This 1-hour virtual informational interview is the perfect opportunity for students to explore careers and build a professional network. Alumni and students will have the chance to engage one-on-one and share an inside look at industries and organizations.

Special Instructions for Students:

Below you will find a full list of Career Quick Connect Hosts in alphabetic order by last name. Each host has included a brief biography for your review.  When registering, you will be able to select up to three potential hosts. Please note that selecting a host does not guarantee a match. You will receive an announcement via email with your host's contact information. To register click here.

Host Bios:

Adam Doyle - Ruppert Landscape, 2006 Grad - Adam has 18 years of industry experience, having started with a small landscape company in the Baltimore area in high school. He attended Virginia Tech where he majored in Horticulture with a minor in Landscape Contracting and graduated with a BS in 2006. After college, he spent several years with a leading landscape organization, working in three different locations first as a supervisor and finally operations manager in 2012. He worked as a landscape construction foreman overseeing a two-person crew and during that time was instrumental in helping increase revenue from $100k to $350k. In the years that followed, he helped grow the team and the book of work exponentially, reaching $3.2 million in revenue in 2018. At this point Adam was promoted to branch manager.

Alexis Hauser - PepsiCo, 2019 Grad - I am from Philadelphia, but currently live in New York City due to relocation for PepsiCo. I am currently working remotely, which is driving me a bit insane, as I am a very active person and love the daily hustle and bustle that New York is known for. I am the oldest of 8 siblings, so I have always been one to take charge of a situation and attempt to solve it for others. In my spare time, I love visiting my beach house at the Jersey Shore and traveling to new places. I also enjoy meeting new people and learning from their backgrounds. I am not shy and definitely a talker!"

Allan Gunter - LandCare USA LLC, 2002 Grad - My name is Allan Gunter and I manage the Charlotte location for LandCare USA LLC.  I attended PSU for their two-year Golf Course Turfgrass Management program following receiving my Bachelors in Landscape Horticulture from the University of Delaware.  After leaving PSU, I spent time working on high-end public courses, spent some time working for the PGA Tour, and ultimately landed a head Superintendent job back in Delaware.  I managed the course there in Delaware for about 5 years before moving away from the golf course business for the landscape maintenance business.  I have now been in the business for about 10 years and am very happy with the transition.

Andrew Schlegel - USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, 2012 Grad - Andrew Schlegel, currently works at the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service in the Trade Missions and Shows division. In his current position, Andrew works with trade shows around the world to establish USA Pavilion which helps U.S. food and agriculture companies connect with potential foreign buyers. Andrew has been with FAS for 7 years and has spent time in international development, policy, and marketing. Andrew graduated in 2012 from the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Food Science and a minor in International Agriculture. Andrew currently serves as the President of Metro Washington, DC Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and on the student engagement committee for the Ag Alumni Society.

Andy Hirneisen - Penn State Extension, 2007 Grad - My first job after graduating was as a restaurant inspector. After that, I worked in QA at Pepperidge Farm but got my dream job of working for The Hershey Company as a microbiologist. I got to travel a lot as I supported the labs in the factories all around the world. I left after 8 years and began teaching Food Safety at PSU.

Ann Sarver - USPS, 1999 Grad - Upon graduation, I was employed by the consulting company  I interned at the previous summer. After 6 months I had the opportunity to move south and landed in Atlanta where I found another consulting firm, which I stayed at for approximately 2 years when I changed jobs to another consulting firm. I was there about 5 years when an opportunity opened at the Postal Service, one of my clients. I was hired as an internal environmental auditor located in Tampa, FL. After 2 years I moved to the Facilities department. My position has included building maintenance (underground storage tanks, mold, lead, and asbestos) to real estate transactions.

Brian Stempowski - Arcadis, 1991 Grad - Brian R. Stempowski, PE, PMP - Mr. Stempowski is a 1991 ERM graduate and a Vice President at Arcadis with 29 years of applied experience conducting and/or managing environmental characterization and remediation projects and programs across the United States.  After completing his undergraduate degree at Penn State, Mr. Stempowski earned his Master of Environmental Engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University and became certified as a Professional Engineer then later as a Project Management Professional. Mr. Stempowski began his career in environmental consulting as a field technician responsible for data collection and remedial system operation and maintenance.  He soon moved into a role as a project hydrogeologist then project engineer where he designed and constructed groundwater and soil remediation systems.  All through his career, Mr. Stempowski was involved in aspects of project management and for the last 15 years, he has focused on managing numerous large projects and programs at Arcadis.  He currently manages a program for a major oil company consisting of nearly 150 projects and is tasked with managing and stewarding them through all phases of environmental investigation and remediation to regulatory closure. Mr. Stempowski met his wife Deborah of 26 years while at Penn State and is proud to have his children, Jessica (Sr, H&HD) and Justin (Fr, Business), now also attending Penn State.  In his free time, he enjoys boating on the Chesapeake Bay with family and friends and sportfishing out of Ocean City, MD.

Brynn Kafka - Merck Animal Health, 2008 Grad - I am a proud Nittany Lion, residing in South Dakota. After graduation, I completed my MBA while working in the early part of my career in governmental affairs and communications.  I refocused my career path and began working in animal nutrition and sales where I found my true calling.  I have been with Merck for almost two years. Prior to Merck, I worked for Land O Lakes and Alltech/Ridley/Hubbard.

Caleb Wright - Versant Strategies, 2014 Grad - Chief Operating Officer Caleb Wright’s roots in Pennsylvania’s agricultural community are deep, and accolades earned during his young career have marked him as a voice of rural Pennsylvania’s new generation. Raised on a Huntingdon County farm that has borne his family’s name for over a century, Caleb grew up as the grandson of the region’s renowned veterinarian, Doc Kyper, with a family legacy of serving the rural community. Prior to joining Versant Strategies, he served as a PA State FFA Officer, was a National FFA Officer Candidate, and taught high school agriculture. Caleb is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education. He was named as the College of Agricultural Science’s inaugural Emerging Leader Candidate, working one-on-one with the College’s Dean. Caleb investigated recruitment and retention of students in Agricultural Education as a Penn State research project. A skilled speaker, his energized commitment to rural education also earned him the Youth Agricultural Award presented by the Penn State Agriculture Council. Wright was elected to Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society Board and also serves on the Board of the PA FFA Foundation. Along with managing the day-to-day operations of the firm, Caleb actively lobbies and assists with organizational management.

Clyde Weitkamp - USDA - Agricultural Marketing Service, 2001 Grad - I have been an employee of USDA - AMS for about 10 years.  During my time with the agency,  I have had the opportunity to serve the public and industry while building a rewarding career.

Courtney Gray - PA Beef Council, 2012 Grad - Courtney Cowden is a 2012 graduate of PSU with a degree in Agriculture Sciences and an Animal Science minor. While at PSU, she was very active in Block and Bridle, Ag Advocates, and Coaly Society.  Currently, she is the Director of Marketing and Industry Relations for the PA Beef Council. In addition, she serves as a Director for the Penn State Stockmen’s Club, Courtney is on the Snyder County 4-H Foundation Board and the Selinsgrove FFA Advisory Committee. Courtney resides in Selinsgrove, Snyder County, PA with her fiancé Brian and son Porter where they have a small beef herd.

Daniel Hartzell - Hartzell Farm, 2012 Grad - I operate a 250 cow farm in slippery rock Pennsylvania. My experiences at pen state were invaluable to helping me run a business as well as have the background knowledge to make decisions to manage the daily operations of a modern farm business.

Derek Nissley - The Wenger Group(Wenger Feeds), 2012 Grad - I am 31 years old, grew up in Middletown, PA on a commercial poultry farm with pullets and layers. In addition to being raised on a poultry farm, I spent 4 years working production on a large poultry farm in Manhattan, KS. I was fortunate to be able to experience everything from harvesting crops, milling feed, managing breeders, helping in the hatchery, raising pullets, and egg layer production. I have been in my current role selling feed for 3+ years.

Earl Biggers - Great Plains Dairymen's Assn, 1980 Grad - After PSU, I operated a small dairy farm in Michigan and later another farm in Kansas.  In 2000, I took a field rep position with a dairy coop, advanced to a supervisor, and then as a manager.  In 2010, I completed a Masters Degree in Ag Business from Kansas State. In 2014, I took a position with a global dairy broker and provide member services for a small dairy coop in SD, MN, & IA.

Evan Verbanic - HP Hood, 1989 Grad - During my career, I have provided environmental and sustainability project management and business development services for a diverse client base, working in consulting, non-profit, and start-up capacities, with a long-standing interest in land protection, resource conservation, and sustainability. I have been fortunate to be professionally affiliated with a number of innovative organizations in the Pittsburgh area, including Sustainable Pittsburgh, Hedin Environmental/Iron Oxide Recovery, and the regional office of the PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture. From 2001 through 2008, I applied my entrepreneurial and project management skills to the creation, development, and management of a certified organic farm business, Cherry Valley Organics. From 2009 to the present, I have worked in the private sector, progressively holding Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and sustainability management roles, culminating with my current role with HP Hood in Batavia, NY.

Evan Mascitti - Penn State, 2014 Grad - I studied geology in college and completed my M.S. at Penn State while studying sod production for NFL football fields. I then worked as a grounds manager in professional baseball for about 5 years before returning to Penn State to pursue my Ph.D. in soil science. I now study engineered soil mixtures for sports fields, with an emphasis on baseball and softball.

H. Duane Norman - Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, 1964 Grad - Grew up on a dairy farm in Liberty, PA. Received B.S. and M.S. degrees at PSU and Ph. D. at Cornell University. Was Research Geneticist at USDA's Agricultural Research Service for 42 years and Research Leader for 24 years. Have consulted at CDCB for 8 years. Have received the J. Lush Animal Breeding and Genetics Award, Fellow Award, Land of Lake Research Award, and the Distinguished Service Award, each from the American Dairy Science Association, Was National Dairy Shrine's Guest of Honor and World Dairy Expo's Industry Person of the Year. Have been a 4-H organizational or activity leader for over 40 years. Married to Roslyn Waring Norman and have 3 daughters and 9 grandchildren.

Jaye Aster Broder - Mondelez International, 2017 Grad - Jaye is an associate scientist at Mondelez International working to help people snack right. In her current role, she serves as brand steward for Honey Maid and Teddy Grahams and supports innovation for belVita. With interests in science and human connection, Jaye graduated from Penn State as a Paterno Fellow with bachelor’s degrees in Food Science and Spanish and a minor in International Studies. Outside of work, Jaye enjoys listening to podcasts, hiking, and serving as a mentor coach with America Needs You and a member of the America Needs You NJ Associate board. Jaye also completes annual alumni interviewing for Penn State.

Jeff Harding - Perdue AgriBusiness, 1981 Grad - Grew up on a dairy farm, BS at PSU in 1981, Returned to family farm and dairies for 5 years, then transitioned into the Dairy support industry for the balance of my career.

Jessica Raskin - Ingredion Inc., 2019 Grad - Jessica is a 2019 Food Science graduate with a minor in International Agriculture. Originally from South Florida, she was drawn to Penn State by her alumni grandmother. While at PSU, Jess was a New Student Orientation Leader, a Resident Assistant in East, and involved in a professional agricultural sorority, Sigma Alpha. Some of her favorite memories include working in a Food Science Lab researching ice cream, and traveling to India and Italy with food science courses. She is currently a Technical Service Representative with Ingredion Inc.

Jody Kull - Valley Mobile Veterinary Service, 2001 Grad - Dr. Jody Kull graduated from Penn State University in 2001 and is a 2004 alumnus of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.  She began her veterinary career at a mixed animal practice in Danville, PA.  In 2008, she started her own practice, Valley Mobile Veterinary Service, Inc.  As a solo food-animal veterinarian, Dr. Kull serves clients in 7 counties in central PA.  She completed her Dairy Production Medicine Certificate from PSU in 2012.  Dr. Kull enjoys volunteering with multiple organizations and sharing her adventures as a veterinarian with students.

Joe Farina - Independence property services, 1981 Grad - Since graduation, I’ve worked in the field doing installation and maintenance.

Jon Schach - Good's Tree and Lawn Care, 2000 Grad - Jon Schach Operations Manager -ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. Jon got his start in urban forestry in 1995 working as a groundsman for a small tree care company in his hometown near Reading, PA. Jon is a Penn State graduate with a Bachelor’s in Biology and has a Master’s in Environmental Science from Antioch University. It wasn’t until after the formal education that he chose arboriculture as a career, joining Good’s Tree Care in 2005. Jon moved from a production role to sales/consulting in 2007, and to Operations in 2020. Jon’s greatest passion is sharing a richer understanding of trees with others. He says, “When we learn about trees, know their names, they are no longer strangers to us, and we are more likely to care about them.”  Outside of work, Jon enjoys tinkering and adventuring outdoors with his wife, two kids, and dog.

Kali Gaspar - Hormel Foods, 2012 Grad - I am a Corporate Recruiter here at Hormel Foods and help hire for all Production, Quality Control and Engineering for entry-level and internships

Katie Schmidt - Penn State Extension, 2016 Grad - I graduated from Penn State in 2016 with a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Wildlife Option, and a minor in forestry. I worked for a year at a Conservation District in western PA before pursuing an MS in Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University. I graduated from OSU in December 2019 and began working for Penn State Extension in May 2020. I was born and raised in western Pennsylvania and happy to live and work in the state now.

Kelvin Ranck - Midatlantic Farm Credit, 2020 Grad - This past June Kelvin has started work at MidAtlantic as a Loan Officer I. Kelvin is happy to be serving the Ag community of Lancaster and providing them with loans products for their farms.  Kelvin graduated from Penn State University this spring with a BS major in Agri-Business Management, A minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and a specialization in Finance. While in college Kelvin enjoyed leading out in the Agri-Business student club and participating on the Penn State National Agri-Marketing team which competed in Kansas City, MI. Kelvin grew up on a family Ag production farm in Juniata County PA where he learned all about the production of milk, corn, wheat, pigs, and hay. On the family farm, Kelvin bought a maple syrup evaporator and reverse osmosis and enjoyed making maple syrup from the trees on his Dad's properties.  In his spare time, Kelvin enjoys traveling and seeing other countries and cultures around the world, relaxing with a good book, and playing volleyball.

Kim Phillips - Pioneer Seeds/Corteva Agriscience, 2009 Grad - District Sales Leader for Pioneer Seeds covering the Mid-Atlantic (DE, MD, Eastern PA, NJ).  Penn State '07 (B.S., Biology) and '09 (M.S., Biology/Corn Genetics) followed by Elizabethtown College '18 (M.B.A., Business).  THON Dancer '07 FTK!  I started with Pioneer in 2010 as a Senior Research Associate at the New Holland, PA Research Station.  I was promoted to Research Operations Lead in 2011 and transitioned to the Sales side of the business when I was selected for my District Sales Leader role in 2015.

Lisa Kirby - Kirby family farm, 2010 Grad - I’m a current stay at home mom to three active little boys.  I spent 7 years employed in the insurance industry as a large account (over $250,000) field manager for the agribusiness division of Westfield Insurance focusing on food and farm accounts.  I currently own and operate a 70-acre farm with my husband (also a PSU ag graduate) in Lancaster Pa.

Maggie Harding - Lactalis American Group, 2014 Grad - A "townie" born-and-raised, I packed up and moved out of State College as soon as I graduated and have had experience in several aspects of the food industry across the country.  I currently work as a cheese scientist and love the creativity involved in developing new cheeses and improving on current products.  When I'm not working on cheese, I'm working on my budding art business, hiking, biking, running, fishing, or playing and coaching volleyball.  I do not enjoy sitting still...

Mark Kuhns - Golf Course Management Consultants, 1977 Grad - Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, is a Past President of The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), serving as President in 2009. Kuhns, who was first elected to serve on the board of directors in 2003, was the Director of Grounds at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., 1999 -2019. Previously, he was golf course superintendent at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club (1991-1999); Laurel Valley Golf Club and Rolling Rock Club in Ligonier, Pa. (1979-1991); and Ligonier (Pa.) Country Club (1977-1979). Kuhns is currently the Vice President of Business Development for Turco Golf Inc. A 42-year GCSAA member, Kuhns first earned certification in 1983. He is a member and Past President of the Mountain & Valley GCSA, Former Vice President of the Greater Pittsburgh GCSA, and Currently serves as Government Relations liaison for the GCSA of New Jersey.  Kuhns is also a current member of CGSA (Canada), BIGGA (Great Brittan), and Slovenian Greenkeepers Association (SGA). A past director of the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research Foundation, currently a director of The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Research Inc., and a past director and current member of the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council.  Recipient of the 2016 George Hamilton Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council.  Recipient of the 2017 New Jersey Turfgrass Association Environmental Stewardship Award.  Recipient of the 2018 GCSANJ Shaun M. Barry Distinguished Service Award.  Recipient of the 2018 Canadian Golf Superintendent’s Association (CGSA) John B. Steele Distinguished Service Award.  Recipient of Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Colonel John Morley DSA 2020.  Past Trustee for the Environmental Institute for Golf (2006-2009).  Currently serving on the board as Past President of the New Jersey Green Industry Council (NJGIC).  Currently serving on the Rutgers Turfgrass Advisory Board.   Past Chairman of the Student Resource Group Committee of GCSAA.  Currently serving as a board member of the Si Russel Turfgrass Scholarship Foundation, The Joseph M. Duich Scholarship Foundation, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association Foundation. Currently serving on the board of directors of the Penn State Ag Alumni Society. A Life Member of the Penn State Alumni Association and the Ag Alumni Society.  Currently serving on The Pennsylvania Ag Council."

Mark Fiely - Ernst Conservation Seeds, 1988 Grad - Since 1995 Mark B. Fiely has been the horticulturist for Ernst Conservation Seeds. He holds a B.S. and an M.S. in horticulture from Penn State and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, respectively. He is a member of Ernst’s executive board and serves on their marketing, planting, seed processing, and harvest committees. Among his responsibilities are plant prospecting, development of seed dormancy breaking protocols, formulation of seed mixes, and attending trade shows. He serves as a member of the Penn State Center for Pollinator Research Stakeholder Advisory Board, the Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan Working Group, and the Pennsylvania Lawn to Meadow Conversion Committee.  Mr. Fiely is a co-author for two refereed publications.

Mark Gagnon - Penn State, 1997, 2004 Grad - Mark Gagnon is the Harbaugh Entrepreneur and Innovation Faculty Scholar, Associate Teaching Professor of Agribusiness, and Director of The Food and Bio-innovation Entrepreneurship Minor in The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University. Mark is a former entrepreneur and business development executive. He has participated in green building product start-ups and has managed product portfolios exceeding $300M. Mark co-founded The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program in The College of Agricultural Sciences at PSU. Mark’s scholarly interests lie within entrepreneurship that addresses challenges in food, agriculture, and bio-renewables (Food-Agri-Tech). His research examines new technology value proposition development and strategic implementation.

Mark Lowery - CNH Industrial/New Holland, 2009 Grad - Upon graduation, I joined the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau as a Regional Organization Director. I had completed a summer internship in Governmental Affairs that opened an opportunity for a field-based role to support the organizational development of county organizations. I joined CNH Industrial, specifically the New Holland brand, in 2011 as a Product Trainer. This position allowed me to apply my agricultural educator training to build courses for salespeople. My career path evolved into marketing roles with increasing responsibility. I also served in a sales role within the Parts & Service organization to gain experience with aftermarket solutions. In November 2020, I was promoted to my current role, Director of Commercial Marketing. I lead a department of seven individuals who support traditional and digital marketing functions for our North American agriculture and construction equipment brand. Our team is engaged with promotional strategy and lead generation tactics that deliver sales results for our nearly 800 dealers in the United States and Canada. I also am engaged in volunteer roles to support youth organizations and agricultural education. I currently serve on the National FFA Organization’s Sponsors Board and support FFA activities at the state and national levels. Additionally, I currently serve as President of Alpha Zeta Fraternity, Morrill Chapter, Alumni Board. This honorary, professional society was important during my educational journey at Penn State and we continue to connect our network of professionals with current students for prospective careers.

Matt Owens - Edward Jones Investments, 1993 Grad - I love every aspect of landscape and spent 26 years learning as much as I could to seize the next career opportunity. I worked with and got to know the best and brightest in our industry. I was an Executive Board member at both the local and national levels and am proud to continue to give back to the industry as the President-elect for the Penn State At Alumni Society.

Matthew Gardner - Emory University, 2009 Grad - I earned my BS in IID from Penn State in 2009.  I completed my Ph.D. in Dr. Mike Farzan's lab at Harvard University, earning my degree in virology in 2014.  I continued my work with Dr. Farzan at The Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, FL as a postdoctoral fellow.  My studies focused on gene therapy applications for preventing and treating HIV infection.  We also co-founded a startup biotech company to develop an HIV entry inhibitor we developed during my graduate and postdoctoral studies.  I recently joined the Emory School of Medicine and Yerkes National Primate Research Center as an Assistant Professor to start my independent research program around my research interests in gene therapy.

Megan Lighty - Penn State Animal Diagnostic Lab, 2007 Grad - After graduating from Penn State in 2007, I enrolled in graduate school at Virginia Tech where I went on to obtain both a DVM and a Ph.D. in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences with an emphasis in Poultry Medicine.  My Ph.D. research focused on studying the epidemiology and pathophysiology of clostridial dermatitis in turkeys.  I completed my graduate studies in 2015 and moved to central Minnesota to work as a Staff Veterinarian for Jennie-O Turkey Store.  In that position, I provided veterinary services to approximately 70 company-owned and contract turkey farms throughout central Minnesota.  My responsibilities included the development and oversight of biosecurity and vaccination programs, diagnosis of flock health challenges, and development of disease treatment and control programs.  I attained specialty board certification through the American College of Poultry Veterinarians in 2017.  I returned to Pennsylvania in January of 2020 as an Associate Clinical Professor and Avian Diagnostic and Outreach Veterinarian at the Penn State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory.

Megan Sullivan - PepsiCo, Inc., 2018 Grad - I am a PSU alum, graduated in 2018 from the College of Engineering/Ag with a degree in Biological Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering. I started my career at PepsiCo in GP as a summer intern after my Junior year, following which I accepted a full-time offer to return to PepsiCo's Procurement Function upon graduation. I have had three different roles within GP since re-joining PepsiCo as a full-time hire and have worked out of two locations, first out of the Purchase, NY HQ and most recently I've relocated to Dallas to work in the Frito Lay HQ. I enjoy having the opportunity to return to the PSU campus (in person or virtually) as part of the PEP GP Penn State campus recruiting team and remain involved in community outreach through various employee resource groups. Outside of work, I enjoy being active mainly hiking, running, and kayaking when I have time. I also enjoy reading a good book and spending time with friends and family.

Natalie Keller - Mondelez International, 2017 Grad - I am a 2017 graduate, completing my degree in Food Science and an Honors thesis through the Schreyer Honors College. As a student, I worked in a food microbiology research lab for four years and completed two internships at Mondelēz International in product development. I was also involved in Schreyer Student Council, THON, and Food Science Club. Following graduation, I joined Mondelēz full-time, where I work in our US Cookies team in product development innovation. I have worked on many products during my time at Mondelēz, including belVita, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy!, Stride & Trident gums, and other snack brands. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, baking, cooking, and volunteering with the Penn State Alumni Association, serving as Vice President of the Scholar Alumni Society.

Nicole Schlau - Dairyland Labs, 2009 Grad - I grew up in NYC and moved to PA when I was 15 when my dad required it. I graduated in 2009 with a BS in Animal Sciences. I interned through ORISE for a year at the Institute of Chemical Defense in a pharmaceutical lab studying neurotoxins before attending graduate school. I graduated in 2012 from the University of Alberta with a master's and went on to work for Alltech for 2 years as a Research Laboratory Technician. After that, I joined Dairyland Labs as a Research Associate and have worked for them for the past 6 years.

Noel Habashy - Pennsylvania State University, 2019 Grad - I am an educator with over a decade of experience working in the fields of higher education and international development. I have the extensive intercultural experience, professional proficiency in Spanish, and experience living in 5 countries (Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Honduras, and the USA) and working in, or visiting over 30 total nations.  My research interests include international development, international agriculture, local community perspectives of global partnerships, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Orry Pratt - FAO, 2012 Grad - I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences in 2012. I volunteered in Kenya the same year to assist in youth agriculture development. Studied agriculture extension at Texas A&M for master's degree. Served three years as an agriculture extension volunteer for Peace Corps in Paraguay. Spent one year as Communications Officer for FAO. Now Agriculture Officer for FAO in Eastern Africa.

Ronda Roemmelt Sneider - Ruppert Nurseries, 1995 Grad - Since graduation in 1995 from Penn State I have worked in just about every aspect of the nursery/landscape industry in companies both big and small. I currently work as both the sales manager at Ruppert Nurseries, a 600-acre wholesale tree grower, and as the owner of a small garden maintenance company in Annapolis, MD. I am a certified professional horticulturist and an ISA certified arborist.

Roy Johnson - John I Haas, Inc., 1982 Grad - Roy graduated from Penn State in 1982 in Food Science.  Worked for Miller Brewing Company from 1982 through 1995 in Brewing Department.  Since 1995 have worked for various companies supplying to Brewing Industry.  Currently with John I Haas, Inc. as their National Sales Manager providing hops and hop products in the craft segment of the brewing industry.  Currently live in Yakima, WA but from Vineland, NJ

Sarah Houle - Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, 2003 Grad - Sarah Woodling Houle is a 2003 graduate of the Penn State Food Science program.  She has spent the past 15 years working in product development at various food companies, including General Mills, The Hershey Company, and most recently, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company.  Currently, she oversees the team at Ghirardelli that is responsible for the development & commercialization of new chocolate squares, bars, baking chips, professional products, and ice cream fountain offerings.

Shanna Scordo - Earth Craft Design-Build-Maintain, 2005 Grad - Shanna Scordo is a vibrant and dedicated leader, specializing in sales, design, short- and long-term strategy development, vision-casting, and creative problem-solving. She holds a Landscape Contracting degree from Penn State University, and has experience working both within and outside of the green industry, including experience in marketing, market research, and direct sales. Shanna has owned and operated EarthCraft in partnership with her husband since 2010. She loves books, self-development, and traveling with her husband and two beautiful daughters.

Stephany Silva - Merck, 2010 Grad - I attended Penn State University from 2006-2010, where I received my degree in Animal Bioscience, now known as Veterinary and Biomedical Science, as well as an Equine minor. I went on to complete my Master's in Laboratory Animal Science at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Since completing my schooling I've become highly involved in the local branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. I was president of the organization from 2015-2016 and also won the ACTs Trainer Award in 2016. I worked at the University of Pennsylvania as a Husbandry Trainer, Researcher Trainer, and an IACUC Specialist.  I am currently working as a Clinical Service Manager at Merck where I manage a large animal vivarium with a variety of species.

Tracy Hoover - College of Ag Sciences - Penn State, 1983, 1990 Grad - Tracy Hoover earned bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science from Delaware Valley College and Penn State, respectively. From 1985 to 1988, she taught agricultural education at Big Spring High School in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, before earning a doctorate in agricultural and extension education from Penn State and joining the Penn State faculty in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education in 1990. In 1993, she left to teach in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida, where she taught courses in leadership development and teacher education. Hoover returned to the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State in 2001, with responsibilities in youth leadership development and teacher education. From 2004 to 2011, she served as head of the department. In July 2011, she became interim associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Agricultural Sciences, and the following year she was named to the post on a standing basis.

Tyler Patton - Corteva Agriscience, 2013 Grad - In my 7.5-year career I've held various roles in sales in marketing.  I've had the opportunity to market products for the entire U.S. and now I have the privilege of leading the sales team in the Northeast.

Victoria Brown - Kutztown Area High School, 2019 Grad - My involvement in my own high school's Agricultural Education Program is what drove me to a career in Agricultural Education. My time at Penn State helped me to develop into the teacher that I am today through my course-work, student organization involvement, internships, and more. After graduating in May of 2019, I accepted a position as the Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Advisor at Kutztown Area High School in Berks County where I am today. As I teach, I am also pursuing my Principal Certification and Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Penn State.