In This Issue:
- What's New with the MIS Major?
- Faculty Spotlight
- Alumni Spotlight
- Student Spotlight
- Club Updates and More
What's New with the MIS Major?
Kathleen J. Noce, D.Ed.
Coming soon, a Cybersecurity Certificate will provide students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity. This consists of three courses:
- MIS 344 Introduction to Cybersecurity is an introductory course designed to provide students with the concepts of cybersecurity along with the need for corporate policies and procedures.
- MIS 354 Computer Networking for Cybersecurity is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer networking with a focus on applications in cybersecurity, tailored for business students.
- ACCTG 285 Introduction to Cyber Fraud introduces students to the various types of cybercrime that organizations and individuals may face, along with the tools for prevention and detection.
Stay tuned for more details as we finalize this exciting addition to our curriculum!
Another great opportunity for students is MIS 297 Healthcare Information Management Systems (HIMS). Although it may not yet appear in the course catalog by name, this course offers valuable insights into healthcare data management with the opportunity to earn the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS) certification.
In addition, our students are continuing to explore the use of AI both in and out of the classroom. You can read more about what the MIS club is doing in this area below. Please continue reading to learn more about our faculty, students, and alumni.
Dr. Kathy Noce, teaching professor and discipline lead, Management Information Systems
Faculty Spotlight
Huiyan (Sandra) Chen, Ph.D.
Dr. Huiyan (Sandra) Chen
Dr. Huiyan (Sandra) Chen joined the Black School of Business in fall 2024 as an assistant professor of Management Information Systems. She holds a doctorate in Business Administration, a master’s degree in Statistics, bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She teaches MIS 345: Data Analytics and MIS 336: Database Management Systems.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your field of expertise?
I was intrigued by the intersection of technology and human behavior, which led me to specialize in Management Information Systems. This field allows me to explore how technology shapes business decisions and human behaviors.
How do you engage with your students to ensure an enriching and inclusive learning environment?
I try to incorporate hands-on exercises, case studies, and projects to help students better understand technical topics. I also enjoy discussing interesting real-world examples with students in class, as I found that connecting abstract concepts to real-world applications naturally encourages curiosity and learning interest.
Alumni Spotlight
Bradley Dalton ’24
Bradley Dalton '24, MIS and PSCM dual degree graduate
Bradley Dalton ’24 is an associate IT project manager at Erie Insurance, where he assists in planning, coordinating, and executing IT projects. He supports teams by developing and delivering reports summarizing objectives, deliverables, status, and metrics.
What were some of your most memorable experiences or activities during your time at Penn State Behrend?
An experience that stands out was when one of my classes visited Erie Insurance during my senior year, which gave me a firsthand look at the company's culture and operations, and made it clear that it could be a great fit for me. Attending career fairs, where I built connections that ultimately helped me in securing my current role, was also pivotal in my time at Penn State Behrend.
How did your time at Penn State Behrend prepare you for your career path?
My time at Penn State Behrend prepared me for my career by developing critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills while having two majors (MIS and PSCM). Through coursework and group projects, I gained practical experience in problem-solving and project management. Real-world scenarios and hands-on learning in the classroom gave me the confidence and ability to step into my role and make meaningful contributions from day one.
Have there been any specific skills or knowledge you gained during your time at Penn State Behrend that have been particularly useful in your job?
One key piece of knowledge that has greatly helped me is the foundation I gained in the Agile methodology through my coursework. Understanding the framework and its practices before starting my role allowed me to adapt quickly and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced IT environment.
Student Spotlight
Amber Carr ’25
Amber Carr '25, MIS and PSCM dual major
Amber Carr ’25 is a senior with dual majors in MIS and PSCM and a certificate in ERP with SAP. She is president of the MIS Club, vice president of the Project and Supply Chain Management Club, and co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Behrend. She is also a member of Behrend’s women's basketball team. She has interned as an IT Analyst at Erie Insurance for the past two years.
What inspired you to attend Penn State Behrend, and how did you choose your major?
I wanted to come to Behrend because, growing up, I attended several of their camps and events. Seeing how involved they were with the community and their dedication to success drew me in. I chose MIS because it was the perfect balance of technology and business, and it appealed to my interest in analytics.
What are your aspirations or goals after graduation?
I received a full-time job offer from Erie Insurance, and I will start there as an associate IT analyst following graduation. I also plan to return to Penn State Behrend in the fall to pursue an MBA. Outside of that, I hope to travel and spend more time with my family and friends.
Club Updates and More
The MIS Club used AI to stylize the Penn State Lion
Building on last semester's chatbot workshop, the MIS Club has shifted its focus to explore generative AI's impact on business. With AI tools rapidly changing how companies operate, the club aims to help students understand and work with these technologies.
This spring, the club has planned hands-on sessions about AI in business settings. Workshops will cover practical applications in data analytics, process automation, and customer service – skills that are increasingly valuable for internships and tech careers.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, the club aims to provide a space where students can learn about and experiment with emerging business technologies, as understanding these tools will be crucial for future business leaders.