Name: Jen Kearney (Lead Mentor)

 

Hometown: York, PA

 

High School: Dallastown Area High School

 

Activities Outside of WEPO: Bridges to Prosperity, Steel Bridge Team, American Society of Civil Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, Campus Crusade for Christ

 

Internship/Co-Op Experience: Structural Intern at Carney Engineering Group (Summer 2012) and Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson (JMT) (Summer 2013)

 

Why did you choose to come to Penn State? I chose to come to Penn State because of the Women in Engineering Program. I heard about WEPO at the Society of Women Engineers Stayover during high school; I was very impressed with the program, and I knew I wanted to attend a university where students are so highly recruited. I also love the atmosphere and school spirit at Penn State.

 

What has been your best memory as an engineering student? My best memory is definitely building a bridge in Panama. I lead a team of students from Penn State Bridges to Prosperity to build a 250 foot suspended footbridge in a rural community in Panama earlier this summer. After spending five weeks with the community, I cannot describe how I felt after seeing them able to safely cross the river to get to town where some of them work and where the children must go to school.

 

What has been your best memory as a Penn State student? I will always remember my first Penn State football game. It was the first home game my freshman year, and not only was I in the student section, but I was also in the S Zone! I have so many amazing memories from Penn State football.

 

What advice would you give a first-year engineer? Don't be afraid. We are all afraid of something, which limits us. Work to overcome your fears and try new things. College is the time to travel and meet new people. Don't let your fears stop you from being all you can be.

 

Give me one fun fact about yourself. I am a wannabe country girl. I love country music, my favorite pair of shoes is my cowgirl boots, and I bought two denim dresses already this week.

 

 

Jen is a senior studying Civil and Environmental Engineering.