Science in the field

This summer, many Eberly College of Science students participated in internships, research experiences, and more. We spoke to three students about their summer experiences.

Braden McNeal

Braden McNeal, a fourth-year student in the Master of Biotechnology program, worked as a Research and Development Intern at Utz Quality Foods.

“This summer I led value engineering projects that focused on ingredient optimization and cost-saving innovations within the snack food portfolio,” said McNeal.

Working as part of a team that impacts what products end up on store shelves was rewarding for McNeal. During the summer, he collaborated with food scientists and cross-functional teams to reformulate existing products, conduct sensory evaluations, and support pilot plant trials. Altogether, his projects generated over $1.5 million in projected savings to be reinvested into the company for further innovation.

Charley Pero

Charley Pero, a fifth-year student majoring in forensic science, was an intern for the Dauphin County Coroner’s office and Forensic Science Center.

“This summer I learned ‘First rule out homicide; second, rule out homicide; and third, rule out homicide’ from Coroner Gram Hetrick and Dr. Wayne Ross,” added Pero.

As an intern for a coroner’s office, Pero worked to investigate sudden, unexplained deaths, accidental deaths, homicides, suicides, and other deaths with questionable circumstances. She assisted in determining the cause of death and manner of death for decedents. While on the scene, she took photos and performed body assessments, assisting in over 30 jurisdictional cases and more than 50 autopsies. 

Haley Attard

Haley Attard, a third-year biology major, was part of the Summer Program in Translational Disparities and Community Engaged Research (SPRINTER) at the State University of New York Downstate.

Attard shared, “Being a SPRINTER student deepened my passion for health equity in research and the healthcare system. It surrounded me with mentors and long-lasting friends who continue to inspire me on my pre-medicine journey."

As a SPRINTER student, Attard and a fellow student were mentored by a faculty member who guided them in designing and implementing a research project over the summer. Her project focused on whether meeting the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines could prevent burnout in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students.

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