Get Inspired by Student Stories
Janet Purdy ’20 (all day)
Ph.D. in Art History
It was a tremendous experience, both personally and educationally, and one that has led me down a path that I never could have planned for. Through cultural immersion and intensive language study, I was introduced in the best imaginable way to the fascinating history and people of the Swahili Coast. My dissertation research is now focused on Swahili art forms, their relationship to Islam in East Africa, and the trade networks of the Indian Ocean rim. I am so appreciative of the University’s investment in me as a student, and the belief in my potential as a scholar.
Claire Kelling ’21 (all day)
Dual-title Ph.D. in Statistics and Social Data Analytics
Claire has the background, energy, ability, and even the already-established personal connections to succeed. She has shown an amazing level of leadership and gone way beyond the typical expectations of a first-year graduate student.
Kaleigh Quinnan ’21 (all day)
Art, French Business
The semester in Paris was way outside my comfort zone, but it gave me the confidence to pursue whatever opportunities become available in any corner of the world. I plan to apply for everything I can and see what doors open up.
Jacob Cordell ’17 (all day)
Majors in Material Sciences and Engineering, German
Applying for the Astronaut Scholarship forced me to take new perspectives on my research and where it fits in a national and global context. Besides boosting confidence in my work, the scholarship convinced me to pursue more fellowships and opened my career options.
Scout Cheeks ’18 (all day)
Majors in International Politics, Criminology
With the volume of opportunities available at Penn State, I now realize the importance of tailoring my academic career/experiences to accommodate my exact ambitions and career goals. Students have a wide range of freedom to take advantage of those opportunities whether that be through selection of majors, courses, campus involvement, extracurricular activities, professional networking, etc.
Taylor Baum ’19 (all day)
Majors in Biology, Electrical Engineering
Research can feel unrewarding for it is an incredibly slow and difficult process. Receiving honors like the Astronaut Scholarship provides justification for my research efforts; others see that I am willing to endure the process in order to discover and create. But this feeling of justification soon turns into inspiration. Because others believe in me, I now have a duty to maintain a caliber of research that is worth believing in.