Erica Murphy

Junior in Electrical Engineering

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What high school did you attend?

Merion Mercy Academy

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What activities are you involved in outside WEPO?

WEP Facilitated Study Group Leader, Engineering Ambassadors, Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority

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

GE Transportation Intern, Summer 2017; Bioseparations Lab Research Assistant, Spring 2016

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Why did you choose to come to Penn State?

Penn State offered me everything: a renowned engineering program, with the support of the Women in Engineering Program; a Big Ten football team and invigorating student section cheering them on at every home game; and a beautiful campus surrounded by a charming downtown. I knew Penn State would give me the full college experience I was looking for.

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What is your best Penn State or engineering memory?

On the first day of my EE 200 course, the professor explained that the course would involve programming a robot to make its way through a maze; I nearly walked out of the classroom, doubting that I'd be able to do it and thinking I wasn't cut out for EE. By the end of the semester, I had successfully programmed the robot - through four different methods! I still swell with pride when I think back on this accomplishment.

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What advice would you give a first-year engineer?

Make friends with other engineers. They'll be invaluable resources when you're stuck on a homework problem or studying for a test; plus, they'll make studying engineering a lot more fun.

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What was your favorite class you took as a freshmen?

Physics 212!!! It's the reason I changed my major to EE.

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What is a fun fact about yourself?

I'm 75% Italian but was a competitive Irish dancer for 6 years.