Two physics students honored with Be More Lovisa Graduate Student Scholarship

Penn State Eberly College of Science graduate students Šárka Blahnik and Emma Steinebronn have been honored with the inaugural Be More Lovisa Graduate Student Scholarship in Physics.

The award honors the life of Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre, a graduate student at Penn State in architectural engineering who planned to transfer to physics to pursue her passion. The Be More Lovisa Scholarship in Physics was established to provide funding for graduate students in physics, with a preference for students studying particle astrophysics. These students show a passion for the subject and are conscientious, determined, considerate, and forward-thinking, as well as supportive to others while making a significant contribution individually or within a team.

This inaugural award was presented to Blahnik and Steinebronn on Sept. 12.

Šárka Blahnik

Blahnik is a physics doctoral candidate and a member of the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos. She was selected as a recipient of the award for her inspiring perseverance in pursuit of the physics doctorate despite numerous personal and physical challenges, and for her valuable contributions to improving pedagogy for undergraduate courses. In her time at Penn State, Blahnik has been engaged in improving the social environment in the Department of Physics through steadfast work on the department's Climate, Inclusion and Diversity Committee and through the creation and management of a peer mentoring program for physics graduate students.

Emma Steinebronn

Steinebronn is a physics doctoral candidate who studies quantum computing and toplogical materials. She was selected as a recipient of the award for her exceptional dedication to outreach through the creation and management of the tremendously successful PAW Pals program, which organizes dozens of Penn State students to perform science experiments at local elementary schools. Steinebronn has had a longstanding commitment to multiple physics student organizations and a remarkable level of engagement with the department and University communities. In her time at Penn State, she has made uplifting contributions to the peer mentoring program for physics graduate students.