Katie Yannarell

Senior in Biomedical Engineering

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What high school did you attend?

Allentown Central Catholic High School

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What activities are you involved in outside WEPO?

Engineering Ambassadors, Schreyer Student Council, Campus Ambassador for The GREEN Program

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What Internship/Co-Op/Study Abroad or Research experience have you had?

Biologics, Assays, and Technology Intern for Teva Pharmaceuticals (Summer 2017), Penn Sate School of Visual Arts Study Abroad - Sydney, Australia (Winter 2017), PSU Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates (Summer 2016), The GREEN Program short-term study abroad in Iceland (Summer 2015)

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Why did you choose to come to Penn State?

I did an overnight my senior year of high school with the Penn State Society of Women Engineers Stayover program, and walking around to the different classes felt so natural. I remember saying to myself, "I can see myself here." So many people love it for a reason! The opportunities and engineering related programs did not compare to anywhere else I looked.

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What is your best Penn State or engineering memory?

The Society of Women Engineers Stayover played a big part in helping me choose Penn State. For that reason, I knew that I wanted to get involved with it as a student. The young woman I hosted as a sophomore ended up also choosing Penn State. Seeing her around on campus and at WEP Wednesdays and giving her class advice has been very exciting for me.

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What advice would you give a first-year engineer?

Stick with it. If you feel that engineering is really your passion but you are struggling in some classes, do not give up. There are different hurdles that every student faces. But once you work past them, you are a stronger, smarter student. There are always people around to talk to and ask for help so utilize that!

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What was your favorite class you took as a freshmen?

EDSGN 100

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What is a fun fact about yourself?

I swam in between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates while in Iceland.