Advertise on podcast: Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

Discover how Christopher Stroup ’14 EMS shifted from oil and gas to become a successful LGBTQ-affirming financial advisor. His story offers invaluable lessons on city life, career pivots, authenticity, and building community as a Penn State alum no matter where life takes you. (Nothing said in this episode should be taken as financial advice! Please consult with Christopher or another financial advisor for proper advice.) Main Topics Covered: Navigating city life without a car in Los Angeles and the benefits of mass transit Career pivot from petroleum engineering at Chevron to wealth management How an MBA opened doors to new opportunities and professional growth The importance of authenticity and visibility in the workplace Supporting underserved communities, including LGBTQ+ clients, through financial advising Strategies for young professionals to plan financially in their early careers Building a personal and professional network through alumni and community engagement Advice for students contemplating big career or life changes The entrepreneurial mindset and side gigs in today’s gig economy Balancing community involvement, personal identity, and professional success The significance of trust in personal evolution and career development Guest Bio: Christopher Stroup is the founder of Silicon Beach Financial, a fiduciary wealth management firm based in Santa Monica, CA. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he partners with ambitious entrepreneurs, small business owners, and tech professionals to make smart, life-changing financial decisions. Before launching Silicon Beach Financial in 2024, Christopher was a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners. He began his career as a petroleum engineer with Chevron before pivoting into wealth management, leveraging his MBA from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. He earned his B.S. in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering with Honors from Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences in 2014. A regular contributor to Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, and Investopedia, Christopher frequently shares insights on entrepreneurship, equity compensation, and financial planning for founders and creatives. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlstroup. Connect with Christopher: LinkedIn Instagram Website ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Brady Sanders. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

In this episode, Amanda Wetzel ’02 Liberal Arts, shares her remarkable journey from studying political science at Penn State to practicing law across continents. Her diverse experiences—from research in Belfast to legal work in Paris—highlight the importance of international exposure, mentorship, and strategic career moves. Whether you're a student or a professional, Amanda's story offers valuable insights on seizing opportunities, building expertise, and giving back to your community. Main Insights Amanda's thesis on women in Northern Ireland's peace negotiations sparked her international career and research approach. The ethnographic research she conducted abroad foreshadowed her legal career in human rights and international law. Her dual law degrees in the U. and France equipped her with unique legal perspectives, emphasizing the value of international education. The Mitchell Scholarship, a highly competitive program, played a pivotal role in her academic and professional development. Amanda advises students to consider studying abroad and starting early on applications like personal statements for competitive scholarships. Her practical legal experiences include internships in Bosnia, clerkships in Miami and the 11th Circuit, and practicing law in Paris, illustrating the importance of diverse clerkship options. Moving between countries and legal systems requires resilience, cultural adaptability, and strategic planning. Her transition back to the U. involved leveraging her international experience to excel in international trade law and litigation. Amanda underscores the significance of mentorship, proactive engagement, and networking in advancing legal careers. Outside work, she remains committed to community service, music, and maintaining connections to her roots in Philadelphia and Penn State. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Amanda Wetzel's background overview 02:10 - The influence of Amanda’s college thesis on her career 05:00 - Research methodology: Ethnography in Northern Ireland 07:30 - Balancing academic research with real-world impact 09:20 - The role of study abroad in shaping Amanda’s legal perspective 11:00 - Pathways in international law: LLM and joint degrees 13:00 - Securing prestigious scholarships: Mitchell Scholarship insights 15:00 - Legal internship experiences in Bosnia and their impact on her career 17:00 - Clerkship experiences: U.S. and international opportunities 19:00 - Practicing law in Paris and navigating cultural differences 21:00 - Transitioning back to the U.S.: Strategy and career development 23:00 - Developing expertise in international trade law 25:00 - The importance of mentorship and networking in legal careers 27:00 - Amanda’s community engagement and service outside of work 29:00 - Community, music, and maintaining work-life balance 31:00 - Advice for students interested in international careers and law 33:00 - The significance of proactive mentorship and alumni involvement 35:00 - Reflections on the value of early international exposure 37:00 - Amanda’s perspective on volunteerism and giving back 39:00 - Common questions from students about law school preparation 41:00 - Transformational moments and lessons learned during her career 43:00 - An example of international legal strategy influencing a notable case 45:00 - Mentorship approach: proactive engagement and relationship building 47:00 - Recognizing influential professors and supporters from Penn State 49:00 - Final advice: maximizing opportunities in international law 50:00 - Closing remarks and how to stay connected with Amanda Wetzel Resources & Links Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

"When I was six, I saw my first Broadway show, Mary Poppins, and at intermission, I pointed at the stage and said, 'That's what I'm going to do with my life.'” In this episode, Melody Munitz ’22 A&A, Liberal Arts shares her extraordinary journey from performing in Broadway plays and musicals to conducting groundbreaking research in neuroscience, all while maintaining her passion for musical theater. Discover how her diverse experiences intertwine, offering unique insights into the power of arts and sciences working together – a must watch/listen for Schreyer Scholars with broad ranges of interests.  Melanie’s early inspiration and first steps in theater at age six Transition from local performances to Off-Broadway and regional theaters Balancing a double major in musical theater and neuroscience at Penn State The impact of COVID-19 on her performance and research pursuits Her innovative honors thesis linking empathy, theater, and psychology Navigating the challenges of auditioning and building a career post-graduation Insights into the tour life: differences between stage performances in various venues The significance of networking within Penn State’s alumni and arts communities Leveraging stage experience in production roles including writing and directing The role of social media and public facing roles in a performer’s career Practical advice on managing finances and taxes for traveling artists The importance of volunteerism, philanthropy, and community building in the arts   Melody Munitz ’22 is a New York-born, raised, and based theatre artist, social scientist, and digital designer. She graduated from Penn State in 2022 with dual honors degrees in Musical Theatre (College of Arts and Architecture) and Psychology (College of the Liberal Arts), serving as the Student Marshal of both departments. At the time of recording, Melody was traveling the country playing Wednesday Addams in the Broadway National Tour of “The Addams Family.” Previously, Melody led the National Tour of “American Girl Live!" where she originated the role of Madison, a new American Girl Doll character inspired by her. Beyond touring, Melody's work onstage spans 15 shows Off-Broadway, concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and musicals at regional theaters across the country. In 2023, Melody premiered her interdisciplinary solo show, "The Science of Love: A Night of Songs & Psychology," which won the 2023 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Solo Show. Continuing to combine science and art, Melody has worked as a commissioned playwright and researcher for the University of Chicago's STAGE (Scientists, Technologists, and Artists Generating Exploration) Lab; as an artist with the science-theatre company Transforma Theatre, debuting a project about the role of AI in society; and as an Artist in Health bringing interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities with the non-profit Only Make Believe. As a digital designer and marketing specialist, Melody has worked on the social media marketing teams for 14 Broadway shows, and this spring is working with Broadway writers Paul Gordon and David Goldsmith to launch a new company, Virtual Stage Lab, at the crossroads of theater and film that aims to democratize the process of creation and increase access to the arts. Website: melodymunitz.com Instagram: @melody_munitz ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events

"Four years at Penn State will fly by—embrace every moment, seek help when needed, and never underestimate the power of curiosity and giving back." Explore how Dr. Ryan Henrici ’15 Science transitioned from a student with a passion for science and sports to a pioneering physician, scientist, and entrepreneur driving groundbreaking biotech innovations. In this episode, Ryan shares his inspiring path, lessons on work-life balance, mentorship, and the transformative power of philanthropy. Key Topics Ryan’s early ambitions: swimming, architecture, and medicine. The pivotal moments in medical research and clinical impact. Navigating lab opportunities and research at Penn State. The influence of mentorship and cultural lessons in science. The unique structure and advantages of UK and US doctoral programs. How AI and machine learning are shaping drug development. Integrating medical training with entrepreneurial ventures. The importance of storytelling and organizational skills in science. Strategies for maintaining balance and fulfillment outside of work. The value of philanthropy and giving back to the community.  Ryan Henrici ’15 Science is Vice President of Discovery Medicine at BigHat Biosciences where he is using machine learning and AI approaches to design safer and more effective antibody medicines for patients with cancers, infections, and rare diseases. Ryan was one of the earliest team members and helped grow the team to more than 100 employees today and raise more than $110 million dollars to support developing the BigHat therapeutic portfolio. He oversees the immunology research team and the creation of new drug programs through the initiation of Phase 1 studies in humans. Ryan is also an Adjunct Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine where he teaches foundational biology and medicine to first year medical students and supports clinical research activities at the intersection of inherited, benign blood disorders and infectious diseases. He earned a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with Honors from Penn State’s Eberly College of Science in 2015, a PhD in Infectious and Tropical Diseases from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as a Marshall Scholar in 2018, and an MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2021. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Sarah Taylor '27. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview: Dive into the inspiring story of Brandon Follick ’15 Sci, who seamlessly navigates careers in biochemistry and comedy. Discover how his scientific background fuels his humor, the challenges of balancing these worlds, and his advice for scholars pursuing creative paths. In this episode, you’ll here about Brandon's journey to Penn State and his early interests in science and comedy How biochemistry has shaped his understanding of human health and storytelling The parallels between scientific research and comedic creation, including writing and improvisation His experience working in biotech startups and the lessons learned about enterprise and innovation The evolution of comedy as a tool for social critique and the importance of punching up How platforms like YouTube and social media democratize content creation and talent discovery The role of mentorship in STEM and arts, and the importance of paying it forward Brandon’s creative process, balancing authenticity with ethical boundaries in comedy Practical advice for scholars considering unconventional careers in arts and startups How his childhood experience with Judge Judy influences his comedic perspective This episode is great for any Scholar interested in career paths in either STEM or the arts, and especially for Scholars looking to navigate and balance multiple interests. Guest Bio: Brandon Follick ’15 Science is an entrepreneurial scientist comedian and writer in New York City. He has written for humor websites such as The Onion, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, and Reductress, including Reductress’s recent book How To Stay Productive When the World is Ending, named one of Vulture’s Best Comedy Books of 2023. He is a writer and actor on Going Down with Ella Yurman, a trans-led public access late night show from the team that produced Late Stage Live, which is about to return from hiatus. He has performed standup and sketch in national and international comedy festivals, including New York Comedy Fest, Edinburgh Fringe, and Philly SketchFest. He produces a writing workshop series alongside The Onion to help create career opportunities for emerging comedy writers from backgrounds historically-excluded in comedy. He currently teaches Humor & Satire Writing at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. During the day, he works as a Senior Administrative Business Partner for Legal and Therapeutics at Schrödinger, a drug discovery and research enterprise. He was previously a Project Manager and Research Associate at Kallyope in New York City, an early-stage biotech startup exploring the gut-brain axis, where he assisted with the Research & Development of small-molecule therapeutics. Before joining Kallyope in 2016, he was a research assistant in Marcia Haigis’s lab at Harvard Medical School. He earned his B.S. in Biology with Honors in Biochemistry from Penn State in 2015. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by S...

Overview: Brian Rogowski ’97 Science shares his journey from a winding academic path to a successful career in technology. He discusses the importance of practical experience, the value of social sciences in tech, and the lessons learned from his honors thesis and research. Brian emphasizes the significance of teamwork, mentorship, and work-life balance while navigating the challenges of transitioning from academia to industry. He also provides insights into breaking into big tech and the evolving landscape of technology careers. This episode is useful for any Scholar, and especially those who are undecided about majors as well as those looking to work in the tech industry, especially “big tech.” Guest Bio: Brian Rogosky ’97 Science is Senior Software Engineering Manager at Apple, working on building large-scale data services for Apple Music. He previously was Director of Big Data Engineering for Beats Music, where he founded a software team for one of the early music streaming applications, which launched in 2013 and was acquired by Apple later in 2014, along with Beats Electronics, for $3 Billion, the largest monetary acquisition by Apple.   Brian graduated with a dual degree BS in Psychology and Science, with Honors and a Minor in Science, Technology and Society, in 1997. He earned a Masters in Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2004, where he researched human learning and artificial intelligence. He originally intended to pursue a Ph.D. with a view to become a professor of Cognitive Psychology like his mentors, Dr. David Rosenbaum (Penn State) and Dr. Robert Goldstone (Indiana), but the pull of technology and human-centered AI drew him to a career in the technology industry.  He has worked for or advised numerous startups in AI, internet geolocation, online publishing and online learning. He continues his interest in applied AI, big data, human learning and knowledge representation, as well as creative writing. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License. View Full Transcript

Overview: Katie Florio ’15 HHD, a Schreyer Scholar alumna and former D1 student-athlete at Penn State, joins FTG to share her journey from being a kinesiology major with aspirations of attending medical school to pivoting into the financial sector, where she now works at Goldman Sachs. The conversation delves into her experiences as a cross-country and track athlete, the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, and her transition into the business world. Katie also discusses her passion for running, her achievements in marathons, and how the skills she developed as an athlete have translated into her professional life. The episode concludes with Katie offering advice to current students on networking, attention to detail, and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal interests. This episode, featuring a cameo from running enthusiast Dean Patrick T. Mather ’89, is great for any Scholar interested in a career in business, especially those not in the Smeal College of Business, and all Scholars for exploring and maintaining hobbies and passions beyond their time at Penn State as they transition to alumni. Guest Bio: Katie Florio ’15 HHD earned her B.S. in Kinesiology with Honors from Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development in 2015. Katie was a D1 athlete on the Penn State Track and Field and Cross Country teams where she served as a team captain. Katie, originally aiming to work in healthcare, now works as a Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Goldman Sachs in Philadelphia. She won her division of the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon and is a proud working mother. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview: Joe Kernan ’86 and Victor Ficarra ’21 share their unique journeys through college and into their respective legal careers in and out of “big law.” They discuss the importance of mentorship, the value of extracurricular involvement, and the impact of their honors thesis experiences on their professional paths. The conversation also covers practical advice for current students, including networking strategies, time management, and the evolving role of AI in law and accounting. Both guests emphasize the significance of giving back to the Penn State community and the transformative power of education. This episode is a must listen for any Scholar looking to a career in law and/or looking to get the most out of their relationships with mentors. Guest Bios: Joe Kernen ’86 Liberal Arts earned his BA in pre-law and went on to earn his JD from the NYU School of Law in 1989. He practiced law in Philadelphia for 35 years, the last 32 at DLA Piper, a global business law firm with over 4,500 lawyers. He had a complex commercial litigation practice, with an emphasis on class action and employment matters, and served as Managing Partner of DLA's Philadelphia Office, Chair of the Philadelphia Litigation Group and was the Hiring Partner for 14 years, and also served three terms on the firm's US Policy Committee. He retired as a practicing lawyer in March 2024  and now serves in a variety of charitable roles, including on the advisory boards of Penn State's Brandywine Campus and Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Victor Ficarra ’21 University College is an International Tax Consultant at Deloitte in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he and his team support multinational companies to help them best align their tax strategies with their businesses through a wide variety of compliance and advisory services. Before joining Deloitte in October 2024, Victor interned at a handful of companies including J.P. Morgan Chase and Comcast Corporation. He earned his B.S. in Accounting with Honors from Penn State in 2021 as well as minors in International Studies and Civic & Community Engagement. He also earned his J.D. from Temple University's Beasley School of Law in 2024 and is enrolled at Georgetown University Law Center's LL.M. in Taxation program. Victor is also happy to speak further on tax, business and sports whether it relates to the law or otherwise, as well as mentorship and education as those were areas he continues to be passionate about post graduation. Please feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorbficarra/. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview: In this episode, Matt Gartland ’05 IST shares his journey from Penn State to becoming a leader in the tech and startup world. Matt discusses his unexpected path to Penn State, his experiences in the College of IST, and his involvement with the Schreyer Honors College. He offers insights into his career, including his time at Lockheed Martin and Johnson & Johnson, and his transition into entrepreneurship. Matt emphasizes the importance of mentorship, leadership, making connections, and taking action, providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and students. Guest Bio: Matthew Gartland ’05 IST graduated as the Student Marshall of the 3rd ever class of IST students. He added an honors degree in IST from Schreyer. His academic and honors career at Penn State led him into an exclusive leadership development program with a Fortune 50 company. He left that successful corporate career to get into startups. His startup experience has spanned the DTC e-commerce, Creator Economy, and SaaS industries as a founder, operator, and c-suite executive. 10+ years and a few exits later, he leads SPI Media as CEO and is an advisor/investor to early stage tech companies operating at the intersection of commerce and content. His greatest joys are spending time with his wife and two little girls and traveling the world.  ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License. View Full Transcript

Overview: Personal finance expert and multimedia sensation Farnoosh Torabi ’02 Business shares her journey from a Schreyer Scholar to a renowned financial journalist. She discusses the importance of taking leaps of faith, staying curious, and leveraging unique opportunities at Penn State to forge a successful career. Scholars should listen to this episode to gain insights into navigating academic and career paths, understanding the value of diverse experiences, and learning how to position themselves as experts in their fields. Farnoosh's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion. It is particularly useful for any Scholar in the Smeal College of Business, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, or any looking to start their own media presence. Guest Bio: Farnoosh Toabi ’02 Business is a leading personal finance authority, bestselling author, and creator of the Webby award-winning podcast So Money. As one of America's favorite go-to money experts, she has been a strategic advisor to millions on financial matters.  Torabi's critically acclaimed podcast, So Money, has surpassed 35 million downloads, featuring interviews with notable figures like Arianna Huffington, Margaret Cho, Queen Latifah, and Barbara Corcoran. Her work has been widely recognized, with her most recent book, A Healthy State of Panic, named a Best Book of the Year by Newsweek in 2023. Her financial expertise has been highlighted in major publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, Time, Marie Claire, Glamour, Redbook, and USA Today. She frequently appears on prominent news and talk shows, including NBC Today, Good Morning America, and Live! With Kelly. She’s earned several Penn State honors, including the Alumni Fellow Award in 2024, Smeal Distinguished Achievement Award in 2023, the Schreyer Honors College Outstanding Alumni Award in 2013, and the Penn State Alumni Achievement Award in 2010. In 2017, she was the commencement speaker for the Smeal College of Business, and in 2019 she served as the Homecoming Grand Marshal. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview: Jennifer Baaklini ’11 Com joins Following the Gong to share her journey from print journalism student to global digital engagement strategist and leader. Jennifer walks through her time at Penn State Abington, University Park, and around the globe studying abroad, participating in THON, working jobs on campus, and her diligent search for a role after graduation. She shares great advice for current Scholars and early career alumni on the search for jobs one and two. Jennifer also dives into industry specific advice for those in communications, journalism, and public relations, especially for those seeking leadership opportunities beyond technical expertise work. As a new mom, she also shares value time and energy management insights that can be helpful for any Scholar. While particularly beneficial to Scholars in storytelling spaces, any Scholar can gain value advice from this must listen discussion. Jennifer’s bio is available below. Guest Bio: Jennifer Baaklini ’11 Communications is Director of Digital Strategy at FGS Global, where she specializes in advising clients on digital strategy with a focus on foreign policy and international affairs. Before joining FGS in 2019, she worked at the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education advancing U.S. government exchange programs and people-to-people understanding. This followed a short stint as a local journalist in her hometown. She earned her bachelor of art in Journalism with Honors from Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications in 2011. She also earned her MBA from George Washington University. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview:  Greg Lucier ’86 Eng joined Following the Gong while at University Park to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by Penn State upon an alum, to record live in the new Engineering Design and Innovation Building. Greg shared his experiences as a University Scholar studying industrial engineering and how he used his IE experiences, coupled with an MBA from Harvard University, to take on progressively higher levels of responsibility, from the factory floor at International Paper, to the executive and even CEO office at major firms, including GE and NuVasive, the latter of which was acquired by ThermoFisher Scientific. Greg, as a long-time manager, shares advice for Scholars and new grads seeking internships and entry level roles, including finding what you do and do not want to pursue for a career path. He also shares insight on stepping out to pursue an MBA, especially for non-Smeal grads, and translating experiences at legacy industries to high-tech companies and working internationally and serving on corporate boards. Greg also shares use-now advice for Scholars leading teams and people including their clubs and organizations and managing multiple commitments. This episode is great for any Scholar, especially those interested in careers in engineering, healthcare, management, and entrepreneurship. Greg’s full bio is available below. Guest Bio: Greg Lucier ’86 Engineering is the CEO and founder of Corza Health, Inc., a company focused on acquiring companies and assets to build market-leading healthcare businesses. Greg most recently served as Chairman and CEO at NuVasive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive spine and orthopedic surgery. Prior to that, he was Chair- man and CEO at Life Technologies which he grew into a global life sciences powerhouse that was acquired by ThermoFisher Scientific for more than $15 billion. He spent the first part of his career with General Electric— including GE Healthcare—in a variety of corporate officer and executive roles.  Greg serves on several public and private company boards, including Antylia Scientific, Catalent, Corza Medical, Maravai Life Sciences, and chairs Dentsply Sirona, the largest dental technology company globally. He has been actively involved in a variety of community and civic engagements, including serving as the Chairperson for Sanford Burnham Research Institute in La Jolla, California, and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Greg earned his B.S. in industrial engineering from Penn State’s College of Engineering with Honors and an MBA from Harvard Business School. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview: CW: includes discussion of sexual assault, alcohol and DUI, and other trauma-inducing topics Social worker Dr. Sherry Burnette ’83 Lib joins Following the Gong to talk all things 1980s Penn State & University Scholars Program and her career in the social work sphere. Sherry provides insight on using a degree in psychology, working between undergraduate and graduate school, and counseling and social work roles. Sherry earned her bachelors of art in psychology with honors from Penn State in 1983, as well as MSW, MPH, and PhD degrees. This episode is great for any Scholar interested in the helping professions! Sherry’s full bio is available below. Guest Bio:  Dr. Sherry Burnette ’83 Liberal Arts is currently a Professor at PennWest University (formerly Edinboro University of Pennsylvania) and teaches in the Masters of Social Work Program. Before joining PennWest in 2010, Sherry served as the Vermont Agency of Human Services Trauma Coordinator, Director of Crime Victim Services for the Vermont Department of Corrections and as a medical Social Work Clinician on the Trauma Unit at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She graduated from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts with a bachelor of arts in psychology with honors in 1983. She earned her master of social work from the School of Social Work at Simmons University (MA), and her master of public health and doctor of philosophy in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview: Jennifer “JPags” Paganelli ‘02 is the President of Earned Media Relations at Real Chemistry. She joins Following the Gong to share her experiences in science and healthcare media, communications, and storytelling, including transitioning to working in a STEM field with a Liberal Arts background. This episode is great for any Scholar, and especially those interested in storytelling in any format, especially translating expertise to mass communication and earned media. JPags’ full bio and a chapter breakdown are available below. Guest Bio: Jennifer “JPags” Paganelli ‘02 Liberal Arts is the President of Earned Media Relations at Real Chemistry, an integrated healthcare communications agency that supports organizations and companies in the life science and medical space. She leads a team of 60 dedicated storytellers who work with reporters all day every day to help shape news on behalf of clients working feverishly to develop medicines and provide services across the healthcare spectrum. JPags has spent her entire career in the healthcare realm but ironically, didn't have a super-strong interest in science or medicine growing up! She was more interested in writing and pop culture, thinking she'd be a magazine editor or reporter. Little did she know the wild ride she'd take in her career! JPags graduated PSU in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication (now CAS) with Honors from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts. She loves the healthcare communications field, had no clue it was even a career option - she's thrilled to speak further about the role of media relations and communications in today's fast-changing landscape. Please feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn where you can find her as Jennifer Paganelli Schwartz. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview: Penn State Field Hockey Associate Head Coach Laura Gebhart ’15 Agr visits the Following the Gong studio to discuss all things field hockey, coaching, and community & economic development. Laura grew up in Lancaster County and came to Penn State and the Schreyer Honors College as a Scholar Athlete. She shares how she worked to find the right major for her, got involved in THON, and won a Big Ten Title in Field Hockey. Laura gives her advice for Scholars and student athletes on navigating perfection and demanding schedules, and provides insight on life after athletics, which looks different for everyone. She also pulls back the curtain on coaching an Olympic sport and talks about NIl and gender equity in sports. This is a must watch/listen for any Scholar – especially those unsure of what comes after College, is heavily involved on campus, dealing with rejections (like hers from the US national team,) and those who are interested in coaching or community & economic development careers. It’s also great for any student athlete, whether a Scholar or not. Laura’s full bio and chapter markers detailing the topics discussed are below.   Guest Bio: Laura Gebhart ’15 Agricultural Sciences is the Associate Head Field Hockey Coach at Penn State, where she engages in all areas of the program – from player development and on-field coaching, to recruiting and operations. Before coming back to Penn State, Laura coached at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island – first as the assistant coach, and then as the head coach. Prior to that, Gebhart led a career in economic development, working with two separate non-profits: EDC of Lancaster County (Lancaster, PA) and the Montpelier Development Corporation (Montpelier, VT). Along the way, Gebhart trained with the U.S. Women's National Team, coached a high school program, and volunteer coached at the University of Vermont. Gebhart earned a B.S. in Community, Environment, and Development (Community & Economic Development Option) with Honors from Penn State in 2015. Gebhart is also happy to speak further about ice cream, birding, and crocheting. Please feel free to connect with them at @coach_gebhart on Instagram or LinkedIn. Episode Topic & Chapters 00:04       Introductions and how Laura discovered field hockey 02:38       Pursuing playing D1 college sports 03:44       Collegiate sports recruitment 05:36       Selecting the CED major in Ag Sciences from being undecided 07:18       Planning for life beyond being a Scholar Athlete 08:33       Balancing life as a Scholar and as an Athlete 09:27       Roles of different advisors 10:20       Additional campus opportunities 12:01       THON as an athlete 15:31       Reflecting on athletic accomplishments 16:53       The Honors Thesis 18:37       Transitioning to life as an alum 22:59       Overcoming setbacks 24:08       Full time roles in economic development 25:58       Getting into coaching 28:42       Volunteer coaching 31:52       Taking a step back to take two forward by returning to Penn State 34:25       The roles of the coaching staff 37:19       Year in the life of a Division I coach 40:42       Day-in-the-life of a coach in-season 42:33       Challenges of coaching and supporting high-achieving students 46:01       The impact of NIL on athletics 53:07       Jump here for post NIL discussion to the Olympics 55:25       Coaching against former teammates - personal vs professional in the workplace 57:32       Fundraising and facilities 59:55       Things not asked 01:04:02                   Biggest successes and failures 01:09:27                   Laura's thoughts on mentorship 01:11:12                   Shoutouts