NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — Penn State New Kensington’s biomedical engineering technology program is strengthening student engagement and retention through a growing alumni mentoring initiative launched in 2021. The program pairs first-semester students in BET 101 with recent graduates working in the field, giving new students a clearer understanding of the profession and early support as they navigate college.
The idea began when instructor Joie Marhefka consulted with 2020 BET graduate Dalynn Park and Schreyer Institute colleague Laura Cruz. Park said she thought the experience would have been valuable during her own time as a student, prompting the team to pilot the effort.
Since then, every student in BET 101 is matched with an alumni mentor and required to connect several times during the semester as part of class assignments. Marhefka said the structure has gradually shifted based on student input, with more guidance now provided on suggested questions while still allowing space for students to pursue their own interests.
One of the most notable developments, she said, has been watching former mentees return as mentors after graduation: “To me, that shows that they have found value in the experience and want to pay it forward.”
Student feedback has been positive, with mentees reporting that alumni helped them understand day-to-day work in the field, navigate coursework and internships, and build early professional contacts. Some have received resume and interview advice, and many plan to stay in touch after the course ends.
Alumni mentors share their experiences
Several BET graduates now serving as mentors spoke about why they returned and what they hope students gain from the program.
Sam Gormont returned to help students entering the field. “I wanted to teach them what I know so their journey is a little easier,” he said, and often urges students to keep an open mind as they explore career paths. “There are a lot of jobs out there, and the hardest part is deciding which one you want," he said. "You have to be open to different opportunities.”
Dana Summers felt that mentoring allows her to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. She said she often advises students not to specialize too quickly. “Don’t lock yourself into a specialty too early," she said. "As a student, I thought that I knew most of what I needed. Now I realize learning never stops.”
Eian Shurina encourages students to take in as much as possible. “Drink from the firehose,” he said, adding that the the program gave him a strong foundation. “It has prepared me in the sense that I have theory about most devices in a hospital setting that I would most likely encounter," he added.
Nathan French mentors because he values the resource. “The mentor program is a great resource for the current students that I wish had been in place when I attended Penn State New Kensington,” he said.
Student mentees reflect on the experience
Students said the mentoring program helped them better understand the profession and envision their future roles in the field.
“It was nice to be paired with someone who has a military background as well,” Cameron Kesselring said, adding that he was grateful for the insight and knowledge his mentor Jack has shared throughout the semester. “Seeing his excitement about his position gives me a lot of hope that I’ll be working to live, not living to work.”
Alec Stock felt well-matched with his mentor, adding their conversations have been “very reassuring to my decision to enter the field.”
“I felt more comfortable and knowledgeable about the field,” said Braxton Marshall.
Andrew Wash was excited to learn what life as a biomed technician would be like. “I learned it’s very similar to my previous career as a mechanic and it’s a very promising and growing field that is in demand,” he said. “Very gratifying.”
With Penn State New Kensington scheduled to close in 2027, the biomedical engineering technology program will transition to Penn State Greater Allegheny. The campus is now enrolling students for the program.