The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program

07/14/2026

Glad to help at ArtsFest.

07/14/2026

The students had a great time helping out at ArtsFest.

07/14/2026

So proud to see rising senior and Mechanical Engineering major, Allen featured in the latest edition of the Penn Stater Magazine.

Mechanical engineering undergraduate Allen Nunes aims to revolutionize the aerospace industry.

05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Ondi Brown— Pharmacology and Toxicology. Ondi is active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as Treasurer, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, where she serves as Vice President of Finance, in addition to involvement with PSU EnvironMentors as a mentor, L.O.C.K.S. as former Programming Chair and MANRRS. She was recognized as Outstanding Executive Officer for the NPHC. As a research assistant in the Soil Research Cluster Laboratory, she researches lead contamination in soils. Through this work, she gained experience in sample preparation, XRF analysis, Mehlich 3 extractions, SEAL analysis, and the application of TSP amendments to evaluate lead immobilization and phosphorus availability. Her work contributes to research on sustainable solutions for soil lead contamination. In previous research experiences, she investigated the effects of phthalates on mouse reproductive health and assisted in research on silicate material absorbency for environmental applications. She accepted a position as a Chemist in environmental testing and plans to pursue a PhD in the future. Congratulations!

05/11/2026

Last but certainly not least celebrating the College of Agricultural Sciences.

05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Elise Wang— Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, with minors in Biology and Environmental Inquiry. Elise was president of Club Tennis. Her research focuses on the molecular structure-function studies of the Farnesoid X Receptor, a nuclear receptor that activates metabolism. Elise is graduating Cum Laude and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and a recipient of the DAAD RISE Summer Scholarship which support her internship in Germany in summer 2025. She also received the President Walker Award. She received the DAAD Master's study scholarship to complete a Master of Environmental Science at a university in Germany. Following her master’s, she will pursue a PhD in biological sciences and a career in environmental research, working at the intersection of science and policy. Congratulations!

05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: María Fernanda (Mafe) Vázquez Rivera — Biology - neuroscience option and minor in BME. Mafe was president of the Millennium Society. Her research focuses on investigating the role of Schizophrenia risk gene in the progression of interneuron development. She is an Eberly College of Science Dean’s List student and was featured in the Eberly College of Science Hispanic Heritage Month 2025-2026 Spotlight. She will be doing a 2-year post baccalaureate program at the NIH (Bethesda) in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke section and will be working in the lab of Dr. Roll-Mecak, chief of the Unit of Cell Biology and Biophysics. Congratulations!

05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Kendyl Smith— Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (minor: microbiology). Kendyl is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and received the President Walker Award. She will be pursuing a master’s in integrated pharmaceutical sciences at the University Michigan. Congratulations!

05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Yusrah Sanni— Statistics. Yusrah was active in National Society of Black Engineers, the Black Muslim Initiative, and the Millennium Cohort Council. She was also an Education Abroad Peer Adviser. Her research in the Micronutrients and Pregnancy Lab focuses on placental structure and efficiency examining how variations in placental shape influence maternal and fetal outcomes. She plans to take time off after graduation to explore new opportunities before furthering her education. Congratulations!

05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Don Mauney— Biology. Don Conducts research in the lab of Dr. Melanie McReynolds. He has presented his research at multiple conferences. Congratulations!