Penn State alumni turn hands-on learning into research expertise

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For many Penn State students, research begins in a classroom, a laboratory or a volunteer opportunity. For three alumni now working at Penn State's Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE), those early experiences became the foundation for careers advancing environmental science and research.

Today, Andrew Ross, Julia Patcyk and Logan Kyle support research that spans environmental contaminants, microplastics and advanced imaging. Although their work focuses on different scientific challenges, they share a common path: Penn State provided the hands-on experiences, mentorship and technical training that prepared them to become experts in their fields.

“Penn State alumni are a powerful example of how hands-on research experiences can shape careers and fuel impact,” said Odette Mina, director of IEE’s laboratories. “The skills and knowledge they developed as students have grown into the expertise they now bring back to our labs and research facilities, where they are helping drive innovation and advance discovery every day."

Learning by doing

Ross, a core research technologist at the Center for Quantitative Imaging, operates advanced X-ray computed tomography scanners used by researchers across disciplines, from biology and anthropology to engineering and earth sciences. His responsibilities include preparing samples, conducting scans, coordinating with researchers and delivering imaging data.

His first introduction to research came as a volunteer in wildlife and fisheries science.

"I was volunteering to clean fish tanks and feed fish after my classes finished for the day and on the weekends," Ross said. "During this opportunity, I learned a lot about how a research lab functions, how protocols are established and put in place, and built upon the existing skills of being responsible and taking pride in your work."

Patcyk's introduction to research came from a different perspective. Before becoming a researcher, she participated in Penn State studies as a volunteer through the University's StudyFinder program.

"Being a part of the research process as a subject is what initially intrigued me about getting involved with research," she said.

Today, Patcyk is a research technologist in the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory, where she prepares and extracts environmental samples for analyses that help researchers detect contaminants in a wide range of materials. She also helps maintain laboratory quality processes and organization, ensuring research can be conducted accurately and efficiently.

Kyle, who also works in the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory, focuses on preparing samples for microplastics analyses using specialized instruments that identify and characterize tiny plastic particles in environmental samples. His work includes developing and refining laboratory methods, operating analytical equipment, maintaining quality assurance standards and supporting experiments.

His first research experience was in the laboratory of Lisa Emili, associate professor of physical geography and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, where he studied microplastics in soil and water.

"I learned a great deal of general lab practices, primarily safety, standard operating procedures and how to effectively prepare microplastics samples for analysis," Kyle said.

Mentors who made a difference

Each alumnus credited Penn State faculty and mentors with helping shape their careers.

Ross said Jay Stauffer, distinguished professor of ichthyology, introduced him to fisheries research through fieldwork and laboratory projects, while doctoral student Sara Mueller encouraged him throughout graduate school.

"I was fortunate enough to have not one, but a handful of people that encouraged me to get my master's and pursue my schooling further," Ross said.

For Kyle, a soils course and mentorship from Emili helped him discover an interest in environmental systems and the complex processes occurring within soil and water.

"That experience led me to discover my interest in the inner workings of environmental matrices and their overarching processes," he said.

Patcyk said her environmental systems engineering capstone project cemented her interest in environmental research. Her team investigated agricultural runoff, examining its impacts on ecosystems, livestock and human health while developing potential solutions.

"I was already interested in helping reduce harmful waste entering the environment," Patcyk said. "This class allowed me to see all the research and monitoring that goes into such a task."

Building careers through hands-on experience

Beyond classroom instruction, each graduate said practical experience proved invaluable.

Ross said graduate research and summer fieldwork taught him laboratory organization, standard operating procedures and the importance of preparation.

"Success that looks effortless comes from yesterday's preparations leading to today's success," he said.

Patcyk gained additional experience while working as a student laboratory assistant in the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory, where she learned the laboratory's workflows and participated in sample preparation before transitioning into research support after graduation.

"My time as a laboratory assistant gave me insight into how the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory team functions and what kind of work we do," she said.

Kyle said his undergraduate research helped him develop technical skills while teaching him the discipline required to balance demanding scientific work.

Preparing the next generation of researchers

Together, Ross, Patcyk and Kyle demonstrate how Penn State's combination of classroom learning, undergraduate research, faculty mentorship and hands-on laboratory experience can prepare students for careers addressing complex environmental and scientific challenges, according to Mina.

“Whether producing high-resolution images that help researchers answer questions across disciplines, analyzing environmental contaminants or advancing methods to detect microplastics, their work contributes to research with real-world impact while illustrating how a Penn State education can translate into expertise that serves science and society,” Mina said.

Editor's note: One million Penn State degrees means there are one million unique Penn State stories. This is a sample of one of the many ways Penn Staters are using their degrees to change lives, elevate impact and make a difference.