Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” a...

02/07/23 • 72 min

FTG 0037 – Careers of All Kinds with Teacher Turned Entrepreneur and Civil Servant Diana Adams '13

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

01/24/23 • 48 min

Overview:

Diana Adams ’13 Berks is the Executive Director of Brevard Heart Foundation, co-owner and Community Engagement Coordinator of Rock Paper Simple, and a Council Member for the City of West Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida which come on the heels of a seven year career in elementary education in Florida where she earned numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year for her school and the Dr. Theron Trimble Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year award for the state of Florida. She earned a BS in Elementary Education with Honors from Penn State Berks in 2013, followed by a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and is currently working on her Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. Diana discusses many topics that can be helpful to Scholars of all stripes. After sharing her experience coming to Penn State at a non-traditional age, staying at a Commonwealth Campus, and moving out of state for her first teaching job, Diana discusses making a career change in her 20s, working in non-profits, small business, and public administration. She also shares thoughts on making the most the thesis and Scholar experience and overcoming personal adversity.

Guest Bio:

Diana Adams ’13 Berks is the Executive Director of Brevard Heart Foundation, co-owner and Community Engagement Coordinator of Rock Paper Simple, and a Council Member for the City of West Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida. In each of her roles, she seeks to address community needs by using data and relationships to make a positive difference in her community, in particularly the fields of business, healthcare, and local government. Prior to her current roles, Diana was a teacher in Florida for seven years, where she earned numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year for her school and the Dr. Theron Trimble Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year award for the state of Florida. She earned a BS in Elementary Education with Honors from Penn State Berks in 2013, followed by a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and is currently working on her Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. With her life dedicated to public service, Diana knows the value of connecting with others for the betterment of our communities and is happy to speak further about education, business, grants, and municipal government. Please feel free to connect with her at LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-adams-010853179) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/blondiebookworm/)

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Diana shares her insights on:

· Choosing Penn State Berks for being close to home and the smaller campus feel and the Honors College for the intellectual community it provides

· Pursuing an education major and selecting the right level for you – and test driving as a first-year student

· Starting college earlier than is “traditional”

· Balancing student teaching with writing a thesis, and using that thesis in interviews and in the classroom

· Brining life experience and identity to influence your thesis topic and research

· Job searching outside of Pennsylvania and ideas for job search research generally

· The ups and downs of being an elementary school teacher

· Making the decision to leave teaching and pursue new opportunities

· Handling your inclination to say “yes” to every opportunity

· Getting involved in municipal government – both as a citizen and as a leader

· Keeping a grounded approach to success through serving others

· Lessons from getting SCUBA certified despite a physical disability

· Thoughts on mentorship

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons Lice...

01/24/23 • 48 min

FTG 0036 – Student Leadership Lessons with Alumni Society Leader Alayna Auerbach '15 & Student Leader Mahika Sampat '23

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

01/10/23 • 64 min

Overview:

This is a special episode focused on the College’s mission tenet of civic engagement and leadership with a specific angle on student leadership. Management consultant and Scholar Alumni Society leader Alayna Auerbach and student leader and fourth year Scholar Mahika Sampat join the show to talk all things student leadership, engagement, and clubs & organizations. Alayna and Mahika share their insights from serving in leadership roles for various groups including the Scholar Alumni Society, THON, Schreyer for Women, and South Asian Student Association. This episode transcends majors and career paths to be a resource for any Scholar, and particularly those serving in any sort of leadership role in a student club or organization, internship, or similar opportunities and how these experiences can influence post-undergraduate opportunities.

Guest Bios:

Alayna Auerbach ’15 Bus is a management consultant based in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from Penn State's Smeal College of Business earning a BS in Finance with Honors and minors in Economics and Spanish. Alayna works in mergers & acquisitions management consulting since graduating in 2015. She partners with companies across industries to deliver enterprise-wide value in deal transactions, including being a trusted advisor and project leader for executives. Alayna is a mental health advocate and a New York Certified Peer Specialist (Provisional). She volunteers as a mental health helpline responder to connect NYC residents to mental health resources. Alayna is also an executive board member of the Scholar Alumni Society (SAS) where she is the inaugural chair of the Student Engagement Committee. Through SAS, she connects scholars and alumni. Any scholars listening to the podcast should reach out to her to see how their student organizations can increase connection with alumni.

Mahika Sampat ’23 HHD is a fourth-year Scholar majoring in Biobehavioral Health with minors in Biology and Health Policy and Administration on the pre-medical track in the College of Health of Health and Human Development. She has received the WISER Research Grant, HHD Dummer Research Grant, and Student Leader Scholarship. She is President of South Asian Student Association and Career Development Director for Schreyer for Women for the 2022-2023 academic year. She is passionate about leadership, service, and making an impact at Penn State. Please feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Alayna and Mahika share their perspectives on:

· Overcoming preconceived notions of Penn State and enjoying the experience from Day 1

· Finding student organizations to join like Schreyer Consulting Group, THON, Schreyer for Women, and South Asian Student Association

· Identifying what kinds of opportunities are best for you and your personal and professional interests and passions

· Explaining your involvement in clubs and activities to your family

· Relational, technical, and other skills you can look to develop as a student leader that will serve you well in any career

· Resources and techniques for learning leadership on the fly for new club officers and leaders

· Handling setbacks like not being chosen for an officer role or other opportunities

· Putting yourself out there and overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome to step up as a club leader

· Balancing leadership and friendship in a student organization and handling ethical conflicts

· Balancing academics and student leadership by asking for help, overcoming perfectionism, and time management

· Tools and tips for achieving that organization and time management

· Leveraging advisors, alumni, and older students as mentors

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via

01/10/23 • 64 min

FTG 0035 – Is This As Good As It Can Be? Program Monitoring & Evaluation with Federal Department Manager Lauren Jowell '04

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

12/13/22 • 56 min

Overview:

Lauren Jowell ’04 Behrend is the Chief of a Monitoring and Evaluation division in the Bureau of International Labor Affairs at the US Department of Labor in Washington, DC, though she is appearing on this podcast in her personal capacity, and her views are solely her own. Her team is responsible for strategic planning, independent program evaluations, and collecting and reporting on performance data for executive, congressional and interagency reporting requirements. Lauren shares her experiences at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College, where she earned a BA in Political Science with Honors and High Distinction in 2004. She also shares her experiences in the Peace Corps, earning a Masters in International Law and Politics from Georgetown, and using her social sciences background in several federal roles. Lauren provides great insights on navigating the job search for federal jobs and the distinction from a more traditional resume and application process, and the perks of living in Washington, D.C.

Guest Bio:

Lauren Jowell ’04 Behrend is the Chief of a Monitoring and Evaluation division in the Bureau of International Labor Affairs at the US Department of Labor in Washington, DC, though she is appearing on this podcast in her personal capacity, and her views are solely her own. Her team is responsible for strategic planning, independent program evaluations, and collecting and reporting on performance data for executive, congressional and interagency reporting requirements. Before joining the Department of Labor, she was a senior strategic planning analyst at the Department of the Interior and a program audit analyst at the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. Lauren served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine from 2004 to 2006 where she taught English as a second language in a village in the central part of the country. She earned a BA in Political Science with Honors and High Distinction from Penn State Erie, the Behrend College in 2004. She also earned a MA in International Law and Politics from Georgetown and a Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation from Michigan State University. She is happy to speak further about the growing program evaluation career field and you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Lauren shares her insights on:

· Ethics disclaimers and requirements for federal employees and sharing their own opinions and views

· Choosing Penn State Behrend and a glimpse into the campus culture

· Starting in a campus honors program before joining the College

· Mortifying experiences at milestone moments – like hair dye gone awry

· Joining the Peace Corps after graduation and living & working abroad, as well as thoughts on studying abroad

· Using strong social science skills like writing in the auditing and government oversight fields

· An overview of the program monitoring, assessment, and evaluation field

· The importance of skills and not just knowledge in the social sciences including government, private, and non-profit work

· Skills and opportunities for Scholars to look into and learn while they are in college, including professional associations, writing, and even improv comedy!

· Where the end results of the assessments and evaluations go

· Understanding the differences in resumes and job searching for government careers than other industries

· Details about the Penn State Professional Women’s Network of Washington, DC for both new alumni and current students interning in the District & surrounding area

· Exploring all the things to do in and around DC

· Taking pride in your work and still finding balance

· Developing responsive communication skills that adapt your style to others’

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via

12/13/22 • 56 min

FTG 0034 – Understanding & Making an Impact with Blockchain & Cryptocurrency with IT Security Professional Darin Carter '14

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

11/29/22 • 48 min

Ed. Note: This was recorded in September 2022, prior to events impacting other cryptocurrency exchanges.

Overview:

Darin Carter ’14 IST is a Program Manager on the Coinbase Giving Team, managing a portfolio of social impact investments from humanitarian aid to education. Darin earned his BS in Information Sciences and Technology with Honors and a minor in entrepreneurship from Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology in 2014. Darin was also a Bunton Waller Scholar during his time at Penn State. In this episode, Darin discussed his career coming to Penn State from upstate New York and being both a Bunton-Waller and Schreyer Scholar. Darin shares his perspectives working in consulting, big tech, and careers in the pioneering spaces of Web3 including blockchain and cryptocurrency. You can read Darin’s full bio and a more detailed breakdown of the episode topics below.

Guest Bio:

Darin Carter ’14 IST is a Program Manager on the Coinbase Giving Team, managing a portfolio of social impact investments from humanitarian aid to education. Darin earned his BS in Information Sciences and Technology with Honors and a minor in entrepreneurship from Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology in 2014. Darin was also a Bunton-Waller Scholar during his time at Penn State. In 2017, Darin moved to San Francisco to work in tech, and it wasn’t long before he started his crypto career at Coinbase, helping build the security compliance team from the ground up. As a lifelong learner, Darin earned his Master’s Degree at the University of Nicosia, studying Blockchain & Digital Currency. Although crypto is a full time job, Darin also enjoys traveling the world, watching basketball, and live music.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Darin shares his insights on:

· Coming to Penn State as an out-of-state student for the people and the STEM facilities

· Perspectives on the Bunton-Waller Scholars Program and living in East Halls as a first-year Scholar

· Studying abroad as a fourth-year student and integrating the thesis into the study abroad experience

· Working with graduate students to contribute your thesis to a bigger project

· Advice for current and prospective Scholars in IST

· Leveraging college-specific resources for assistance in getting internships that can translate into careers

· Starting your career at one of the “Big 4” firms as a non-Smeal College of Business graduate

· Salesforce and what CRMs are

· The importance of company culture

· A very quick crash course on Web3, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and NFTs

· Working in IT security and walking through the process of standing up a social impact program for a crypto company like Coinbase

· Finding a career coach after entering the working world

· Skills that Scholars looking to work in IT or related fields should look at developing now

· Living and working as a “digital nomad” and remote-first work

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

The theme music is “Conquest” by Geovane Bruno, accessed via Pixabay and used under Creative Commons License.

11/29/22 • 48 min

FTG 0033 – Doctor Doctor: Acing the M.D./Ph.D. Program with Pediatrician Dr. Kristin Lambert '14, '19g, '21g

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

11/15/22 • 61 min

Overview: Dr. Kristin Lambert ’14 Agr, ‘19g & ’21g Medicine is a pediatric resident at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She earned her MD and PhD from Penn State’s College of Medicine after completing the Early Assurance Program in partnership with the Schreyer Honors College. Kristin gives a guided tour through the MD/PhD program that will be of assistance to Scholars interested in either or both degrees, including insight on approaching medical school with a degree other than biology or chemistry – she earned her BS in Immunology & Infectious Disease with Honors in Biology from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. She also has advice for all Scholars as she reflects on developing leadership in the Penn State Blue Band, dancing in THON, dropping courses and adjusting learning & studying strategies, and the importance of mentors and paying it forward in any discipline.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Kristin Lambert ’14 Agr, ‘19g & ’21g Medicine is a pediatric resident at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She graduated from the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences in 2014 with a B.S. in Immunology & Infectious Disease with Honors in Biology. She was the inaugural student in the Schreyer Early Assurance MD/PhD Program at the College of Medicine, so that upon graduation, Kristin matriculated at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey. She was a dual-degree trainee at Hershey, pursuing both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). Her doctoral research focused on the genetic regulation of inflammation in asthma and allergic disorders. She is a member of the Scholar Alumni Society Board and the 2018-2019 recipient of the Outstanding Scholar Alumni Mentor Award for her contributions to her mentees in the Mentoring with Honors program.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Kristin shares her insights on:

· Choosing the Schreyer Honors College as a second-generation Penn Stater for its small school feel at University Park

· Using available resources to find majors that ignite passion and can set you up for career success

· Gaining life & professional skills from activities like marching in the Blue Band as a Scholar

· Advice for THON dancers to prep for their 46 hours, and encouragement for Scholars to connect their personal and career passions in their involvement

· Finding research opportunities as a novice researcher and completing the honors thesis in a different discipline than your major

· Clarifying perceptions about pre-requisite majors for medical school

· Finding summer opportunities outside of the Career Days events

· The value of connecting with the College’s Career Development staff

· All things MD/PhD:

o The early assurance program for Scholars at the Penn State College of Medicine, and what it’s like attending the CoM and working at the Penn State Children’s Hospital

o Determining a focus within medicine

o The dynamic of medical school and graduate school coursework sequences for 7-9 additional years of formal education

o Selecting and completing a dissertation in the MD/PhD – and the benefit of the honors thesis as a foundation

o A crash course on asthma, Kristin dissertation area

o Things Scholars can be doing now in preparation for graduate and/or medical school

o Academic/research “family trees”

o The residency match program

o The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education

o Staying involved as a volunteer with the Honors College

o The financial and relational aspects of committing to an MD/PhD program

· Dropping and re-taking courses and still graduating with honors

· Thoughts on mentorship, especially from those who came before you

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via

11/15/22 • 61 min

FTG 0032 – Raising Banners & Healing Athletes with NCAA Championship Winning Athletic Trainer Katy Poole '11

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

11/01/22 • 56 min

Overview: Katy Poole ’11 HHD is a Senior Athletic Trainer at the University of Kentucky, where she works with the national championship women’s volleyball team and serves as a leader in their athletic department overseeing training for the gymnastics and golf teams. Katy graduated from State College Area High School, and shares her experiences coming to Penn State with a focus on becoming an athletic trainer by earning her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Honors. She provides an in-depth look at this healthcare field from undergraduate through professional. Katy also offers advice that can be helpful to any Scholar on overcoming early academic struggles, finding the right path, adapting to other universities for graduate school, and the importance of cultivating relationships. You You can read Katy’s full bio and a more detailed breakdown of the episode topics below.

Guest Bio:

Katy Poole ’11 HHD is a Senior Athletic Trainer at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington. This fall (2022) marks her 12th season working primarily with the women's volleyball team. As the team's athletic trainer, she oversees all aspects of healthcare for the student athletes that she serves. Over the last 11 years, she has helped the team win 5 SEC Conference Championships, and the 2020 National Championship. In addition to her role with volleyball, she has oversight of the gymnastics and golf teams, and is involved in several committees within the athletic department. Prior to being hired on full time, Katy worked for two years as a graduate assistant at UK while completing her Masters in Athletic Training. Before moving to Lexington, she graduated from Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development with a BS in Kinesiology with Honors. She is originally from State College, PA and can be found on Twitter and Instagram @KatyPoole.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Katy shares her insights on:

· Applying to the Honors College both as a State College local and as someone on the fence about it

· Rebounding from a challenging first year and working back into good standing as a Scholar

· Converting playing youth sports into academic and career passions

· Getting tapped for senior honor societies, Homecoming Courts, and making the most of your last year

· Early exposure to athletic training through undergraduate opportunities

· The importance of relationships, especially in collegiate athletics

· Using clinical experiences to inform thesis research interests – and using it in your career!

· Determining criteria for which grad schools for the your personal best fit

· Deciding to pick an NCAA D1 “Power 5” university for a professional home

· Defining athletic training as a distinct healthcare profession

· A day in the life of an athletic trainer during their sport’s season

· The biomechanical differences between sports

· Alternative paths in sports science and athletic training from Katy’s

· The value of team continuity in the workplace, and the unique role of the team’s athletic trainer

· Responding to COVID-19 in athletic training

· Balancing your Penn State pride with your graduate school or employer (if another university)

· Learning what career paths are best for you and advice for prospective athletic trainers

· Professional development and work life balance for athletic trainers

· Reflections on success like winning a national championship and mentorship

· The importance of making connections with the College’s staff

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

The theme music is “Conquest” by Geovane Bruno, accessed via Pixabay and...

11/01/22 • 56 min

FTG 0031 – What is a Dean? A Homecoming Chat with Honors College Dean & Materials Scientist Patrick T. Mather '89

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

10/18/22 • 90 min

Overview:

Dr. Patrick T. Mather ’89, ’90g Engineering is the fourth Dean of the Schreyer Honors College. Dean Mather returned to Dear Old State after a career that was launched with the US Air Force Research Lab and several stops with increasing responsibility in academia including the University of Connecticut, Case Western Reserve University, Syracuse University, and most recently Bucknell University, where he served as the Dean of Engineering. He earned his B.S. with honors and M.S. degrees from Penn State in Engineering Science and Engineering Mechanics, respectively, following which he went on to receive his Ph.D. in Materials at U.C. Santa Barbara in 1994. “Dean Pat” joined Following the Gong to share his career story and life & career advice for Scholars from his unique perspectives as both an alum and as Dean – including lessons in materials science, the thesis, liquid crystals, academia, and leadership. He also shares his musical talents in this episode recorded live in Atherton Hall’s famed Grandfather Clock Lounge. You can read Dean Pat’s full bio and a more detailed breakdown of the episode topics below.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Patrick T. Mather currently serves as the fourth Dean of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State. Dean Mather earned his B.S. with honors (’89) and M.S. (‘90) degrees from Penn State in Engineering Science and Engineering Mechanics, respectively, following which he went on to receive his Ph.D. in Materials at U.C. Santa Barbara in 1994 with dissertation research focused on the rheology of liquid crystals. Following work as materials research engineer for Air Force Research Lab, Mather’s academic career has included University of Connecticut, Case Western Reserve University, and Syracuse University, where he helped to create and serve as director of the Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, a sustainable, interdisciplinary effort with 20+ faculty spanning three institutions and seven departments. From 2016 to 2021, Pat served as Dean of Engineering at Bucknell University, where he enjoyed the opportunities and challenges of academic leadership, with a particular focus on inclusive excellence. In 2021 returned to his academic roots at Penn State to become the dean of Schreyer Honors College and professor of Chemical Engineering. Mather’s research interests center around smart materials, including shape memory polymers, self-healing materials, polymeric nanocomposites, and biodegradable polymers for medical devices. He is the author of over 160 peer-reviewed papers, inventor on more than 40 patents, and Fellow of both SPE (Society of Plastics Engineering) and the AIMBE (American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering). Pat is the Editor-in-Chief for Polymer Reviews. He has won several student-nominated teaching awards and prides himself on innovative and engaging teaching methods. Pat and his wife Tara Mather enjoy spending time with their blended family of five grown children (and too many cats to count). You can often catch Tara and Pat out on the road distance running or tandem cycling.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Dean Mather shares his insights on:

Choosing a pragmatic major when you are “not an academic” in high school
Leveraging general education courses (“electives”) to engage in interests outside your major
Finding res
Research opportunities in your passion area – and why epoxy is important for aircraft, and not just crafts!
Thoughts on the honors thesis process as both alum and Dean
Pursuing passions outside your major – like playing in a band as an engineering student
What it’s like to stay an extra year to complete a master’s degree at University Park
Perspectives on the unique opportunities of graduate education
A crash course on liquid crystals from a subject matter expert
Paying for graduate education – and how to get assistance in a crisis for current Scholars
Going into academia – especially after time in industry – and adjusting to becoming a teacher
Taking the next step in academia by founding and leading an interdisciplinary research center
Moving up to the Dean level – and what exactly that involves
How Dean Mather prepared to take on a leadership role like the Deanship at Bucknell, and resources Scholars can use in their own leadership roles on campus
The nuts and bolts of actually being hired as a Dean
What the Dean is and does – and how this directly impacts Scholars daily
Practical and philosophical advice on negotiating offers (jobs, internships, research, etc.)
Identifying, developing, and defining your personal values and vision
A musical interlude with our multi-talented Dean
Reflections on professional mistakes and taking risks
The impor...

10/18/22 • 90 min

FTG 0030 – Professional Podcasting with Content Creator Jenna Spinelle '08

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

10/04/22 • 49 min

Overview:

Jenna Spinelle (she/her) ’08 Communications is a writer, podcaster, and speaker in higher education. She hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast and the narrative series When the People Decide, both productions of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State. Jenna hops over from her host chair to the interview chair on Following the Gongfor this episode to discuss the current media landscape – on campus and at large – working in podcasting and content creation, and other topics like the value of continued participation in music. You can read Jenna’s full bio and a breakdown of the episode topics below.

Guest Bio:

Jenna Spinelle (she/her) ’08 Communications is a writer, podcaster, and speaker in higher education. She hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast and the narrative series When the People Decide, both productions of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State. She teaches courses on freelancing and the creator economy at Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, from which she earned her BA in Journalism with Honors in 2008. She also finds time to freelance for various firms and publications. She previously worked in marketing and public relations positions at Penn State and in traditional newspaper settings. Her writing has appeared in outlets including Bello Collective, Inside Higher Ed, and Current. You can find her on Twitter @JennaSpinelle or visit her website at jennaspinelle.com.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Jenna shares her insights on:

· Choosing Penn State over “big city” schools for its academic reputation and being close to home

· Aspects of journalism that can help you identify it as a field for you

· Making the most of Penn State’s student media culture – even if you are not a journalism major or in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications

· Joining the College as a current Penn State student

· The evolving media landscape of the mid-2000s through to 2022

· Getting into professional podcasting without previous on-air experiences

· Translating dense topics for listeners on the Democracy Workspodcast

· Creating a narrative-based podcast – like Serial – in When the People Decide

· The different types of podcasts and Jenna’s (and Sean’s) inspirations

· The how of podcasting, and advice on building up your skills to be a content creator

· The value in freelancing and pursuing side-hustles

· Continuing playing a musical instrument through college and into post-college life

· Pushing yourself out of your professional comfort zone and initial discipline

· Thoughts on mentorship

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

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Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

The theme music is “Conquest” by Geovane Bruno, accessed via Pixabay and used under Creative Commons License.

10/04/22 • 49 min

FTG 0039 - Love, Learning, and Life Journeys: Navigating Family and Career Changes with Business Leaders Erin and Tony Talbert '99

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

02/14/23 • 67 min

Overview:

Scholar Alumni couple Erin (’99 Com) & Tony (’99 Eng) Talbert join Following the Gong to share their joint story and advice after meeting early in their Penn State journey. After serving as Lion Ambassadors and ringing the gong, Erin pursued a career in consulting and Tony went into financial services roles. They shared their advice on these fields, including commercial real estate, family transitions, and career transitions including moving into roles in community organizations and small businesses. Erin and Tony offer advice that is helpful for any Scholar, not just those in similar fields, as they both took directions away from their major and have navigated their journey together, including as donors to and volunteers with the College. For each of their bios and a more detailed breakdown, continue reading these show notes!

Guest Bio:

Erin Talbert ’99 Communications is currently an active community volunteer, elected School Board member and small business owner. Before that she spent nearly 20 years working in the pharmaceuticals industry. In her 11 years at AstraZeneca, Erin worked in several commercial roles including Marketing, Managed Markets, and Sales. In her 7 years with Accenture, Erin focused on change management, organizational design, and communications. She now owns Brandywine Outdoor Living and works with landscape architects and their clients to add the outdoor "finishings" to large scale landscape projects including furniture, lighting, shade, and planters. Erin graduated from Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications with Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations with Honors and a minor in Labor & Industrial Relations from Penn State in 1999.

Tony Talbert ’99 Engineering is a Partner of The Shidler Group, where he is responsible for real estate investments, acquisitions, capital markets and developing new investment strategies, including The Shidler Group’s most recent multifamily, hotel, and net-lease investment platforms. Since joining The Shidler Group in 2013, Tony has been instrumental in the acquisition of over $3.24 billion of office, hospitality, and multifamily assets throughout the U.S. Tony was previously with Chatham Financial Group where he co-founded the firm’s real estate investment banking practice where he specialized in capital raising and complex debt advisory assignments, including a $1.3 billion securitization of One Bryant Park in New York after beginning his career on Chatham’s derivative desk. Tony graduated from Penn State’s College of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Industrial Engineering in 1999. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School in 2004.

Episode Topics:

· Coming to University Park and choosing Schreyer from Maryland and Hawaii and as a first-generation student – and meeting your future spouse on day 1!

· Selecting a major based on skills rather than topics and as a first-gen student, or as a student in DUS

· Making a career pivot as you are nearing graduation based on pre-professional experiences and succeeding regardless of alignment with your major

· Leading while walking backwards with the Lion Ambassadors

· Working your way through school with on- and off-campus jobs and managing time

· Learning from pragmatic thesis topics like marketing plans and product component dissection

· Going to business school after starting your career and switching from consulting to corporate roles

· Stepping away from traditional careers to focus on family and finding new opportunities locally

· A crash course on working in commercial real estate and forming business partnerships

· Reflective lessons on the Scholar experience , success, relationships, mentorship, and more

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Schreyer Honors College Links: