Liberal Arts Major: Psychology
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Current Location: Ellicott City, MD
What enrichment activities did you participate in as a student?
I participated in the Honors Program in Liberal Arts from 1977–78, which was led by Professor Dale Harris of the Department of Psychology. I also belonged to the Intercollegiate Academic Interest House in Jordan Hall from 1976–78. These were the most important and influential experiences of my undergraduate education.
What was your first job after graduating from Penn State?
After graduating from Penn State, my first job was as a data analyst for Computer Data Systems, Inc. in Bethesda, Maryland.
What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite faculty member?
My most formative and favorite experience was the Honors Program in Liberal Arts, which consisted of a year-long seminar with a small group of students from across the College of the Liberal Arts, graduate courses, and an honors thesis. Professor Dale Harris of the Department of Psychology was my honors thesis adviser. The program was excellent preparation for graduate school work and Professor Harris fostered a small, cooperative community of budding scholars.
How did your liberal arts education and skills prepare you for life after graduation?
After Penn State, I attended graduate school at Princeton University where I earned master of arts and doctoral degrees in sociology. The Honors Program in Liberal Arts gave me a taste of graduate study and academic research and encouraged me to pursue that path.
What networking advice would you share with current students?
Networking with graduate school colleagues was essential when I switched from academia to a career in government.