Slippery Rock University

Krislyn Green never considered a career in the financial services industry, but after her 10-week internship with BNY this summer, she not only sees the industry as a possibility but as a reality. Green, a Slippery Rock University senior management major from Butler (Butler HS), first connected with BNY from a message on the recruiting and networking app Handshake, where a recruiter encouraged her to apply for the 2025 summer internship program at BNY's Mellon Center office in Pittsburgh. "I never saw myself working in the financial services industry, but I really enjoyed it and made several connections over the summer with professionals in the industry," Green said.

What began as a summer internship turned into a career path for Michael Powell, a Slippery Rock University chemistry major who will graduate next year with a job offer waiting for him in his dream career field. A senior from Mt. Joy (Manheim Central HS), Powell will join Metso as a laboratory operations technician upon graduating in the spring after completing a summer internship as a lab technician. Metso is a Finnish industrial company that provides sustainable technologies for aggregates, mining, recycling and metals refining. Throughout his three-month-long role in Metso's test center in York, Powell worked on projects ranging from sample preparation, laboratory inventory and integrating standard protocols for chemical reactions. Powell's work introduced him to collaborative global experiences, working with labs in Texas, California and even as far as a Finland and Brazil.

Jason Serbin spent his summer programming innovative quality assurance solutions for Pine Instruments in Grove City. Serbin, a Slippery Rock University junior computing major from Altoona (Altoona HS) began his relationship with Pine two summers ago at the suggestion of Sam Thangiah, professor of computing and security. Since then, Serbin worked as summer help in the company's IT department. Serbin said that while that position wasn't a role he preferred, it was necessary to get his foot in the door in hopes of getting to do the computer programming work he was interested in.

Angelena Russo discovered that even a study-abroad experience outside of her major could offer valuable insight into international business, marketing practices and cultural awareness. Russo, a Slippery Rock University senior marketing major from New Castle (Neshannock HS), was part of a short-term study-abroad experience in Italy, May 12-20, aimed at teaching 22 students how different cultures define wellness and integrated health practices. The program was was led by Alessia Zanin-Yost, associate professor and health sciences librarian, and Adaeze Aroh, assistant professor of public health sciences. Although the program focused on health and wellness professions, Russo, who is pursuing a career in digital marketing or marketing analytics, drew value from site visits of Italian health- and wellness-focused organizations.

Abigail Zeglen gained hands-on experience this summer through an internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in its geotechnical engineering department. Zeglen, a Slippery Rock University junior civil engineering major from Hastings (Cambria Heights HS), describes geotechnical engineering as the "backbone" of engineering as it emphasizes the relationship between the earth and the structures built upon it. Geotechnical engineers analyze subterranean conditions to ensure the safety of buildings, bridges, roads and other pieces of infrastructure that engineers work to create.

Three outstanding Slippery Rock University senior sport management majors have been selected for scholarships by the Stadium Managers Association Foundation. These awards are presented to only three students nationally who have made distinguished contributions in the areas of sport management and sport administration and all three recipients this year are from SRU. These scholarships provide more than just financial assistance to the chosen students, they also validate the work they have put forth while pursuing careers in sport management and administration.

Nate Presutti is helping meet a need for music educators in the community by creating choir lessons at a low cost for use by high school music teachers. Presutti, a Slippery Rock University senior music education major from Clinton (West Allegheny HS), is recording six public domain choral pieces with local musicians and pairing the pieces with lesson plans as part of a summer research project.

Growing up in the Erie area, Abigail Nguyen has long had a passion for both conservation and art. As part of her summer internship, she brought those passions to children in her community. Nguyen, a Slippery Rock University junior biology major from Harborcreek (Harbor Creek HS), designed and led a free community event on July 29 centered on environmental awareness and hands-on learning for children through an internship with the Erie County Conservation District.

When Thomas Freilino journeyed to Dublin, Ireland, with Slippery Rock University students, he knew he would be learning about how to become a leader. After all, the program was organized by SRU's Student Engagement and Leadership Office. What Freilino did not know was the insight he would gain from an SRU alumna

From partner lifts in a Leuven dance studio to witnessing primetime performances at the Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Abby Brubaker experienced Belgium through dance. She expected the study-abroad program to grow her skills as a dancer, but what she also found was a clearer picture of the career she hopes to pursue. Brubaker, a Slippery Rock University senior dance major from Lancaster (Lancaster Mennonite HS), joined a group of 21 SRU dance students May 12-21 in an immersive exploration of Belgium's modern dance scene. Led by Jennifer Keller, SRU professor of dance, and Lindsay Viatori, associate professor of dance, the program featured hands-on workshops, performances and cultural experiences in Brussels, Leuven, Ghent and Bruges, where the group expanded their dance repertoire while exploring Belgian culture.

Dakharee Mann gained a behind the scenes look into one of golf's biggest tournaments at Oakmont Country Club. Mann, a Slippery Rock University sophomore sport management major from Harrisburg (Susquehanna Township HS), experienced first-hand the inner workings of the U.S. Open tournament through an internship with USGA Pathways. The 10-day internship, on location in Oakmont during the U.S. Open earlier this month, gave college students the opportunity to learn to every facet of the $84 billion golf industry. Mann was one of 24 interns selected from a pool of more than 750 applicants.

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.