UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), a University Affiliated Research Center, recently announced the Josiah Christophel Internship Program. The program provides students at ARL with the opportunity to broaden their experience base and work on advanced hands-on projects in information technology.
Named for Penn State graduate and ARL cyber information assurance analyst Josiah Christophel, the internship program honors the impact of an exceptional young man who died in a motorcycle accident in 2024, said ARL executive direct Allan Sonsteby.
Born in Quarryville, Josiah was the son of Todd and Janet Christophel of Lititz. He graduated from Warwick High School before venturing to Penn State University Park to pursue his bachelor’s degree.
When asked what drew Josiah to Penn State, Janet responded unequivocally: “Oh, Blue Band.”
“Josiah wanted to be part of the best marching band in the country and to have that opportunity to pursue excellence,” Janet said, explaining that Josiah was a talented trumpet player who began his love affair with the instrument by picking up his father’s old trumpet and learning basic skills. School-sponsored lessons evolved into private lessons as his teachers commented on his lovely tone and commitment to the instrument.
That commitment extended through high school marching band and culminated in his selection for the Penn State Blue Band. In 2023, he had the honor of marching in the 134th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
“It is pretty amazing that he could pick up a trumpet as a fourth grader, and then, years later, play it for an international audience on live TV in Penn State colors,” Janet said.
The desire for excellence that propelled Josiah to grow his musical talent also applied to his academic career. Josiah’s interest in cybersecurity, which ultimately led him to pursue the cybersecurity analytics and operations major in the College of Information Sciences and Technology while at Penn State, came from an unlikely source: watching movies.
“He used to say that every on-screen ‘dream team’ had someone who was working behind the scenes on a computer — and usually that person saved the day in the end!” Janet remembered. “He wanted to be that person the whole team could depend on, but who wasn’t necessarily up front sharing all the glory. He liked having impact behind the scenes.”
While majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations, Josiah began working at ARL in February 2023. His kindness, patience and willingness to problem solve made his efforts stand out, according to Steven Tomasko, ARL chief information officer
“Josiah took an entry-level opportunity and immediately made himself indispensable to people at all levels of our organization, from fellow students all the way up to our executive director,” Tomasko said. “We believe in providing hands-on, meaningful experiences for all of our students, but it quickly became apparent that Josiah was ready for advanced opportunities very early in his time at ARL.”
It was that determination and aptitude for learning, along with an innate passion for public service, that led Josiah to accept a full-time position at ARL following his graduation from Penn State in May 2024.
“ARL was his dream job,” Janet said. “He believed in ARL’s mission of service to the country and found the field so exciting. He wanted to grow at ARL and learn as much as he could there before moving on to the FBI or NSA.”
His sudden loss was immediately and acutely felt by not only his immediate ARL team, but the organization as a whole, according Sonsteby.
“In the short time that Josiah was part of the ARL family, he made an indelible and significant impact: It wasn’t just the incredibly valuable work he did that set him apart, but the way he approached it — with kindness, a readiness to face challenges head-on and a deep commitment to the ideals we share here, including dedication to our nation’s security,” Sonsteby said. “As a leadership team, we recognized one small way we could honor his legacy was through the creation of this internship program.”
The Josiah Christophel Internship Program will select one to two students at ARL annually who demonstrate those characteristics that best exemplify Josiah’s memory: kindness, integrity, professionalism, commitment to ARL’s mission, consistency, and going above and beyond their standard role. To be considered for the program, students must have at least one year of experience at ARL.
Managers and supervisors within the information technology services office (ITS) at ARL nominate students for consideration, and ITS leadership will make the final program selections. Program students are provided with customized career guidance and support to help them achieve personal and professional goals that align with ARL’s mission and values.
ARL leadership recently reunited with the Christophel family to announce the first inductee into the internship program, Alexander Moore. A cybersecurity analytics and operations major at Penn State hailing from State College, Moore began interning at ARL in 2024 and will graduate in May 2026.
“We’re honored by the opportunity to keep Josiah’s legacy alive through this program,” Tomasko said. “Josiah had big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt that Alex will follow in his footsteps and make a lasting impact at ARL.”
About Penn State Applied Research Laboratory
The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), a University Affiliated Research Center, was established in 1945 at the request of the U.S. Navy. ARL supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technological demonstration and successful transition to application.
For more information, visit www.arl.psu.edu.