Penn State welcomes new cohort of Emerging Academic Leaders for fall 2024

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State has announced the selection of 23 faculty members for the Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders (PSEAL) program for fall 2024. This initiative highlights individuals who have demonstrated exceptional potential for academic leadership and innovation within their fields.

Meet the 2024 Emerging Academic Leaders

• Charles Anderson, professor of biology, associate department head of Research and Faculty Success, Penn State University Park, mentored by Lara Fowler, director, Penn State Sustainability and chief sustainability officer.
• Omar Ashour, associate professor, industrial engineering, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, mentored by Greg Dillon, chair and professor, Polymer Engineering.
• Seth Blumsack, professor, energy policy and economics, Penn State University Park, mentored by Lara Fowler, director, Penn State Sustainability and chief sustainability officer.
• Danielle Downs, professor, kinesiology, Penn State University Park, mentored by Andrew Read, senior vice president for Research.
• Vikash Gayah, associate professor, civil and environmental engineering, Penn State University Park, mentored by Thomas La Porta, director, and Evan Pugh Professor and William E. Leonhard Endowed Chair, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
• Catie Grant, assistant teaching professor, telecommunications, Penn State University Park, mentored by Maura Shea, associate teaching professor, associate head, Department of Film Production & Media Studies.
• Patty Aguilera Hermida, associate teaching professor, human development and family studies, Penn State Harrisburg, mentored by Vahid Motevalli, interim vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, Penn State Harrisburg; and Brynn Rousselin, director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
• Carter Hunt, associate professor, recreation park and tourism management, Penn State University Park, mentored by Craig Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean, College of Health and Human Development.
• Jennifer Jewell, teaching professor, allied health division, Penn State Shenango, mentored by Rae Brown, associate dean, Undergraduate Education, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
• Beth Johnson, associate teaching professor, undergraduate students, Penn State University Park, mentored by Jeff Adams, senior associate vice provost and senior associate dean, Undergraduate Education.
• Helen Kamens, associate professor, biobehavioral health, Penn State University Park, mentored by Patrick Mather, dean of the Schreyer Honors College.
• Agnes Kim, associate professor, science division, Penn State Scranton, mentored by Peter Hopsicker, vice chancellor, Academic Affairs; associate dean, Research and Sponsored Programs, Penn State Altoona.
• Siela Maximova, research professor, plant science, Penn State University Park, mentored by Erica Smithwick, director, Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and distinguished professor of geography.
• J. Andrew Petersen, associate professor, marketing, Penn State University Park, mentored by Vilmos F. Misangyi, Earl P Strong Professorship in Business.
• Joseph Ranalli, associate professor of engineering, discipline coordinator for engineering at the University College, Penn State Hazleton, mentored by Elizabeth Wright, chancellor, chief academic officer, Penn State Hazleton.
• Raghu Sangwan, professor, engineering division, and associate chief academic officer, Penn State Great Valley Graduate Center, mentored by Renata Engel, vice provost, Penn State Online Education.
• Heather Shoenberger, associate professor, advertising and public relations, Penn State University Park, mentored by Marie Hardin, dean, Bellisario College of Communications.
• Derrick Taff, associate professor, recreation park and tourism management, Penn State University Park, mentored by Nicole Webster, associate dean for Faculty Affairs, College of Health and Human Development.
• Heather Zimmerman, professor, learning performance systems, Penn State University Park, mentored by Rayne Sperling, associate dean, Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, College of Education.
• Shomir Wilson, associate professor, information sciences and technology, Penn State University Park, mentored by Andrea Tapia, dean, College of Information Sciences and Technology.
• Vineeta Yadav, associate professor, political science, Penn State University Park, mentored by Sabine Klahr, interim vice provost, Penn State Global.
• Amie Yenser, associate teaching professor, science division, Penn State Hazleton, mentored by Elizabeth Wright, chancellor of Penn State Hazleton.
• Hong Wu, associate professor, landscape architecture, Penn State University Park, mentored by Mallika Bose, associate dean of research, creative activity and graduate studies, College of Arts and Architecture.

The program provides tailored professional development opportunities, fostering growth through mentorship and collaborative projects. Participants will engage with senior leaders and gain insights into strategic decision-making processes at Penn State.

"As we welcome these talented individuals into the Emerging Academic Leaders program, we are reminded of the rich diversity and potential within our faculty," said Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs - Faculty Development. "Their innovative contributions are essential as we continue to push the boundaries of education and leadership in academia."

Visit the Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders Program page for more information about the PSEAL program.

For inquiries, contact Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs, at [email protected].