The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program

The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program MSP is committed to developing a community of engaged and innovative STEM scholars.

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Ondi Brown— Pharmacology and Toxicology. Ondi is active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where ...
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!

Last but certainly not least celebrating the College of Agricultural Sciences.
05/11/2026

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

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Elise Wang— Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, with minors in Biology and Environmental Inquiry. Elis...
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!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: María Fernanda (Mafe) Vázquez Rivera — Biology - neuroscience option and minor in BME. Mafe was pres...
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!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Kendyl Smith— Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (minor: microbiology). Kendyl is a member of Phi Be...
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!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Yusrah Sanni— Statistics. Yusrah was active in National Society of Black Engineers, the Black Muslim...
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!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Don Mauney— Biology. Don Conducts research in the lab of Dr. Melanie McReynolds. He has presented h...
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!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: William Hervey—Biology. William was active in the Millennium Scholars Cohort Council and the Biologi...
05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: William Hervey—Biology. William was active in the Millennium Scholars Cohort Council and the Biological Sciences Society. His research focuses on the isolation and characterization of methanogens from the Frasassi caves in Italy. William is a Dean’s List student. He plans to take a growth year and go into industry. Congratulations!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Isaiah Diggs— Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Isaiah was active in NSBE, the Center of Excellenc...
05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Isaiah Diggs— Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Isaiah was active in NSBE, the Center of Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology and the Chess Club. His research focuses on focuses on NAD+ redox reactions specifically how cofactor imbalances of NAD+/NADH ratios effect aging and reproduction. During his time at Penn State Isaiah had various research opportunities and awards, including: University of Missouri Life Sciences Fellowship 2026; American Chemical Society Student Exchange Award 2026; Black in STEM: Featuring Black Scientists and Celebrating Diversity and Equity in STEM 2026; ABRCMS Poster Presentation Award 2025; SACNAS Poster Presentation Award 2025; ABCRMS Travel Award 2025; Erickson Discovery Award Winner 2025; Caltech Wave Fellow 2024; Yale BioMed Surf 2023; NASA Space Grant Recipient 2023; Ira Lubert Scholarship 2022-2026; Wheeler P Davey Memorial Scholarship Fund 2022-2026; Penn State Millennium Scholarship 2022-2026. In the fall he will begin a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Missouri (Mizzou). Congratulations!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Lucia Anderson—Biology. Lucia served as president of the United Socialists at Penn State and treasur...
05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Lucia Anderson—Biology. Lucia served as president of the United Socialists at Penn State and treasurer for the Penn State Reproductive Justice Project. She was also active in PAWPals. Her research focuses on conservation genetics of Eastern North American forest trees. Lucia has taken a position as a research technician with the University of Georgia. Congratulations!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Jore Adegboyo—Biology-Neuroscience focus. Jore was active in MAPS, Schreyer Honors College Scholar A...
05/11/2026

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Jore Adegboyo—Biology-Neuroscience focus. Jore was active in MAPS, Schreyer Honors College Scholar Ambassadors, AMSA, AED, Club Tennis and the State College Food Bank. Her research focuses on oxidative stress in the aging mouse brain. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and a recipient of the H. Jacob Hanchar Neuroscience Scholarship. Jore will conduct post-baccalaureate research at the NIH and then apply to MD and MD/PhD programs. Congratulations!

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