This summer, PennWest students and faculty aren’t just leaving campus – they’re stepping into the world. From rainforest research in Madagascar and reef studies in Thailand to creative mentorship in Japan and community advocacy closer to home, these experiences highlight learning beyond the classroom.

Today’s episode celebrates bold plans, global exploration and hands-on opportunities shaping futures in science, storytelling, and public service. Each journey reflects curiosity, commitment, and real-world impact.

Today's guests include:

Dr. Summer Arrigo Nelson is a Professor of Biology, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at PennWest, teaching animal behavior, conservation, ecology and zoology. Her research examines how habitat disturbance shapes mammal communities in Madagascar’s rainforests, where she has led study abroad programs since 2010.

Mary Kelly is a Fisheries and Wildlife Biology student at PennWest California, commuting from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Passionate about global wildlife conservation, she is expanding her field experience through an internship in Thailand and a study abroad program in Costa Rica.

Braden McCormick is a senior Applied Media Arts major at PennWest Edinboro, concentrating in 3D Animation and graduating in Fall 2026. Mentored by industry leader and Edinboro alum Jalil Sadool of Steamroller Animation Studios, he thrives in hands on creative spaces on campus. This summer, Braden will continue his mentorship while studying abroad in Japan.

Henry Miller is a Legal Studies major at PennWest Clarion from Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Recruited as a collegiate swimmer, he discovered his academic passion through meaningful engagement with faculty in the classroom. This summer, Henry will intern at the Clarion Women’s Shelter, gaining hands‑on experience that will shape his professional development and deepen his commitment to real‑world advocacy and community impact.

Today is the second part of the 2-part series with our May 2026 PennWest commencement student speakers.

Just like last week’s episode, today celebrates transformation – the journey from uncertain beginnings to confident leadership. Our guests embody what happens when passion is met with resilience, when service fuels purpose, and when perseverance shapes impact.

From classrooms to athletics, advocacy, and campus leadership, these students have not only found their voices – they’ve used them to lift others.

Today's guests include:

Kendal Mumaw is a senior, earning dual degrees in Secondary Education Social Studies and PK–12 Special Education, summa cum laude, from PennWest Edinboro. A campus leader and President of the National Panhellenic Council, she is deeply committed to inclusive, student‑centered teaching. Through hands‑on classroom experience and educational advocacy, Kendal is preparing to begin her career as a special education teacher who empowers every learner to succeed.

Caleigh Aigler, who is a senior at PennWest Clarion majoring in Economics with a minor in Pre‑Law, recognized for academic excellence and consistent Dean’s List achievement. A dedicated student‑athlete on the women’s cross country and track teams, she also serves as Vice President of Student Senate. Passionate about advocacy and service, Caleigh is preparing for a future career in law focused on meaningful impact.

Today is Part 1 of our 2-part series with our May 2026 PennWest commencement student speakers.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be celebrating the graduating Class of 2026 and the voices that rise to represent it. Today’s episode begins that celebration by honoring students whose journeys reflect the very best of PennWest.

Through perseverance, leadership, service and academic purpose, they have shaped not only their own futures, but the communities around them.

Today's guests include:

Caitlyn Egan is a senior at PennWest California majoring in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Investigation. Deeply involved on campus, she serves in Student Government Association leadership, leads the Co-ed Volleyball Club and holds roles with the Criminal Justice Club, SAI Board and peer mentoring. Her college experience – paired with an Ocean City Police Department internship – has shaped her passion for law enforcement careers ahead.

Karsten Kadylak is a senior Nursing student at PennWest Clarion from Franklin, Pennsylvania, drawn to Clarion for its close‑knit campus community. He has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while tutoring peers in nursing and anatomy and gaining hands‑on clinical experience at UPMC Northwest in inpatient medical‑surgical and specialty units. Karsten prepares to begin his career in the medical intensive care unit at UPMC Hamot.

Jordan Wiedman is also from the California campus, majoring in Criminology, with a master’s degree in Analysis of Criminal Behavior already underway. A Marine Corps Reservist and campus scholar, Jordan has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing military leadership, research presentation and Division II athletics. His college experience blends discipline, service and academic excellence, shaping his path toward law school and a future career in military law and public service.

PennWest recently launched a new initiative bringing together innovative economic development programs across our three Western Pennsylvania campuses.

P.E.A.K. @ PennWest supports regional business growth while offering students meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Through partners like the Clarion SBDC, California’s APEX Accelerator, PennWest Edinboro’s Beehive, the Career Center, and academic programs across multiple disciplines, P.E.A.K. provides resources for local businesses and gives students hands-on experience that prepares them to lead, create and innovate.

Today's guests include:

Chad Smith is a Professor of Management and Marketing at PennWest, focused on entrepreneurship, strategy and leadership through hands‑on learning. He brings business to life using simulations, internships and real‑world application. An entrepreneur and investor, Chad is committed to helping students build practical skills, confidence, and career‑ready experience beyond the classroom.

Chris Lantinen serves as Faculty Director of Entrepreneurship and leads the Edinboro branch of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Based in the Baron‑Forness Library, he supports regional entrepreneurs with branding and marketing. A former Edinboro student‑athlete and journalist, Chris brings real‑world experience to teaching, innovation and community‑focused economic growth.

Ben Kalmey is a Corporate Communications graduate student at PennWest Edinboro, building on a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in Music. A deeply engaged campus leader, he serves with the Spirit of the Scots Marching Band, University Choir, WFSE Fighting Scots Radio and Kappa Kappa Psi. Ben also works as a Digital Media Specialist with the PennWest Edinboro Beehive, blending communication, creativity and community impact.

Hailee Liptak is an MBA student in Finance at PennWest Clarion, building on her undergraduate degree in Finance with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning. She works as a Merchandising Administrator at Dick’s Sporting Goods and brings hands‑on experience from the Clarion Small Business Development Center.

On today’s episode, we’re talking about learning by doing. You can read about a career. You can watch a video about it. Or you can step into a lab, pick up the tools, make mistakes, solve problems and discover whether this path is truly for you.

At PennWest, learning doesn’t stop at the textbook. It comes alive in automation labs where students wire and program real systems. In studios where stories are framed, filmed, and edited. And even in places you might not expect – like nutrition classrooms, where students test, taste, and refine food choices designed to fuel health and wellness.

Today's guests include:

Branden Gmutza is a dual major in Mechatronic Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology at PennWest California, driven by hands‑on innovation. As President of the Engineering Technology Club, he leads through collaboration and applied learning. His work includes industrial automation, autonomous drones and a senior design project developing a low‑power imaging system for harsh environments like Antarctica, blending engineering, research and real‑world impact.

Taney Basinger is a senior at PennWest Edinboro and a double major in Animation and Film with a passion for visual storytelling. She gained hands‑on professional experience as a Digital Multimedia Intern at Fallingwater, creating photography, video and written content at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright landmark. Inspired by art, nature and people, Taney is preparing for a creative career in film and digital media.

Dr. Kim Schwabenbauer serves as an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at our Clarion campus, championing hands‑on, experiential learning that connects science to real‑world performance. Also the Sports Dietitian for the Pittsburgh Steelers, she is a nationally recognized expert and former professional triathlete dedicated to personalized, evidence‑based nutrition, applied research, and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

This Earth Day, we’re celebrating the science that gets its hands dirty and its ideas moving.

Across PennWest, students and faculty are turning STEM knowledge into real solutions – protecting ecosystems, restoring landscapes and rethinking how we care for our planet. From field sites to labs, from data to action, this is where curiosity becomes impact.

Today, we have two students and one faculty member who prove that when you invest in the Earth, the future grows stronger.

Today's guests include:

Kennedy Brown is a senior Environmental Geosciences major with a concentration in Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences and a minor in Black Studies. From Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, she discovered a passion for meteorology through storm intercept research and hands on fieldwork. Actively involved in leadership and environmental justice initiatives at the Clarion campus, Kennedy is driven by science, community and the power of collaboration.

Tyler Zuck is a senior Fisheries and Wildlife Biology major at PennWest California from Bedford, Pennsylvania. A student leader with STAND, the campus ministry, he is passionate about stewardship, service, and community. Tyler’s love for the outdoors – hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, camping, and exploring historical sites – shapes his commitment to conservation and meaningful engagement with the natural world.

Dr. Sarah L. Bashore is a faculty member at PennWest California whose work centers on sustainability, plant–microbe interactions and food security. Trained in microbiology and plant sciences, she bridges research and practice through teaching, community engagement and stewardship of the university’s organic garden, orchard and apiary. Dr. Bashore champions sustainable agriculture, environmental literacy, and real‑world learning.

In today’s episode, we sit down with three remarkablePennWest students and one dedicated faculty mentor to explore how research andcreative scholarship have influenced their academic paths, expanded theiropportunities, and helped them discover their own voices as emerging scholars.

 And speaking of presentations – our conversation today alsooffers a preview of PennWest’s signature academic events: Strike a Spark andCelebration of Scholarship, a series that highlights experiential learning andacademic achievement across PennWest. 

Today's guests include:

Liz Keppler is a dual major in Graphic Design and Illustration at PennWest Edinboro, passionate about creative storytelling and visual communication. Originally from Waterford, Pennsylvania, she performs trombone with the Spirit of the Scots Marching Band and is an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi’s Nu Zeta chapter. Liz loves contributing to campus life through both the arts and meaningful service.

Tsahai Senior graduated from PennWest with a degree in Psychology in December 2025. During her time on campus, she served as an officer in New Life Christian Club and sang in the University Choir throughout her college career. Now pursuing graduate studies, Tsahai is passionate about trauma informed developmental care, combining clinical intervention and research to support healing and resilience.

Selamawit Yilma is a Molecular Biology and Computer Science double major from Ethiopia, dedicated to academic excellence and global engagement. At PennWest Clarion, she serves as a peer tutor and leads across campus as President of Model United Nations and the Black Student Union, Vice President of the Clarion International Student Association, and Treasurer of the Association of Information Technology Professionals.

Dr. Michelle Valkanas is an Assistant Professor of Biology, Earth, and Environmental Sciences who earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Duquesne University, specializing in bacterial genetics and bioremediation. Her research explores bacterial adaptations in extreme environments, including metal and antibiotic resistance. A Pittsburgh native, she is deeply committed to community science outreach and active in several national scientific organizations.

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the heart of healthcare – nursing, and more importantly, the dedicated nursing majors and programs at PennWest that are shaping the next generation of caregivers.

We’re exploring why strong, community focused nursing education matters now more than ever. You’ll hear from PennWest nursing students who have stepped into rural Pennsylvania communities – places where access to care can be limited, but the need is undeniable.

Today's guests include:

Aisha Hassan‑Davis is a board‑certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and doctoral‑level NP student committed to advancing compassionate, evidence‑based mental health care. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD and supporting individuals navigating substance use challenges.

Karsten Kadylak is a senior Nursing student at PennWest Clarion, born and raised in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Drawn to Clarion for its strong close‑knit community, he has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while tutoring students in nursing and anatomy to help them excel.

Colin Zerbe is a junior BSN student from Seneca, Pennsylvania, dedicated to pursuing a career rooted in compassion and high‑quality patient care. At PennWest Clarion, he is an active member of the BSN Club and participates in a variety of intramural sports, embracing campus life and community.

Cody Adams is a dedicated nursing professional from Avella, Pennsylvania, currently advancing his career through PennWest’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Committed to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centered care, he is driven to expand his clinical expertise and leadership in the field.

In today’s episode, we’re spotlighting three remarkable alumni from the three PennWest campuses – California, Clarion, and Edinboro – each of whom has taken their passion for teaching into schools and communities across the region.

They’ll share their personal journeys into education, the moments that lit the spark and the experiences at PennWest that prepared them to lead, encourage and uplift the next generation.

Today's guests include:

Madeline Loring, the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, is a fourth grade math teacher at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School. With 14 years in public education and a master’s degree from the California campus, she designs intentional, engaging instruction that honors every child’s potential.

Mark Brooks is a proud Erie native and Harbor Creek graduate who earned his health and physical education teaching certification from Edinboro, where he briefly played football before moving into coaching. He has taught every grade K–12 and now serves as an online educator with Pennwood Cyber Charter School.

Brandy Daye is a passionate educator and leader committed to equity, opportunity, and transformative learning. A Clarion University graduate with certifications in Elementary and Special Education, she later earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership. Now Principal of PPS Liberty K‑5, Brandy fosters a school culture rooted in belonging and high expectations.

Tradition meets impact as we spotlight student leaders redefining what fraternity and sorority life looks like at PennWest. Through service, philanthropy, and authentic leadership, they’re building community and character that last far beyond college.

Today, we’ll meet four students whose passion, purpose, and commitment are transforming Greek life into a force for good on every campus they call home.

Today's guests include:

Brandon Hebda is a Communications major from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, with minors in Event Planning and Management and General Business. A vibrant campus leader, he serves as a Greek Life Student Coordinator, PennWest Pantry Student Ambassador, NSO Leader and Welcome Weekend Leader.

Kendal Mumaw is a senior at PennWest Edinboro pursuing dual certification in 7–12 Social Studies and PK–12 Special Education. Originally from Monaca, Pennsylvania, she has led within Zeta Tau Alpha and the Edinboro Panhellenic Council.

Zion Baxter is a junior at PennWest California and a proud member of Sigma Tau Gamma. He serves as Vice President on the IFC Executive Board, helping support and strengthen the fraternity community.

Avery Soltesz is a junior Exercise Science major from McEwensville, Pennsylvania, focusing on nutrition and fitness with plans to become a physical therapist. On campus, she shines as the Feature Twirler for the Golden Eagle Marching Band and leads through Panhellenic Council.