From mentee to mentor: Scholar pays it forward in Liberal Arts Chaiken Center

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Chaiken Scholar Camren Boyogueno first walked into the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success as a first-year student at Penn State, she was unsure what to expect. A first-generation college student majoring in psychology with a neuroscience option and a biology minor, she said she found herself up until that point navigating the challenges of higher education mostly on her own.

There, Boyogueno found “a mentor who felt like family,” and a community that would shape her Penn State journey. Boyogueno first connected with the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center while enrolled in LA 083: First-Year Seminar in the Liberal Arts. She was paired with peer mentor Kaisha Garvin-Darby (’24 Psychology), who shared her academic and career interests.

“She was like a big sister to me,” Boyogueno said. “She helped me with everything, and I realized I wanted to be that point of guidance for someone else.”

Now in her fourth year, Boyogueno mentors students who visit the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center in 139 Sparks Building, transforming her early challenges into opportunities to uplift others. She said she loves that the center is a significant resource for first-generation students, Chaiken Scholars and those unfamiliar with the college experience.

“It’s a space where students can study, connect and feel supported,” she said. “It also offers events and resources that help students grow academically and personally.”

With support from the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center, Boyogueno was introduced to the McNair Scholars Program, which has provided her with research opportunities and prepared her for further education.

She currently works as an undergraduate research assistant in the Cognitive Aging and Neuroimaging Lab. There, under the direction of Professor of Psychology Nancy Dennis, she runs participant assessments and organizes data.

Boyogueno’s decision to pursue research was deeply tied to her long-term goals, she said.

“With my future aspirations to become a clinical neuropsychologist, it’s extremely important for me to gain research experience during undergrad to prepare for graduate school,” she said. “The opportunities I’ve had — both at Penn State and abroad — have expanded my knowledge, helped me grow professionally and deepened my understanding of the field.”

This past summer, Boyogueno expanded her academic horizons abroad, studying in Italy, both in Florence and on the Tuscan island of Elba. The program focused on the effects of climate change on coastal marine life, a departure from her usual focus on human biology.

“It was definitely a learning curve,” she said. “I felt like a kindergartner at first, but it reminded me why I chose a STEM field. It's important to stay open to all kinds of science, not just your own.”

She said scholarships, including a Gilman International Scholarship and support from the Chaiken Scholarship, made the experience possible.

“With these scholarships, doors that otherwise would have been closed were opened,” Boyogueno said.

Boyogueno said she credits Penn State’s research infrastructure with enriching her academic experience.

“As a top-tier research university, Penn State offers structured programs, competitive grants and access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs that many institutions can’t match,” she said. “These opportunities encourage students like me to engage in meaningful work with dedicated faculty while gaining hands-on experience. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve been able to do here.”

Boyogueno also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Expo, taking place on April 17, 2026.

“Beyond applying to present my own findings, I’m super-excited to hear about all the interesting work other students have dedicated themselves to,” she said. “It’s always exciting to learn about topics outside of my field.”

In addition to her academic contributions, Boyogueno serves as the president of the Caribbean Student Association. She is also the co-programs coordinator for the National Council of Negro Women, where she helps develop initiatives that advocate for Black women's advancement in education, health and career development.

Balancing her many roles can be difficult, but Boyogueno said she approaches it with passion and determination.

“There is no clear-cut way to accomplish everything,” she said. “It comes down to time management and prioritizing what matters most.”

After graduation, Boyogueno said she plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical neuropsychology or behavioral neuroscience and work in a hospital setting. She hopes to combine research, community and clinical practice, particularly for underrepresented groups affected by neurological disorders. In the long term, she envisions becoming a professor and continuing to support the next generation of students.

Her advice for first-year students is simple: Step into the Chaiken Center and lean on your peers.

“Talk to the people around you,” she said. “There’s always someone who has been through what you’re going through, and they can help.”

About the Chaiken Centers for Student Success

The College of the Liberal Arts is home to one of five Chaiken Centers created through the philanthropy of Gene and Roz Chaiken to support student success. The inaugural center was established in the College of the Liberal Arts in 2021, with four additional centers added in 2024 at the University level, Penn State Abington, Penn State World Campus and the College of Information Sciences and Technology.