Alumni Newsletter
January 2026
We are kicking off 2026 with the latest edition of the college's magazine, Science Journal, which highlights how members of our college community are responsibly and creatively applying machine learning and other AI-enabled approaches to enhance instruction, strengthen operations, and accelerate discovery in fields ranging from data science and materials research to health and biological sciences.
This work directly advances several Penn State-wide goals like expanding AI literacy for all; leveraging emerging technologies to advance discovery across disciplines with real-world impact; and building Pennsylvania’s AI-ready workforce.
In addition to following the theme of AI, the journal features stories about members of the college who are making a real-world impact, displaying their Penn State pride, and sharing why they Stay for SCIENCE.
- For the past seven years, statistics students have been working with faculty in the department to create an app called BOAST, which functions much like an interactive statistics textbook.
- Colin Howe, graduate student in biology, shared his lifelong love for the ocean and his journey into studying marine science.
- Alumni Carlos and Donna Alves are supporting current and future students, like Abigail Littlefield, with the I Love Math Scholarship.
Alumni Impact
Two Eberly College of Science Alums Have Been Selected to Receive Distinguished Alumni Awards
Stephen H. Mahle and Janet S. Vergis were selected by the Penn State Board of Trustees to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2026, which is the University's highest honor presented to its alumni.
Mahle graduated in 1969 with a master's degree in physics and is the retired executive vice president of Medtronic.
Vergis graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in physiology in 1988. She is the retired CEO of OraPharma.
Alumna Abby Han Discussed Her College Experience and Current Role with the Penn State Men’s Soccer Team
Abby Han's Penn State journey took her from the lab to the boardroom and eventually to the field, where she is the director of operations and player care with the men’s soccer team. In a Q&A, Han shared her Eberly experience, career path, and how she leveraged her science degree to land her dream job in athletics.
Join the Eberly College of Science Alumni Society Board
The Alumni Society exists to facilitate interactions and connections between the college, its alumni and current students, and Penn State, with a focus on assisting the college in meeting its strategic goals, serving as an informal advisory panel to the dean, and providing support and guidance to current students. Some specific board activities include serving on the student engagement or alumni engagement committees, mentoring students, participating in alumni programs and awards, and joining in efforts to enhance the college.
For questions, please reach out to Kelly Praskovich, director of alumni relations, or Linde Miles, alumni society president.
Applications are being accepted until February 9, 2026.
Upcoming Events
January and February—Ashtekar Frontiers of Science Winter Lecture Series
The Eberly College of Science kicked off its 32nd annual Ashtekar Frontiers of Science lecture series with this year's theme—Unexpected Pairings: Addressing Today’s Biggest Societal Questions Using Different Disciplinary Approaches.
These free, public lectures—delivered on campus and via Zoom Webinar—will explore how researchers in the college approach some of today’s biggest societal questions using different approaches. Researchers from disparate disciplines will come together to showcase how faculty from across the college’s seven departments tackle pressing scientific issues and help shape the future of science, health, and humanity.
March 12—Science Matters Spotlight Session: "Alzheimer's Disease and the Prospect for Effective Treatment"
The college's Science Matters Spotlight Sessions series continues with a conversation with Scott Selleck, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology. He will discuss the current state of Alzheimer’s disease and his research, discoveries about the fundamental biology of the disease, and his team’s efforts to develop an intervention based on these findings. Join us on Thursday, March 12 at the Conference Center at Penn State Great Valley at 6:00 p.m.
March 17 and 23—Alumni and Friends Receptions
Our college's Office of Alumni and Development Relations is inviting you to join your fellow Penn State alums for our Alumni and Friends Receptions.
For those in the Denver area, we are hosting a reception during the American Physical Society Global Physics Summit on March 17 in Denver, Colorado.
For those in the Atlanta area, we are hosting a reception during the American Chemical Society Spring 2026 Meeting on March 23 in Atlanta, Georgia. More details to come.
Share Your Thoughts on Contact and Future Film Screenings
The college launched its new Science Matters Spotlight Sessions last year, with the goal of providing a unique opportunity for the community to engage directly with the brilliant minds working on the front lines of discovery to create positive, real-world impact.
We want to say thank you to every one of you who joined us for these thoughtful conversations, and ask for your feedback.
We wrapped up the year with a “star-studded” panel of experts who enjoyed exploring the scientific accuracy of Contact, the recent renaissance in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, and the role of the Penn State Extraterrestrial Intelligence (PSETI) Center in advancing the search for intelligent life in the cosmos. We would love to hear your feedback about this event and suggestions for future events.
Sign up for our mailing list to stay in the know about the college's upcoming events and visit science.psu.edu/PublicEvents to view our public events calendar.
Our events and programs are open to all individuals regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class. The Eberly College of Science is committed to building a community of belonging for all.
University Highlights
Penn State Has Launched a New Quantum Theory Center
A new center dedicated to quantum science and germinating cross-disciplinary collaboration will be led by Jainendra K. Jain as the center's founding director.
The Center for Theory of Emergent Quantum Matter aims to unite researchers across colleges, institutes and departments, catalyze transformative discoveries and enhance the University’s global visibility in quantum science.
College Highlights
Penn State Chemistry Department Head Ken Knappenberger Has Been Named a 2026 Optica Fellow
Ken Knappenberger, department head and professor of chemistry, was selected as a 2026 Optica fellow. Fellows are selected based on factors including outstanding contributions to research, business, education, engineering, and service to Optica and the community.
Beth Johnson, Director of Academics for the Science B.S./M.B.A. Program, Has Been Named the Balog Faculty Fellow of Science
Beth Johnson, associate teaching professor, director of academics for the Science B.S./M.B.A. program, and director of the integrative science major, has been named the James and Alvina Balog Faculty Fellow of Science. This fellowship supports an outstanding faculty member in the Eberly College of Science working with the Science B.S./M.B.A. program by providing resources to support their contributions to teaching, research, and public service.
Show Your Support
Your support helps to propel groundbreaking research and exceptional educational experiences that transform society. Learn more about ways to engage and partner with Eberly.
Learn more about the implications of federal funding cuts to our future at Penn State's "Research or Regress" web page.
Support research: Sign the petition. Penn State research keeps Americans safe, healthy, and competitive, but it depends on federal funding. Protecting research means protecting our future.
Join Us in Celebrating Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, the Eberly College of Science will be featuring stories from its Black students, faculty, and alumni as part of its celebration of Black History Month.
Led by the college's Climate and Diversity Committee and its events subcommittee in collaboration with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Communications, the effort aims to inform and inspire others by shining a light on these individuals’ experiences, their accomplishments, and their motivations for pursuing careers in science.
These stories are being compiled on a rolling basis as part of ongoing efforts to promote diversity, foster inclusivity, and increase representation of those in our community who have historically been underrepresented. The stories will also be featured in the college's social media throughout the month, providing additional opportunities for engagement.
The college encourages all of its Black students, faculty, alumni, postdocs, and staff to continue to share their stories via this Qualtrics survey.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will also be hosting an event on February 25, “Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Black History Month,” featuring a poster gallery highlighting Black faculty, students, and alumni, an open-mic experience inviting attendees to share songs, poetry, reflections, or stories around the theme “Stories that Connect Us and Strengthen our Community,” and free food. All students, faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome. Anyone interested in signing up for the open mic is asked to complete the registration form.
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