Jessica Pengilly

My proudest accomplishment at Behrend are the relationships that I’ve formed with my professors and fellow researchers.

Major: Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior option)

Hometown: Mars, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the Aaron Meehl Scholarship and the John K. Henne Endowment for International Study.

On choosing her major: I absolutely love being outside.

Relationships are key: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend are the relationships that I’ve formed with my professors and fellow researchers.

What makes her unique: I can make any boring situation into a fun time.

Advice for first-year students: Do not be afraid to talk to your professors. They can be some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet. If you don’t understand a topic in class, meet with them during their office hours. Professors absolutely love it when you ask them questions.

Parting thoughts: College is only as fun as you make it. If you treat every week like it’s miserable, it will be. Find enjoyment in everything you do, and the college experience will be much better.

Jessica hopes to find work as a park ranger.