UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beth Johnson, associate teaching professor, director of academics for the Science BS/MBA program, and director of the integrative science major for the Eberly College of Science, has been named the James and Alvina Balog Faculty Fellow of Science. The fellowship supports an outstanding faculty member in the Eberly College of Science working with the Science BS/MBA program by providing resources to support their contributions to teaching, research and public service.
Students in the Science BS/MBA program earn a bachelor of science degree from the Eberly College of Science and a master of business administration (MBA) from the Smeal College of Business. The program was created at the urging of James Balog, who, alongside his wife, Alvina, also endowed the faculty fellowship and a program scholarship.
As director of academics for the program, Johnson oversees the undergraduate academic curricula and provides guidance to students regarding completion of degree requirements. She also teaches Science BS/MBA fall and spring seminar courses as well as courses related to internships and cooperative education experiences for BS/MBA students.
“I'm deeply appreciative of this fellowship award and the honor it represents,” Johnson said. “Working alongside such talented and driven students is incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to help advance the Science BS/MBA Program so students are well prepared for impactful careers at the intersection of science and business.
Johnson joined Penn State in 2016 and has held numerous roles, including academic adviser for science and premedicine majors, academic recovery specialist for students facing academic difficulty, and intellectual property and technology transfer liaison to support the capture, protection and commercialization of innovations developed by faculty. She also currently advises students in the Schreyer Honors College and serves as a member of the Eberly College of Science Guide program.
Prior to joining Penn State, Beth was an adjunct professor at Juniata College, where she taught a variety of science courses, including entomology, evolution, plant biology, biostatistics and laboratory courses. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Muhlenberg College and doctoral degree in entomology from the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.