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Undergraduate Programs

BMB Features: Chantel Hennings

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Image of Chantel Hennings

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department is proud to be called home to some of the most outstanding undergraduate students in higher education.  These students display a high level of dedication, not only in furthering their education but in their desire to be on the frontlines of scientific discovery.  

Meet one such student, Chantel Hennings, a Junior majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  Unlike most undergraduate students, her path to continuing her education highlights the diversity and wealth of life experiences that students bring to the Eberly College of Science.

After graduating from high school Chantel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in order to serve her country and provide a financial opportunity for continuing her education.  Chantel served two combat deployments, both in Afghanistan, from 2009 until her discharge in 2013.  Her first deployment was with the 3rd Combat Logistics Battalion at Camp Dwyer from October 2010 until April of 2011.  Her second deployment, also at Camp Dwyer, was from April 2012 until August of 2012 where she served with the 5th Combat Logistics Battalion.  As a Motor Transport Operator during both deployments Chantel was responsible for operating large military vehicles such as the 7-Ton Transporter, the logistics vehicle system (LVS), the Oshkosh Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) and the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

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U.S Marine Corps HMMWV

U.S Marine Corps HMMWV

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U.S Marine Corps LVS

U.S Marine Corps LVS

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U.S Marine Corps 7 Ton Transporter

U.S Marine Corps 7 Ton Transporter 

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U.S Marine Corps LVSR

 U.S Marine Corps LVSR

Chantel credits her success as an undergraduate student to the core principles she learned within the Marine Corps.  Her determination to strive for the best and her ability to “adapt and overcome” has helped her to navigate the difficult situations that have come her way.  The saying “know yourself and seek self-improvement” has helped Chantel to better identify when and how to ask for help in her courses and has encouraged her to engage in self-evaluation to improve upon her weaknesses and to create a better version of herself.

During her time in the Marine Corps she met her husband Kristopher who is currently a recruiter at the Marine Corps recruiting office in State College, Pennsylvania.  Chantel is mother to a six-year-old girl, Zoey, and chose Penn State because it allowed her the opportunity to further her love of science, pursue her degree, and maintain a close family dynamic.  After graduating from Penn State Chantel plans to attend graduate school and earn her Ph.D. in biochemistry to ultimately pursue a career in forensic science.