Articles by Ryan Abramson
Biology student expands research horizons through selective NSF program
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Applying to a physics-based research program as a biology major felt like “the ultimate leap of faith,” said Penn State Lehigh Valley student Daniela Fernandez. That leap took Fernandez to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she was one of 15 students selected from 255 applicants for a highly competitive, 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Laureate Erin Murphy to bring collaborative poetry experience to Lehigh Valley
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Erin Murphy, the 2026-27 Penn State Laureate, will visit Penn State Lehigh Valley on Monday, Oct. 19, to present “With These Hands: A Collaborative Poetry Experience,” an interactive program that combines poetry, conversation and creative participation. The presentation will take place during Common Hour in Room 135 at Penn State Lehigh Valley.
‘Woven Welcome’ project to bring campus and community together
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — An evolving community art project that has brought people together from Minnesota to the Lehigh Valley will begin its next chapter at Penn State Lehigh Valley in fall 2026. Artist Jill Odegaard will invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to contribute to "Woven Welcome: A Common Thread," a collaborative art installation planned for the Library Oasis at the Lehigh Valley campus.
Business internship presentations connect classroom learning to career readiness
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Nineteen Penn State Lehigh Valley business students transformed their summer workplace experiences into lessons for their future careers through internship presentations delivered to a panel of faculty and staff evaluators. The presentations marked the culmination of academic internships required for the students’ majors.
‘LIGHT’ exhibition explores art, learning and the ways we see the world
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Light can illuminate a room, change the way we see an object, or transform the colors of the world around us. It also can suggest weight, knowledge, truth and discovery. Those different interpretations are at the center of “LIGHT,” the fall exhibition at Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Ronald K. De Long Gallery, which brings together five artists working across a range of media and artistic practices.
Dual enrollment gives high school students an early pathway to college
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — For a group of Allentown School District students, summer break this year included something they might normally have expected to experience much later: taking college courses on a Penn State campus and earning credits toward a future degree.
Lehigh Valley faculty and staff recognized for excellence and contributions
Lehigh Valley Recipients honored for contributions to teaching, research, service and student success at All Campus Day CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley recognized eight faculty and staff members for their contributions to teaching, research, service, student success and the campus community during its annual All Campus Day. The awards recognize faculty and staff whose work demonstrates a commitment to students and colleagues while advancing the mission of Penn State Lehigh Valley.
Penn State Lehigh Valley announces summer 2026 Dean's List
Penn State Lehigh Valley main building.
Teen Entrepreneur Challenge helps students turn ideas into action
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — For most high school students, summer break means sleeping in and scrolling through social media. But for 21 teens from seven states, the summer of 2026 meant something different: building a business from scratch, pitching it to a panel of judges, and walking away with the tools, confidence and connections to keep going.
Summer programs connect AI, academic readiness and student success
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — For students preparing to begin college, the transition to higher education can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Two summer programs at Penn State Lehigh Valley are helping students approach that transition with greater confidence while building skills they can carry into the classroom. The Summer Math Academy Readiness Training (SMART) program and BRIDGE AI program provide students with opportunities to prepare for college-level learning before the academic year begins.
Financial aid expert helps students navigate paying for college
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Changes to federal student aid programs are prompting many Lehigh Valley families to take a fresh look at how they will pay for college. Penn State Lehigh Valley is encouraging students and parents to begin those conversations early by offering personalized financial aid counseling and affordable pathways to earning a nationally recognized Penn State degree close to home.
LaunchBox Ladies showcases innovation and women-owned businesses
Lehigh Valley Five female founders compete for funding and mentorship during Penn State Lehigh Valley's fourth annual pitch competition. Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox Ladies Pitch Competition participants: Ali “Amac” McGuire, April Schiel, Virginia Ellen, Lisa Pammer and Donna Boden.
Penn State Lehigh Valley connects with community at IronPigs Little League Night
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley joined the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to celebrate Little League Night at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown on June 20. The IronPigs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and have become one of the most successful franchises in Minor League Baseball, drawing families and fans from throughout the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania. As part of the sponsorship, Penn State Lehigh Valley campus staff greeted fans as they entered the ballpark.
Art instructor's analog collage series explores human expression, info overload
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Christina Galbiati, adjunct instructor of art at Penn State Lehigh Valley, has been featured by People of Print, an internationally recognized platform dedicated to printmaking, design and visual communication, for her mixed-media collage series "Fragments and Feelings." Founded in 2008, People of Print showcases artists, designers, illustrators and creative professionals from around the world whose work explores the evolving role of print, visual communication and...
Lehigh Valley IT major selected as student marshal for spring 2026 commencement
CENTER VALLEY, Pa.— For IT major George Mamary, a lifelong passion for technology isn’t just an interest—it’s the foundation of his future career. “Growing up, I was always fascinated with new technology, software — all of it. In high school, my senior graduation project was holding a technology course for underclassmen. I taught them how to code and how to apply those different IT skills in future careers. That’s where my interest really grew,” he said.
Chancellor’s Chat celebrates semester of success at Penn State Lehigh Valley
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Shortly before the first major snowfall of the season blanketed the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus, faculty and staff gathered — both in person and online — for a conversation with Chancellor Tina Richardson reflecting on the success of the semester. Organized around updates and submitted questions, the presentation served as a reminder of what can be accomplished when a community works together toward a shared goal.
Chancellor Tina Richardson joins Diwali celebration with Gov. Josh Shapiro
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley Chancellor Tina Q. Richardson joined members of the Pennsylvania Asian Indian community to celebrate Diwali, Tihar and Bandi Chhor Diwas with Gov. Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg. The event featured music, dancing, food and remarks from the governor recognizing the significance of the holiday and the vibrant contributions of Pennsylvania’s Indian community.
Why Not Prosper founder inspires Penn State Lehigh Valley with message of hope
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — “We are not our mistakes,” began Rev. Michelle Simmons as she addressed students, faculty, and staff at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Simmons, founder and executive director of Why Not Prosper—a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization that empowers women who are currently or formerly incarcerated — shared her powerful story of transformation and purpose.
Penn State Lehigh Valley strengthens ties with local counselors at workshop
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Kristy Hove, director of Enrollment Management and Campus Strategy at Penn State Lehigh Valley, welcomed representatives from a dozen local high schools, community colleges, and vocational schools to the campus’s annual School Counselor Workshop and Breakfast on Oct. 13. “Penn State Lehigh Valley is fortunate to have forged strong, longstanding relationships with our local school counselors,” said Hove.
Mary Kate Maguire guides Penn State students on their career-ready journey
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Career readiness is at the core of a Penn State education, and Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Mary Kate Maguire is helping future communications professionals prepare for their next steps. Now entering her third year as a marketing and communications specialist in strategic communications at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Maguire understands the power of expanding core messaging and crafting meaningful stories. Recently invited to speak at the Oct.
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