From an aquatic robot that will remove pollution from the ocean to apps that help students connect and learn, winners of the Penn State Berks Flemming CEED Center Innovation and Business Idea Challenge developed creative and impactful solutions to address significant local and global challenges. The three winning teams were each awarded a $1,000 "IMAGINE Your Business" grant, funded by the County of Berks "Imagine Berks" Fund.
In December, Penn State Berks hosted its Sustainability Expo, "Connecting Campus and Community," organized and curated by Mahsa Kazempour, associate professor of science education and sustainability council chair. The expo showcased community effort from around Berks County including that of Penn State Berks students, Alvernia University students and organizations around the area.
As part of an Experiential Digital Global Engagement collaboration offered through Penn State Global Programs, Penn State Berks students collaborated and shared their research with students from the National Technical University of Ukraine.
Travis Mauger knew from an early age that he wanted to help others. After high school, he joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and later became a cadet in the local Reserve Officer Training Corps. His time in the military solidified his goal of serving others, particularly service members. He earned the bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in history from Penn State Berks in December 2024, and his story is part of the Senior Spotlight series celebrating Berks graduates.
Sydney Bankert’s journey to graduation had some twists and turns. She earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Penn State Berks on Saturday, Dec. 21, during the college’s commencement ceremony at the Santander Arena in Reading. This spotlight is part of the "Senior Spotlight" series, celebrating Penn State Berks graduates each semester.
Diana Stoltzfus has certainly made the most of her college experience at Penn State Berks, from conducting research on the effects of virtual reality on exercise, to earning a 4.0 GPA, to being a star player on the women’s volleyball team. She will graduate as student marshal during Berks' fall 2024 commencement ceremony, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Santander Arena in Reading. The title of her commencement speech is "The Power of Perseverance."
The Crop Science Society of America recently announced that Michael A. Fidanza, professor of horticulture at Penn State Berks, has been honored with the Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Science Award. The annual awards are presented for outstanding contributions to crop science through education, national and international service, and research.
Penn State Berks hosted its sixth annual fine-dining pop-up restaurant “Mangiamo,” a senior capstone project organized by students in the college’s Hospitality Management program. It was held Nov. 8 in the Perkins Student Center.
The benefits of virtual reality (VR) appear to extend beyond video games, according to Penn State Berks senior kinesiology major Diana Stoltzfus and Associate Professor of Kinesiology Praveen Veerabhadrappa. They recently found that using VR during exercise can improve the experience and reduce the perceived effort for college students.
In an effort to support children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer, Penn State Berks Benefitting THON student organization will host its eighth annual "Inspire the Night" Benefit Dinner from 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at the new Redner’s Event Center at the Reading Fightin Phils First Energy Stadium.
