HARRISBURG, PA — Jenna Sosa thought a career in STEM wasn’t possible for a girl. A visit to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) changed that. Today, Jenna is a first-year HU student studying advanced manufacturing: the hands-on, robotics-centered field that drew her to HU.
In a recent video interview, Jenna talked about how she found HU, what sparked her interest in her major, and why she encourages other dreamers and makers to follow their passions. Below are selected answers from that conversation, lightly edited for length and clarity.
How did you first learn about HU?
The way I found out about HU was through my high school. Back in 2017, me and a group of girls came to a Women in STEM event, where we saw a group of capable, intelligent women who were focused on STEM careers. I had never thought it possible to have a career in STEM as a girl. I’d always had an interest in science and technology, and then there it was: HU.
What made you choose HU?
What made me come to HU was the advanced manufacturing and robotics major. HU is one of the only universities to offer a four-year program in advanced manufacturing and robotics. In addition to that, the program has some machinery that there’s only two of in the world. The opportunity to be able to use one of those machines, and not just use it, but understand it, gives you an experience that a limited amount of people can have.
How did you become interested in advanced manufacturing?
I had never heard of advanced manufacturing before coming to HU. I was invited to J‑DAMMIT [a defense manufacturing summit hosted by HU and STORMWERX], and I was thoroughly impressed by all of the advancements being made in order to bring it to not just defense, but more U.S.-based manufacturing. I really like the idea of an efficient and quality process.
What opportunities has HU opened up for you?
As an HU student, I believe I’ve been given opportunities to meet a lot more people than I would have before, especially with the events that are hosted. Students get a real-world understanding of business connections and development.
What makes HU a good fit for students with big ideas?
I would recommend students come to HU because there is such a passion for changemakers here. If you have something that you want to do, you’re so well supported by faculty and the access to facilities that you can execute most of whatever comes to mind.
What would you say to a student who’s thinking about HU?
I have seen a lot of capable students in grades above me do projects that are actively changing the world. If you’re a dreamer, if you love to create things, if you love to learn, come to HU.
Watch Jenna’s full interview here.
About Harrisburg University
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, analytics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, nursing, and other STEM fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link research with practical application. Learn more at HarrisburgU.edu or stay in the know by following HU on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
Media Contact
Have questions about this story? Want to line up an interview? Contact Dan Wilhelm, director of communications, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu.
# # #
