Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

Discover how Christopher Stroup ’14 EMS shifted from oil and gas to become a successful LGBTQ-affirming financial advisor. His story offers invaluable lessons on city life, career pivots, authenticity, and building community as a Penn State alum no matter where life takes you. (Nothing said in this episode should be taken as financial advice! Please consult with Christopher or another financial ad...

In this episode, Amanda Wetzel ’02 Liberal Arts, shares her remarkable journey from studying political science at Penn State to practicing law across continents. Her diverse experiences—from research in Belfast to legal work in Paris—highlight the importance of international exposure, mentorship, and strategic career moves. Whether you're a student or a professional, Amanda's story offers valuable...

"When I was six, I saw my first Broadway show, Mary Poppins, and at intermission, I pointed at the stage and said, 'That's what I'm going to do with my life.'” In this episode, Melody Munitz ’22 A&A, Liberal Arts shares her extraordinary journey from performing in Broadway plays and musicals to conducting groundbreaking research in neuroscience, all while maintaining her passion for musical th...

"Four years at Penn State will fly by—embrace every moment, seek help when needed, and never underestimate the power of curiosity and giving back." Explore how Dr. Ryan Henrici ’15 Science transitioned from a student with a passion for science and sports to a pioneering physician, scientist, and entrepreneur driving groundbreaking biotech innovations. In this episode, Ryan shares his inspiring pat...

Overview: Dive into the inspiring story of Brandon Follick ’15 Sci, who seamlessly navigates careers in biochemistry and comedy. Discover how his scientific background fuels his humor, the challenges of balancing these worlds, and his advice for scholars pursuing creative paths. In this episode, you’ll here about Brandon's journey to Penn State and his early interests in science and comedy How bio...

Overview: Brian Rogowski ’97 Science shares his journey from a winding academic path to a successful career in technology. He discusses the importance of practical experience, the value of social sciences in tech, and the lessons learned from his honors thesis and research. Brian emphasizes the significance of teamwork, mentorship, and work-life balance while navigating the challenges of transitio...

Overview: Katie Florio ’15 HHD, a Schreyer Scholar alumna and former D1 student-athlete at Penn State, joins FTG to share her journey from being a kinesiology major with aspirations of attending medical school to pivoting into the financial sector, where she now works at Goldman Sachs. The conversation delves into her experiences as a cross-country and track athlete, the challenges of balancing ac...

Overview: Joe Kernan ’86 and Victor Ficarra ’21 share their unique journeys through college and into their respective legal careers in and out of “big law.” They discuss the importance of mentorship, the value of extracurricular involvement, and the impact of their honors thesis experiences on their professional paths. The conversation also covers practical advice for current students, including n...

Overview: In this episode, Matt Gartland ’05 IST shares his journey from Penn State to becoming a leader in the tech and startup world. Matt discusses his unexpected path to Penn State, his experiences in the College of IST, and his involvement with the Schreyer Honors College. He offers insights into his career, including his time at Lockheed Martin and Johnson & Johnson, and his transition i...

Overview: Personal finance expert and multimedia sensation Farnoosh Torabi ’02 Business shares her journey from a Schreyer Scholar to a renowned financial journalist. She discusses the importance of taking leaps of faith, staying curious, and leveraging unique opportunities at Penn State to forge a successful career. Scholars should listen to this episode to gain insights into navigating academic...

Overview: Jennifer Baaklini ’11 Com joins Following the Gong to share her journey from print journalism student to global digital engagement strategist and leader. Jennifer walks through her time at Penn State Abington, University Park, and around the globe studying abroad, participating in THON, working jobs on campus, and her diligent search for a role after graduation. She shares great advice f...

Overview:   Greg Lucier ’86 Eng joined Following the Gong while at University Park to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by Penn State upon an alum, to record live in the new Engineering Design and Innovation Building. Greg shared his experiences as a University Scholar studying industrial engineering and how he used his IE experiences, coupled with an MBA from Harv...

Overview: CW: includes discussion of sexual assault, alcohol and DUI, and other trauma-inducing topics Social worker Dr. Sherry Burnette ’83 Lib joins Following the Gong to talk all things 1980s Penn State & University Scholars Program and her career in the social work sphere. Sherry provides insight on using a degree in psychology, working between undergraduate and graduate school, and counse...

Overview: Jennifer “JPags” Paganelli ‘02 is the President of Earned Media Relations at Real Chemistry. She joins Following the Gong to share her experiences in science and healthcare media, communications, and storytelling, including transitioning to working in a STEM field with a Liberal Arts background. This episode is great for any Scholar, and especially those interested in storytelling in any...

Overview: Penn State Field Hockey Associate Head Coach Laura Gebhart ’15 Agr visits the Following the Gong studio to discuss all things field hockey, coaching, and community & economic development. Laura grew up in Lancaster County and came to Penn State and the Schreyer Honors College as a Scholar Athlete. She shares how she worked to find the right major for her, got involved in THON, and wo...

Overview: Architectural engineer turned consultant turned technology solutions engineer Brad Zanette joins the show from New York City to share his perspectives and advice for current Scholars and young alumni. Brad came to Penn State and made the most of his opportunities during his five years at University Park, earning his bachelors and masters in architectural engineering while completing seve...

Overview: Industrial engineer Apoorva Mathur ’18 joins FTG from Oregon to discuss her career at the intersection of manufacturing and the transition to zero emissions vehicles. She shares how she came to Penn State, and leveraged internships in a variety of fields and clubs on campus to find her academic and career interests. Apoorva details her participation in a career rotation program at Daimle...

Overview: Scholar Alumna and seasoned supply chain management executive Kristyn Harkins ’02 Bus joins FTG to discuss her career. Kristyn shares how her time at Penn State, from classes to clubs to her Honors Thesis, influenced her career and helped her rise through the ranks as a woman in supply chain at Johnson & Johnson. Kristyn now leads teams of thousands with responsibility for J&J’s...

Overview: Engineer Consultant Manufacturer Entrepreneur Reed Taylor ’14 Engineering joins Following the Gong from Connecticut to discuss his career story of pivoting from one role to the next, all while using his skills and experiences from being a Schreyer Scholar in Chemical Engineering. Learn how Reed went from making lifelong friends at SHO Time, participated in THON, and hit the slopes with t...

Overview: FTG goes to the animals as Jessica Greensmith ’13 Agricultural Sciences joins to talk all things zoos, conservations centers, and more! Jessica earned her BS in Animal Science with Honors in Wildlife and Fisheries with the original intention of becoming a veterinarian. Study abroad and research opportunities led her to find her path elsewhere – including ballroom dancing along the way –...

Overview: Adeolu Adewumi-Zer ’00 Business and Science, a global advisor, change leader, and passionate advocate for a thriving Africa joins FTG to discuss her journey from State College to Penn State to Germany, Turkey, and now Nigeria. She shares her perspectives on majoring in math and actuarial science with an international lens. Adelou provides insight into careers in consulting and in-house c...

Overview: Alumnae Yuri Unno ’95 Behrend and Amanda Blunt ’09 Lib join Following the Gong to discuss working for major automotive companies Toyota and GM, respectively, in Washington D.C. They both share their stories of finding Penn State – Yuri as an international student, Amanda as someone from “outside Philly” – and how they found interests working in trade policy, lobbying, legal affairs, and...

Overview: Dr. Victoria Heasley ’14 Engineering, ‘18g Medicine joins Following the Gong to discuss her story and career. Victoria is a physician, professor, and engineer at the University of Cincinnati, where she supports community members and UC athletes in need of adaptive sports medicine to leave fuller, happier, and healthier lives. She explains what this field is, how she got into it, and how...

Overview:   Cybersecurity executive Atif Ghauri ’00 Business joins Following the Gong to discuss his career and advice for Scholars interested in both technical and relational leadership roles. Atif currently serves as the President of Ultraviolet Cyber after a career of increasingly senior roles in cyber security. Atif discusses his experience reluctantly coming to Penn State and then having an i...

Overview: Attorney Jack Yoskowitz ’89 Lib and soon-to-be-attorney Henry Deteskey ’21 HHD join Following the Gong’s first ever vide episode to discuss legal careers and the power of leveraging resources, connections, and networks. Jack is a partner and attorney at Seward and Kissel in New York where he works on complex litigation primarily in the financial services sector. Jack is also a longtime v...