Research

Research and Creative Exposition, Career Day set for April 14 at New Kensington

Expo allows research presentations in a public setting; Career Day helps recruitment for internships and jobs

The 3-D printer, built by Penn State New Kensington electro-mechanical engineering technology students, left to right, Brandon Kendall, Sage DeFrances, Tyler Leatherwood and Ross Jubic, was a demonstration project. The group printed a plastic cog. Credit: Bill Woodard / Penn StateCreative Commons

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- From the effects of sleep deprivation on grade-point averages to a study of Uber's customers, the issues Penn State New Kensington students explored during the fall and spring semesters covered a range of topics. The results of their research will be unveiled at the 12th annual Research and Creative Exposition from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, in the campus Athletics Center.

The exposition provides students, under the guidance of a faculty adviser, with the opportunity to conduct research, draw conclusions and present their information in a public setting. This year, 81 students researched 53 projects, under the direction of 14 faculty members. Student will display their research as posters at the innovative event. 

The poster category is designed to convey the project's significance to scholars in the field and potential significance to the general public. The student's written research is translated into a poster and presented in public. Participants are judged on content, display and oral defense of their project.

Career DayIn conjunction with the expo, Penn State New Kensington will host the fifth annual Career Day from noon to 3 p.m. in the Athletics Center. Career Day complements the expo by creating new opportunities for the students and faculty to build stronger contacts with local industries through sharing of career information while also highlighting the campus' numerous research and creative activities.

Representatives from more than 30 companies will discuss career options, internships and job opportunities for current students and recent graduates. Organizations attending Career Day represent a variety of fields, including business, engineering, science, information technology, psychology, marketing, administration of justice, communications, finance, accounting, social services and human services. The campus faculty is encouraged to attend as companies will focus on career paths within their organizations that relate to academic disciplines.

"The combination of the Career Day with the Research and Creative Expo creates a major annual event for the campus while giving students significant opportunities to present their best work to local professionals and employers," said Jim Shields, career services coordinator at the campus. "At the same time, it's another chance to showcase Penn State New Kensington as a vital resource for local communities and businesses."

Career Day is more than just a job and internship fair. The goals for the event are three-fold: career information-sharing with students; networking among students, faculty and local businesses; and recruitment for internships and jobs. A directory with more information about opportunities with each employer will be available before the event to help students prepare for their interactions with the representatives.

The free event is open to Penn State students and recent graduates. For more information, contact Jim Shields, career services coordinator, at 724-334-6095 or jshields@psu.edu

For a list of student projects, visit www.nk.psu.edu

Premier Automation Inc. representatives, including Samantha Polons, center, a graduate of the Penn State New Kensington Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology program, talk with a prospective employee at last year's Career Fair. Penn State alumni Walt Dollard and Michael Gunniers co-founded the company. Gunniers earned his EMET degree at the New Kensington campus. Credit: Bill Woodard / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated April 7, 2015

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