What happens when research is shaped not just in labs and offices, but in partnership with the communities it aims to serve? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski, Director of Penn State’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), and Dr. George Garrow, Chief Executive Officer of Primary Health Network, share a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative work — and the trust, openness, and partnership at the root of community-engaged research. Together, they explore how ideas are seeded, relationships take root, and insights cross-pollinate to grow more meaningful, responsive outcomes. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about cultivating research that is connected, collaborative, and grounded in the communities it serves.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at [email protected].

Show notes:

• Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski's research profile
• Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski's LinkedIn profile
• Dr. George Garrow's Alumni Association profile
• George C. Garrow named 2023 Penn State Alumni Fellow (Penn State News)
• Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)
• Penn State CTSI Community-Driven Research Days 
• Penn State CTSI on Bluesky
• Primary Health Network

Meet Scarlett Miller, the Paul Morrow Professor of Engineering Design and Manufacturing and Director of the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation. In this episode, Scarlett shares how her work brings together researchers, students, and diverse partners to explore questions about the built environment--the interconnected systems that shape the spaces where we live and work. Along the way, we talk about what interdisciplinary research looks like in practice and the importance of mindsets like systems thinking for tackling complex problems. Join us for an energizing conversation about creativity, collaboration, risk taking, and why innovation often sparks at the intersections.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at [email protected].

Show notes:

• Dr. Scarlett Miller's LinkedIn profile
• Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation
• Britelab: Bridging Research in Innovation, Technology, & Engineering

We’re excited to continue a four-part minisode series highlighting undergraduates who’ve earned some of the most competitive awards in STEM research. These recognitions — including the Astronaut and Goldwater Scholarships — celebrate not only the impact of students’ current work but also their promise as future researchers. In each conversation, we explore the experiences that set them on their path and the attitudes and practices that helped them grow into emerging scholars.

In this fourth and final minisode, we talk with Goldwater Scholarship recipient Luc Schrauf, a fourth-year Physics major in the Eberly College of Science at the University Park campus, with minors in Mathematics and Nanotechnology. Fun, candid, and full of curiosity, Luc has a gift for making even complex concepts feel engaging and accessible. He shares how connecting his research experiences with coursework, plus applying for the Goldwater, has helped him develop a holistic understanding of research, clarify his passions, and sharpen his focus. Luc offers an accessible, big-picture view of how doing research shapes understanding--and how thoughtful reflection shapes both the researcher and the process.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Show notes:

• Luc Schrauf’s LinkedIn profile

• Samarth Research Group

• Institute for Quantum Computing (University of Waterloo)

• ⁠Goldwater Scholarship Program⁠ (PSU Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring)

• ⁠Goldwater Scholarship

We’re excited to continue a four-part minisode series highlighting undergraduates who’ve earned some of the most competitive awards in STEM research. These recognitions — including the Astronaut and Goldwater Scholarships — celebrate not only the impact of students’ current work but also their promise as future researchers. In each conversation, we explore the experiences that set them on their path and the attitudes and practices that helped them grow into emerging scholars.

In this third minisode, we talk with Astronaut and Goldwater Scholarship recipient Megan Von Abo, who will graduate in Spring 2026 with an integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the Eberly College of Science at the University Park campus, with minors in Neuroscience and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Megan’s energy draws you in, but it’s her research and her motivation that leave a lasting impression. With a clear sense of purpose and strong time management skills (how does she make time for THON, too?), Megan shares how goal-setting, supportive relationships, and grace in the face of roadblocks have helped her thrive. This episode offers an energizing look at the motivation and community behind an exceptional student researcher.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Show notes:

• Megan Von Abo’s LinkedIn profile

• Kwapis Lab

• ⁠Goldwater Scholarship Program⁠ (PSU Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring)

• ⁠Goldwater Scholarship

• ⁠Astronaut Scholarship Foundation⁠ (PSU Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring)

• ⁠Astronaut Scholarship Foundation⁠

• Regeneron

• Charles River Lab

• Kelly L Jordan-Sciutto, PhD

We’re excited to continue a four-part minisode series highlighting undergraduates who’ve earned some of the most competitive awards in STEM research. These recognitions — including the Astronaut and Goldwater Scholarships — celebrate not only the impact of students’ current work but also their promise as future researchers. In each conversation, we explore the experiences that set them on their path and the attitudes and practices that helped them grow into emerging scholars.

In this second minisode, we talk with Goldwater Scholarship recipient, Elise Groff, a fourth year Chemistry major preparing to pursue an MD/PhD at the Penn State College of Medicine with a goal of becoming a physician scientist. With thoughtful and candid storytelling, Elise opens up about her winding path toward discovering her passion. She followed her curiosity, pursued personal interests, and found mentors who guided, challenged, and championed her along the way.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Show notes:

• Elise Groff’s LinkedIn profile 
• Four Penn State Undergraduates Earn Goldwater Scholarships (PSU News)
• Manuel Llinás Laboratory at Penn State
• Penn State MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program
• Penn State Schreyer Honors College MD/PhD Summer Exposure Program
• Goldwater Scholarship Program (PSU Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring)
• Goldwater Scholarship

We’re excited to launch a four-part minisode series highlighting undergraduates who’ve earned some of the most competitive awards in STEM research. These recognitions — including the Astronaut and Goldwater Scholarships — celebrate not only the impact of students’ current work but also their promise as future researchers. In each conversation, we explore the experiences that set them on their path and the attitudes and practices that helped them grow into emerging scholars.

In this first minisode, we talk with Astronaut Scholarship recipient Charlie Colvin, a senior majoring in Plant Sciences with a concentration in plant genetics/biotechnology and a minor in Agronomy at the University Park campus. Charlie shares the foundational experiences that sparked his passion for problem-solving through research, offering insight into the curiosity, persistence, and communication skills that have shaped his journey. You won’t want to miss this thoughtful look at the motivations and mindset behind an extraordinary undergraduate researcher.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Show notes:

• Charlie Colvin’s LinkedIn profile  
• Two Penn State undergraduates named Astronaut Scholars (PSU News)
• Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (PSU Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring)
• Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
• Chopra Maize Genetics Lab at Penn State University (LinkedIn)

Get ready to meet Boaz Dvir -- documentary filmmaker, associate professor, and all-around inspiring individual. In this conversation, Boaz takes us behind the scenes to explore how he brings to life the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. We explore the differences between documentary films and journalism, as well as the power of primary research. We also dig into the values and attitudes -- such as self-awareness, curiosity, integrity, and openness -- that guide and anchor his work. You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking discussion about the research process behind his captivating storytelling.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at [email protected].

NOTE: Because Boaz Dvir’s documentaries cover difficult and sensitive topics, this episode includes discussion of child sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, and the Holocaust. 

Show notes:

• Boaz Dvir’s Penn State profile

• Jessie’s Dad (documentary)

• Wikipedia

• IMDB

• Amazon Prime

• Apple TV

• A Wing and a Prayer (documentary)

• Wikipedia 

• IMDB

• YouTube

• Saving Israel: The Unknown Story of Smuggling Weapons and Winning a Nation's Independence (book)

• Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative at Penn State
  

As an Associate Teaching Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State Scranton, Dr. Melissa LaBuda uses Penn State's Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE) program to connect her students with peers from around the world. When students collaborate across cultures, they’re building a broader worldview while practicing communication, collaboration, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills, feeding their ability to practice inquiry. In this episode, Dr. LaBuda shares how global connections spark resilience, empathy, and creativity, both for her students and for herself.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Show notes:

• Dr. Melissa LaBuda's Penn State profile
• Penn State Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE)⁠
• Scranton professor conducts virtual exchange with Egyptian university (Penn State News)
• Abuzant, M., LaBuda, M. A., Gilbrecht-Hindi, A. (2024). Leveraging intercultural dialogue and collaborative learning to promote interpersonal and patient care competencies. Journal of Virtual Exchange, 7, 106-117. https://doi.org/10.21827/jve.7.41432
• Teen Minds Matter: Mental Health Resources for Northern American Teens (Student work from one of Dr. LaBuda's EDGE collaborations)

Meet Elizabeth Schachte, a Penn State New Kensington graduate whose path has been shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to research. From her time as a Biobehavioral Health student in the honors program to her work with the National Health Corps to her return to Penn State New Kensington as a research coordinator, Elizabeth has embraced research as a way of understanding the world and finding her purpose. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about the power of research as a journey to explore your passions and a means for making meaningful connections.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at [email protected].

Show notes

• Elizabeth Schochte's LinkedIn profile
• Penn State New Kensington Honors Program
• Penn State New Kensington Biobehavioral Health Program
• National Health Corps
• AmeriCorps
• Selected publications related to Elizabeth's research experiences
• Related to her work as a Research Coordinator at Penn State New Kensington - McLean, K., Wentling, R., Rakhmatullaev, B., Schachte, E., & Morrison, P. (2024). “They are notoriously not very honest”: Provider-based stigma and the challenge of integrated care for women experiencing IPV and OUD. Journal of Family Violence. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-024-00751-7
• Related to her service as Patient Healthcare Navigator in the National Health Corps - Leveraging the Electronic Health Record in Community Medicine and Preventative Care

Cheryl Horten has entered the AI landscape head-on. Through her work as an academic coordinator and business analytics instructor at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, and as a doctoral candidate in business intelligence, Cheryl is deeply invested in considering the opportunities and challenges that AI offers. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about if, how, and when AI can be a valuable partner in teaching, learning, and research. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode has something for everyone.

Want to share your own research story, submit a suggestion, or join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Contact co-hosts Jen Jarson (Head Librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Interim Head Librarian at Penn State Schuylkill) and Kate Morgan (Instructional Designer at Penn State World Campus) at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Show notes:

• Cheryl Horten LinkedIn profile
• Penn State Online MBA Program
• AI Breakfast newsletter
• Elicit
• Afforai  
• Zotero
• Claude.ai
• ChatGPT
• The R Project for Statistical Computing
• Stack Overflow