Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Spring 2022
Friday, April 22: Aquatic Invasive Species: Threats to Biodiversity in Our Own Backyard
Recorded Presentation
Aquatic invasives species are introduced into new habitats and disrupt established communities, threatening biodiversity. In Pennsylvania, these aquatic invasive species are numerous ranging from rather difficult to see aquatic hitchhikers and pathogens to large predatory fish species. We will investigate and discuss invasive species in the state of Pennsylvania including current species of concern. One example that will be highlighted is the Flathead Catfish which is a predatory fish species recently introduced into river systems in Pennsylvania. Our current research efforts are investigating diet composition of Flathead Catfish in the Susquehanna River Basin, Pennsylvania to identify vulnerable prey species. Importantly, we can all do our part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and there are many ways you can get involved to help protect our environmental resources.
Dr. Megan Schall is an assistant professor of biology at Penn State Hazleton. At Penn State Hazleton, she teaches introductory biology courses and general education biology courses. Her research interests are in applied fisheries ecology. Her current research areas include investigating fish health and population ecology of Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River Basin and work on invasive Flathead Catfish. Megan has worked on a variety of fisheries related research topics relating to fish health and fish ecology including topics such as DNA barcoding for fish identification, population genetics, movement ecology, and parasite prevalence modeling.
Co-presenters:
Geoffrey Smith, Susquehanna River Biologist, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Sydney Stark, M.S. student in Wildlife and Fisheries, Pennsylvania State University
Megan's photo courtesy of Penn State Hazleton.
Tuesday, March 29: Capitalizing on Opportunities and the Importance of Impactful Story Telling
Recorded Presentation
Penn State Student Engagement grants allow Penn Staters like myself to pursue exciting experiences that expand horizons. Last fall, I applied for and received one of these grants to pursue a writing project that impacted my hometown. In this presentation I will share how my experience as a writer changed my career aspirations while making me a better engineer in the process.
Clay Kimsal is a senior engineering student at Penn State Hazleton who secured a Student Engagement Network Grant to help his community obtain a $300,000 grant to restore a 120-year-old dam.
Wednesday, February 23: Accessible Chemistry
Recorded Presentation
What makes chemistry inaccessible for students? How can we help reduce barriers through instruction and foster a more inclusive learning experience for a diverse body of students? This presentation will describe the National Science Foundation-funded research project focused on making chemistry more equitable. Dr. Lee will introduce the students involved in the project and present practical tips on ways to make classroom assessments more approachable.
Dr. Eshani Lee is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and is passionate about helping students break systemic barriers in pursuing STEM.
Tuesday, February 15: Does Food Count as History?
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Recorded presentation
What we put in our bodies not only shapes what happens to us biologically, but also shapes what happens to us socially and culturally.
Presenter: Dr. Justin Nordstrom
Dr. Justin Nordstrom is Professor of History, Arts and Humanities
and Honors Program Coordinator, Academic Affairs.
Image provided by Penn State Hazleton and used with permission by Justin Nordstrom.
Fall 2021
Wednesday, December 1: Exercise is Medicine
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Physical activity is a vital component of good health. In today’s hustle and bustle society we often place our health lower on our priority list. During Exercise is Medicine we will present helpful ways to incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle, discuss different ways of gauging exercise, and talk about how to determine your intensity level.
Presenters: Karen Stylianides, Meghan Boyle, and Samantha Matarella
Karen Stylianides is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Kinesiology, Health and Human Development and is passionate about inspiring others to good health.
View the handouts:
Thursday, November 11: Understanding Wine Part II 
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Wine regions and grading systems will be discussed.
Barb Brazon is the Hazleton Campus Program Coordinator, Information Sciences and Technology and wine professional. She began her formal education in wine studies at The Wine School of Philadelphia (2001) - Wine School’s beginners, Wine Levels 1 thru 3. Then in 2010 she earned a professional wine certification from the Wine Spirit and English Trust (WSET), an internationally respected program. From WSET, she received placement of “Distinction” in levels 1 and Level 2 and holds Level III certifications. In the blind-tasting portion of the examination for WSET she earned a rank of Distinction and in the four-hour essay examination, a rank of Merit.
Wednesday, October 6: Moose, Mosquitoes, and Magnificence:
Backpacking in Isle Royale 
National Park
12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
This presentation will provide an introduction to backpacking and a description of Dr. Huck’s trips to one of the most amazing places he’s ever visited, Isle Royale National Park. He looks forward to talking about HOW to backpack, what it’s like to backpack, and WHY you should backpack!
Dr. Garrett Huck is an associate professor of Rehabilitation and Human Services. He is entering his 7th year at Penn State and his 17th year as a backpacker!
Thursday, September 16: Understanding Wine Before You Purchase
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
The goal of this presentation is to eliminate the “Wine Snob Mystique.” The hope is to instill a better understanding of wine characteristics, to discuss purchasing and pairing wine, and to just have fun.
Barb Brazon is the Hazleton Campus Program Coordinator, Information Sciences and Technology and wine professional. She began her formal education in wine studies at The Wine School of Philadelphia (2001) - Wine School’s beginners, Wine Levels 1 thru 3. Then in 2010 she earned a professional wine certification from the Wine Spirit and English Trust (WSET), an internationally respected program. From WSET, she received placement of “Distinction” in levels 1 and Level 2 and holds Level III certifications. In the blind-tasting portion of the examination for WSET she earned a rank of Distinction and in the four-hour essay examination, a rank of Merit.
Tuesday, September 7: Triathlon,
But Really a Story on How to Accomplish any Goal
12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
What is your big dream? Does it seem almost too crazy and too big to conquer? Amie’s dream for 23 years has been to complete an Ironman Triathlon. Through stories about her experiences in triathlon training, she will provide insights everyone can use to conquer any dream.
Amie Yenser is an Associate Teaching Professor of Biology who has been teaching at the HN campus for 17 years. She is passionate about inspiring others to move more and improve their health and wellness.