HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) was honored to host the 100th Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS) from April 11–13. This event marked a significant milestone for both organizations, with the 100th anniversary of PAS arriving at the culmination of HU’s 20th academic year.
“Here at HU, we feel a natural kinship with the Pennsylvania Academy of Science,” said HU Interim President, David Schankweiler, at the kickoff ceremony. “This Academy’s mission – to inspire scientific excellence, foster innovative research, and engage the public in the pursuit of knowledge – is woven into your very DNA, and ours.”
The Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS), established in 1924, is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing scientific research and education, promoting the application of science in academia and industry, enhancing the professional development of its members, and supporting educational initiatives aimed at developing scientific skills and knowledge. PAS serves as a vital resource for science professionals, faculty, and students, offering opportunities such as research grants, travel funding, and platforms for presenting scholarly work.
“For 100 years, the Pennsylvania Academy of Science has inspired individuals to rise to greatness,” said Schankweiler. “Its members and supporters advance life-affirming research, stimulate economic development across the Commonwealth, and bring innovations from the lab bench to the marketplace. Those same values drive all of us at HU every day. Together, we can light the way for a brighter, healthier, more innovative Pennsylvania.”
PAS Annual Meetings bring together scientists, educators, and students to share their findings and engage in professional development. The event is well-regarded throughout the scientific community, with previous meetings attracting up to 1,000 delegates. This 100th meeting not only celebrated a century of scientific advancement but also reinforced the organization’s ongoing commitment to scientific inquiry and collaboration in Pennsylvania.
This milestone event would not have been possible without the support of HU’s faculty and staff, including Event Manager Erica Ward, Dr. Dana Harriger, Dr. Catherine Santai, Dr. Yiben Wang, Dr. Akeisha Belgrave, Carrie Wise, Career Services & Experiential Learning and, of course, HU’s incredible students.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to our outstanding student volunteers and presenters who made this event such a success,” said Erica Ward, Laboratory Manager for HU. The student volunteers were: The student volunteers were: Angelena Rossi, Ashley Bonnet, Bradlee Metzger, Caleb Houston, Eman Asghar, Jordan Greenfield, McKenna Horst, and Viviana Gonzalez-Matancillas. The student presenters were: Aiden Reynolds, Benjamin McNertney, Esther Popoola, Gabrielle Spencer, Mackenzie Maley, Meghan Ziegler, Natalya Callaghan, Nyicia Morgan, Oliver Fogarty-Harnish, Prashila Kafley, Rebecca Miller, Victor Amesquita, and Vaughn Kline.
Dana Harriger, Associate Professor of Biology at HU, added: “It was an honor to have been asked to host the 100th meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, which was established right here in Harrisburg. President Schankweiler’s welcome video set the tone for the meeting; we received many positive comments about the synergy and collaboration of the missions of HU and PAS.”
For three days, over 300 students and faculty from across the Commonwealth converged on the newest addition to HU’s downtown campus, the UPMC Health Sciences Tower.
“The Health Tower was full of energy, dynamic interaction, research presentations, and spirited conversation,” said Dr. Harriger. “We received many positive comments on our amazing facility. I am very proud of our HU students who not only presented their research in both oral and poster sessions, but for all their assistance throughout the weekend and representing HU with grace and poise. Special shout out to our HU trivia team that received second place in the science trivia competition!”
Jordan Greenfield ‘26, a Biochemistry major at HU, was one of the students who contributed. “Attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Science and seeing the amazing research being done at universities across the Tri-State area was such a great experience. Each speaker is advancing science in such unique and impactful ways, and it’s an honor to be able to learn from them. Also, seeing the amazing research that women in science are doing was truly amazing; the great work they’ve done to advance science is spectacular.”
Another student presenter, Ashley Bonnet ’26, won 3rd place out of 191 presentations at this year’s Annual Meeting. This also marked the very first time that HU has won in the Poster Competition. As a result, Ashley has been awarded a PAS grant to continue her research at HU.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the INSC faculty at HU, especially Dr. Belgrave and Dr. Wang, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this project,” said Ashley. “Presenting at a professional conference for the first time was both exciting and empowering, and placing third in the poster session made it even more special. This win isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s also a proud moment for Harrisburg University and our first-ever poster session award at PAS. It’s a powerful reminder of the promise within our institution and a call to shine a light on the brilliant scientists in training who are ready to lead, discover, and innovate.”
Rebekah Harriger, Senior Director of Career Services & Experiential Learning, Evan Fleischauer, Career and Employment Programs Liaison, and Emily Lupi, Employer Relations Coordinator, led one of the student lunch panels: “Crafting a Resume & CV for Success: Industry, Research & Graduate School.”
“Our team was thrilled to have over 100 student attendees at our sessions and provide impactful guidance on crafting a strong resume and CV for pursuing careers in STEM. We are honored to make an impact on our own students’ career readiness every day, and grateful for the chance to support the visiting students’ careers as they shared their impactful research experiences from across Pennsylvania.”
This year’s conference welcomed presentations from 41 universities, companies, high schools, and other institutions, with over 300 attendees in total.
“As a PAS Director-at-Large, I am especially passionate about ensuring that education and mentorship remain central to our mission,” said Erica Ward. “For many, this conference marks a key career milestone – often their first opportunity to present research among peers. I am incredibly proud that the Academy chose HU to host this meeting. The Academy was founded a century ago by scientists committed to embracing all disciplines and promoting the scholarly and ethical pursuit of science. Today, we carry that mission forward by bringing together organizations from across the Commonwealth to share ideas and inspire future innovation.”
The event received proclamations from Mayor Wanda Williams of Harrisburg and Governor Josh Shapiro, acknowledging the history, accomplishments, and benefit of the Academy to the city of Harrisburg and the Commonwealth. “PAS is grateful for their continued support of our work serving the Commonwealth,” said Erica Ward.
Harrisburg University once again thanks the Pennsylvania Academy of Science for being partners in discovery, and each of the students, faculty, and staff members who labored to make this event one to remember. Here’s to the next 100 years of science excellence in the Commonwealth!
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
