Kaitlyn Johnson
	Chemical Engineering
	Class of 2013

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania

High School: Greensburg Central Catholic High School

Extracurricular Activities: Phi Sigma Rho, Society of Women Engineers, Engineering Orientation Network, Women in Engineering Program, American Institute of Chemical Engineers

Internship/Co-op Experience: Westinghouse Electric Company, 3M Company

Why did you choose to come to Penn State? I chose Penn State because of the Creamery’s ice cream. One lick of my Peachy Paterno cone and I knew this was the place for me! Although its true I do quite enjoy the ice cream here at Penn State, it is not the sole reason for which I chose to spend the next four years of my life in Happy Valley. I also love the sense of community here at Penn State. I feel it when I am cheering in the bleachers of Beaver Stadium, fist pumping the home team to victory, or when I am standing in the stands at the Bryce Jordan Center during THON weekend as the Four Diamonds’ families share their stories. Penn State pride is apparent everywhere, whether I am downtown or on campus. I also love how this pride will not only stay with me until graduation, but is something that I can take with me for the rest of my life. There is such a huge network of Penn State alum in the world, especially in the engineering world, that I never have to give up my love for dear old white and blue.

What has been your best memory as an engineering student? My best experience as an engineering student occurred when I was able to travel to China for four weeks as part of an engineering class that examined the impact of China’s culture, history, and environment on their country’s engineering. I was able to travel all over China and see everything from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Soldiers. I learned so much about China and myself during that trip and none of it would have been possible if I wasn’t a Penn State engineering student.

What advice would you give a first-year engineer? Don’t be scared if you don’t know what engineering major your want or if you haven’t figured out exactly what you are going to do with your degree. One of the best parts about Penn State is its huge engineering department, which has most any engineering major available. So go ahead and take the time to explore your interests before you settle on your desired major. It definitely helps to ask questions of upperclassmen and professors, and don’t be afraid to explore your other interests outside of engineering too. Whether it’s through a minor or a club, I definitely recommend taking a break from numbers and equations to explore and pursue any other interest you may have.

What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation I want to work for either a consumer products company or an energy company. I also wish to pursue an MBA. Additionally, I plan to travel to Europe; to France for their pastries and to Italy for their pasta!

What has been your best experience outside of engineering at Penn State? THON is absolutely my best experience, outside of engineering at Penn State. Standing in the BJC during THON weekend is definitely life changing. In addition to THON, I also love experiencing all of the little things that make Penn State unique. For instance, a favorite of mine is being wished a Happy Thursday by a random group of bicyclists, one of whom is dressed as a dinosaur with another wearing a gorilla mask. Where else can one listen to the awesome artists at the ‘Moving On’ concert or listen to inspiring individuals of the ‘Distinguished Speaker’ series including Jane Goodall and Ben Stein. These little moments, which have nothing to do with engineering, but have everything to do with Penn State, are the reasons that make me extremely thankful I chose to be a Penn Stater.