Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Ag Sciences

Please join us in welcoming Zoe to the team!

A note from Zoe:
Hi!! My name is Zoe Gianfrancesco, and I’m a rising junior studying Wildlife and Fisheries Science! I’m a 2+2 student from Penn State Beaver, and this fall will be my start at University Park. I love learning about animals, working in riparian buffers, and meeting new people! 🥳

Presenting… Ella!! We are so happy to have her join us this summer!

“Hi everyone! My name is Ella McDyre from State College, PA. I am a fourth year student majoring in Animal Science with minors in Entomology, International Agriculture, and Wildlife and Fisheries Science. My interests center around wild animals and making sure that everybody has access to learning about animals and conservation. I am minoring in American Sign Language so that I can communicate with more people and tell them about all the great things the world of agriculture has to offer. I’m excited to get to know each of you!”

Time for another mentor spotlight! Today, we’re excited to introduce the lovely Lindsay:

“Hi! My name is Lindsay and I’m an incoming senior majoring in plant science with a minor in plant pathology. I’m involved in student leadership here at Penn State as well as undergraduate research. I am super excited to meet new people!!”

We are thrilled to bring this 2024 PSEAS alum back to the program 😁

A note from Jules:
“Hey everyone! My name is Jules I’m from south Philly and I’m an incoming sophomore majoring in environmental resource management with three minors of entomology, wildlife & fisheries, and watersheds & water resources! I’m an avid beekeeper and want to work in native pollinator conservation after college! I can’t wait to meet everyone and help you all explore everything the college of ag has to offer 🐝😊”

Lenka is excited to return for her second year as a PSEAS mentor! 💚 She is a junior majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education and looks forward to connecting with students, sharing her passion for agriculture, and helping make this summer an unforgettable experience filled with learning, leadership, and fun. 🌾🌎🐄 We’re so happy to spend another year with Lenka!

Introducing… our lovely mentors!! We are thrilled to begin our mentor spotlights by presenting a ‘24 PSEAS alum, Silas!

“Hello everyone! My name is Silas Bothell from Indiana, PA and I’m super excited to be one of your mentors this summer! I will be entering my Senior Year at Penn State studying Animal Science. I have a true passion for all things animals, especially cows. Outside of school I enjoy being outdoors kayaking, fishing, and spending time with my dog. I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer and share our love for agriculture!“

Congratulations to Kristen, Emily, and Mateen!

The World Food Prize Foundation announced that it will send 13 students abroad for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program at renowned international research centers and NGOs this summer! 🌍✨

These exceptional students hail from five U.S. states, Africa, India and Mexico. The 2026 Borlaug-Ruan intern cohort will delve into issues related to global food security, sustainability and development during their eight-week internships at leading international research centers and development organizations in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, India, Kenya, Peru and Taiwan.

Learn more here 👉 https://bit.ly/4vXDqLF

We’ve been busy interviewing all of our wonderful applicants! Decisions will be shared on March 27 🤔

Congratulations, Brynn Karnes!

⭐ A huge congratulations to Brynn Karnes, recognized as the State Star in Agribusiness! Your leadership and innovation continue to move Pennsylvania agriculture forward! ⭐

Congratulations to our 2025 PA delegates for attending and completing the Global Youth Institute! We traveled to Des Moines ready to learn and grow, and left with knowledge, new connections, optimism, and tools to fight hunger across the globe. We are so proud of them!