Each year, Schreyer Scholars receive some of the most prestigious awards at Penn State and nationally. A sampling of some of the many award recipients are shared here.
Three Scholars earn prestigious national Goldwater Scholarships
The Goldwater Scholarship was named for statesman Barry Goldwater. About 5,000 students from across the U.S. applied for one of the 438 awarded scholarships available in 2024. The Scholarship recognizes students who show exceptional potential as leaders and supports continued research in the fields of natural science, engineering and mathematics. This year, three Scholars were honored with this scholarship.
Nate Carey is pursuing an integrated undergraduate-graduate degree in biotechnology and a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. He is also in the Army ROTC. Carey works as an undergraduate researcher in the Sartorius Cell Culture Facility where he reports daily to expand, passage and observe mammalian cells. Carey’s long-term goal is to apply to doctoral programs.
Bridget Reheard is a wildlife and fisheries science and geosciences double major. For the past three years she has been researching the implications of brines from Marcellus Shale fracking on stream ecosystems. She served in multiple officer positions for the Penn State chapter of the Wildlife Society and is part of the American Women in Geosciences and Geosciences Club. Reheard’s long-term goal is to apply to a doctoral program.
Mabel Tong is a biology major pursuing a minor in health policy and administration. She has been involved in the Yingwei Mao Neurobiology Lab since her first year at Penn State, joining as a NASA Space Grant intern. Currently she is exploring risk genes for autism spectrum disorders as part of her honors thesis research. Tong is the president of the Schreyer Medical team, vice president of the Eberly College of Science Student Council, and a member of the Presidential Leadership Academy. She plans to attend medical school.
Four Scholars recognized for sustainability efforts
Penn State Sustainability recognized several Scholars for their work to advance sustainability in education, research, operations, and community engagement.
Scholars Olivia DiPrinzio and Jenna Seigworth have been awarded the John Roe Sustainability Impact Award for their innovative work to promote environmental awareness and social sustainability in the Penn State community. Seigworth, a 2024 graduate from Penn State Behrend, spearheaded the creation of an on-campus Sustainability Store and led her community as a Behrend Sustainability Ambassador and president of the Student Garden Club. A climate science and education intern, DiPrinzio has worked to improve Penn State’s sustainability education programs and diligently researched methods for creating effective local climate action plans. DiPrinzio is studying Earth Science and Policy and Energy Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
2024 graduate Vancie Peacock received the Student Sustainability Advisory Council Tree Award for her sustainable leadership and community impact. Peacock organized the creation of the Schreyer Pocket Garden in 2021 as a fresh produce outlet for food-insecure students at University Park. She also introduced eco-friendly farming methods and led community volunteer days at the Penn State Student Farm.
Caden Vitti also a 2024 graduate, was awarded the Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium Campus Sustainability Champion Award for his contributions to sustainability and environmental activism. During his time at Penn State, Vitti founded the Student Sustainability Network and campaigned to improve on-campus sustainability during his tenure as the executive director of environmental sustainability for the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA).
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Four Scholars have been named Fulbright finalists and will participate in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Alex Almonte, music education major and deafness and hearing studies minor, College of Arts and Architecture, 2024 graduate; English Teaching Assistant Award, Taiwan
- Chole Bevilaqua, psychology major and Spanish minor, College of the Liberal Arts, 2023 graduate; English Teaching Assistant Award, Mexico
- Jack Craig, global and international studies major and Spanish minor, College of the Liberal Arts, 2024 graduate; English Teaching Assistant Award, Colombia
- Prachi Soni, political science and global affairs double major, College of the Liberal Arts, 2024 graduate; English Teaching Assistant Award, Bulgaria
Gilman Scholarship
Prianon Shahid, computer engineering major, received a Gilman Scholarship, which provides study abroad, language and STEM research opportunities.
Astronaut Scholarship
Nate Carey, a biotechnology major, received an Astronaut Scholarships toward pursuing a career in engineering, math, or natural or applied sciences research.
Olmsted Scholar
Julia Li, landscape architecture and meteorology and atmospheric science majors, was named an Olmsted Scholar by the Landscape Architecture Foundation, which is considered the highest honor for students studying in this field.
Schreyer Honors College 2024 Awards
Changemaker Scholarship: Ryan Setzenfand, 2024 graduate, accounting
- Emmanuel Kraft, communications arts and sciences, political science
- Lia Gerboc, biology
Scholar Involvement Award: Giselle Concepcion, 2024 graduate, political science
