecting her college. Chavira said that Penn State Schuylkill was more cost-effective, safely located, and provides a family community. Little did Chavira know at the time that she had made the right choice in the planning phase of her journey.
Penn State Schuylkill students, faculty, staff and alumni recently created "Thumbs of a Thriving Community," a collaborative art piece now displayed in the Student Community Center. Featuring hundreds of colorful thumbprints, the artwork symbolizes the campus’ unity, diversity and resilience. Designed by Gianna Agnello-Porambo and supported by Lisa Robinson, Megan Murray, Kacey Harper and Interim Chancellor Cory Scherer, the piece serves as a lasting reminder of Schuylkill’s strong and vibrant community.
