Explore Talent Highlights

Student Internship Spotlights

At the Penn State Smeal College of Business, students don’t just learn the theory of supply chain and business, they put it into action. Summer internships give them the chance to tackle real-world challenges, develop professional skills, and make measurable contributions to leading organizations. The following spotlights showcase five students whose hands-on experiences reflect the talent, curiosity, and preparedness that define a Smeal education.

Brewing Supply Chain Success

Optimizing Operations at Anheuser-Busch

Noah Davis, a fourth-year supply chain and information systems major at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, spent his summer as a Supply Chain Trainee Intern with Anheuser-Busch at the company’s Columbus, Ohio brewery.

Noah rotated across departments to see the entire brewing process, from raw ingredients to finished product. He also worked on logistics projects, including warehouse efficiency, inventory loss reduction, and cost analysis of automated versus manual processes.

"These moments have given me a much better understanding of how the supply chain operates in real time and the effects it has on one another," Davis said.

He sharpened technical skills using Excel, Power BI, SAP, and warehouse management systems, while gaining confidence through daily hands-on experience. A highlight of the summer was attending the company’s intern induction in St. Louis and connecting with peers from across the country.

Looking ahead, Davis encourages fellow Smeal students to take full advantage of their opportunities. "Learn how to be independent and take initiative, but do not be afraid to ask questions," he advised.

Driving Supply Chain Impact

Streamlining Supply Planning at Volvo Group

Varsitaa Gunaseelan, a third-year supply chain and information systems major at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, spent her summer interning with the Volvo Group in Greensboro, North Carolina. She supported the Mack Trucks Supply Planning team within the Service Market Logistics Department, focusing on projects that improved operational efficiency and supplier management.

Her responsibilities included using SAP to implement supplier shutdown calendars, researching offshore supplier options, and contributing to initiatives with measurable impact. She also gained technical experience with tools like Power BI, Excel, Glopps, and GPS.

"The experience that best prepared me for this role was serving as a researcher with Sigma Chi Mu Tau [at Penn State],” Gunaseelan said. “It strengthened my skills in data optimization and boosted my confidence in collaborating with a professional team."

To maximize her internship, Gunaseelan set a goal of building her professional network and made time for one-on-one conversations with colleagues across the organization. These discussions expanded her understanding of business processes and gave her valuable connections for the future.

Reflecting on her experience, Gunaseelan noted the global scale of Volvo Group and its wide-ranging brands, from Mack Trucks to Renault and beyond. Outside of work, she enjoyed exploring Greensboro’s coffee shops, cat cafés, and hiking trails with friends.

The Best of Both Worlds

Balancing Warehouse and Store Operations at ALDI

Hunter Badamo, a rising fourth-year student double majoring in business analytics & information systems and accounting with a minor in history, spent his second summer interning with ALDI. After starting in 2024 as a Warehouse Operations Intern, Hunter returned this year as a District Manager Intern in the west Pittsburgh area.

In his first role, Badamo focused on supply chain and data analytics, developing an Excel application with a performance dashboard for ALDI’s truck loading operations. The tool, powered by VBA and linked to trucking databases, allowed department leaders to diagnose pain points and improve efficiency. The project was so impactful that he was offered a remote role to continue its development during the school year, and it was primed for a global launch.

This summer, Badamo gained front-line leadership experience by working alongside district managers to monitor store performance, scheduling, and staffing across six locations. He also supported the grand opening of a new ALDI store in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. "I’ve had exposure to both sides of ALDI’s business — warehouse and store operations — and it has been an adventure thus far, to say the least," Badamo said.

Passionate about data-driven problem solving, Badamo saw MIS as the perfect blend of technology and strategy. "In my internship, I’ve learned how data solutions can tackle real problems in corporations like ALDI," he said.

Controlling the Chaos

Managing Logistics and Operations at NFI Industries

Zach Whyte, a third-year double major in supply chain and information systems and accounting at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, spent his summer interning with NFI Industries as a Transportation and Logistics Management Intern. Working in the Transportation Management department, Whyte supported one of the company’s largest accounts and gained valuable exposure to real-world logistics operations.

His responsibilities included generating carrier reports, building analytics dashboards, contributing to process automation, and supporting daily operations. The experience taught him how to respond to challenges quickly while learning the importance of strong communication in supply chain management. "The most valuable lesson I learned is to over communicate when resolving issues and never assume anything," Whyte said.

Whyte strengthened his technical skills using Power BI, 3GTMS, Excel, Google Suite, and Slack, while also practicing professional communication and business etiquette in a corporate setting. "Coming into this opportunity, I thought logistics was just moving something from point A to point B, but it is really about controlling the chaos between point A and B," he said.

The internship not only helped Whyte connect classroom concepts to industry applications but also shaped his professional habits and career goals. He left the summer more confident, prepared, and eager to apply what he learned back at Penn State and in his future career.

Connecting the Supply Chain Dots

Enhancing Procurement at Collins Aerospace

Matthew Wegener, a rising fourth-year supply chain and information systems major with a minor in information systems management at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, spent his summer as a Procurement Intern with Collins Aerospace, an RTX company. He worked within the Mission Systems function, supporting military capabilities and handling purchase orders, requests for quotations, and supplier communication. His primary project involved developing innovative ways to report on open commitments and RFQs.

Wegener gained insight into the complexity of supply chains and the importance of supplier relationships. "It surprised me how often some professionals work with members outside of the company," he said. He relied heavily on SAP and Excel to complete tasks and used Tableau to analyze and visualize data.

Supported by a mentor and an encouraging team, Wegener learned to navigate projects while staying curious and proactive. "Everybody that works there is still always learning," he said. "Take diligent notes and ask questions about anything you need clarification on."

The internship gave Wegener practical experience connecting classroom concepts to real-world supply chain operations and reinforced the value of communication, problem solving, and curiosity in professional growth.

Supply Chain and Information Systems Career Fair

The Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) Career Fair is hosted each fall and spring semester, connecting employers with students from supply chain, business analytics & information systems, industrial engineering, and information systems and technology. Students participate to explore full-time positions, co-ops, and internships within the supply chain field.

Across fall 2024 and spring 2025, the SCIS Career Fair brought together 121 companies and 289 recruiters to engage with Smeal students. The fall fair, held over three days, welcomed more than 850 students, while the spring one-day fair connected an additional 236 students with employers, reflecting a 17% increase in student attendance compared to the previous academic year. To strengthen these interactions, CSCR staff provided space for on-site interviews, allowing companies to extend offers for internships, co-ops, and full-time roles directly during the event.

Beyond student-employer engagement, the fair also served as an introduction to the field for the next generation of supply chain professionals. Two dozen local high school students who were interested in supply chain and partnering with CSCR on research projects attended the event, meeting with corporate supporters and experiencing the career fair environment firsthand. This collaboration highlights the important role corporate partners play in inspiring future leaders in supply chain.

Note: The Fall 2024 fair spanned three days, while Spring 2025 fair was a one-day event.

Professional Development & Leadership

CSCR and the Smeal College of Business are committed to providing students with opportunities to grow as leaders, strengthen professional skills, and earn recognition on both national and international stages. Over the past year, Smeal students distinguished themselves through prestigious awards, competitive scholarships, and high-impact leadership experiences.

National Scholarships & Recognition

In 2025, Penn State Smeal students earned two of the most competitive supply chain scholarships in the nation.

• R. Gene Richter Scholarship: McKenna Schrenk, a third-year supply chain and information systems major, was named one of just six recipients nationwide of the R. Gene Richter Scholarship. Along with a $15,000 tuition award, she was recognized at ISM World 2025 in Orlando, FL.

• AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship: Ananya Kurup, a fourth-year supply chain and information systems major, was selected as one of 20 recipients of the 2025 AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship, which included a $5,000 award. Beyond financial support, Kurup gained access to the national AWESOME professional network and attended the 2025 AWESOME Symposium and CSCMP EDGE Conference.

Professional Conferences & Leadership Opportunities

In fall 2024, Smeal students joined CSCR leaders at the CSCMP EDGE Conference, one of the supply chain field’s premier learning and networking events. Students gained exposure to forward-looking strategies, innovative solutions, and access to global supply chain executives. At the same event, CSCR executive director Donna Palumbo was introduced as the CSCMP Board Chair for 2025, underscoring CSCR’s leadership presence in the global supply chain community.

Student Organizations

Looking ahead, Penn State students will benefit from a new student organization, Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence (WISE). Open to all students, WISE is already seeing strong engagement from Smeal students. With CSCR executive director Donna Palumbo serving as faculty advisor, WISE will center on four strategic initiatives: making connections, professional development, leadership skills, and industry knowledge. The organization will provide a platform to support students while advancing equity, leadership, and innovation in the supply chain profession.

WISE joins a vibrant ecosystem of supply chain–focused student organizations at Penn State, including:

• Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA)

• Management Information Systems Association (MISA)

• Sigma Chi Mu Tau (SCMT)

Together, these organizations enrich the student experience, offering leadership opportunities, industry engagement, and pathways to professional growth.

Faculty Awards and Engagement

Throughout the past year, distinguished faculty from the SCIS Department were honored for their exceptional contributions to supply chain and information systems and business analytics & information systems, representing a diverse range of expertise and leadership in the field. These recognitions include awards, invited talks, and other engagements at prestigious conferences and forums. Faculty listed below represent those who have made a significant impact this year, with some recognized multiple times.*

• Andy Lukoff**

• Brent Moritz**

• Christine Truong

• Donna Palumbo**

• Hui Zhao**

• Jennifer Nowicki

• Johanna Amaya**

• Keran Zhao**

• Kusumal Ruamsook

• Lina Wang**

• Lu Huang

• Mike Tyworth

• Qian Chen**

• Russell Barton**

• Saurabh Bansal**

• Sergey Naumov**

• Steve Tracey

• Wael Jabr**

* Engagements are self-reported to the SCIS Department and may not reflect all faculty achievements. ** Indicates multiple awards or engagements throughout the year.

Promotions

Art Jones — Promoted to teaching professor within SCIS at the Smeal College of Business. Known for courses such as MIS-250 and business systems analysis, Jones brings decades of teaching and applied research experience, enriching the learning experience for students.

Staff Awards

Autumn Knepp (Hanley) — Administrative support coordinator in SCIS, awarded the 2025 Leadership Staff Recognition Award from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business. Autumn is celebrated for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and positive impact on the college community.

Alumni Engagement

Alumni Spotlights: From Penn State to Professional Impact

The Penn State Smeal Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) program prepares students for success long after graduation. As part of National Career Development Month in Fall 2024, CSCR caught up with recent graduates to learn more about their career journeys. These alumni are making their mark across industries, applying the skills, adaptability, and leadership they developed at Penn State to solve real-world challenges. This section highlights four SCIS graduates who are advancing their careers, taking bold steps, and shaping the future of supply chain through innovation, resilience, and lifelong learning.

Ben Delaney

Merging Supply Chain and Technology at AXIA Consulting

One of his proudest accomplishments has been establishing a strong professional network and growing through new challenges. “Having great leadership and coworkers who take an interest in me and are committed to my learning makes me enjoy coming to work every day,” he said. His career path reflects bold moves, including a job and location change less than a year after graduation, a decision that ultimately shaped his growth.

Reflecting on his time at Penn State, Ben emphasized the importance of initiative: "The most important lesson I have taken away is seeking out new opportunities for growth and development." He continues to build on that foundation, pursuing professional certifications such as APICS CSCP and considering a master’s degree in supply chain management or an MBA. For Ben, career growth is about blending passion and exploration. "My dream job would be something similar to Anthony Bourdain’s role on Parts Unknown — traveling, meeting people, and exploring the world."

Sophia Piccirilli

Embracing Resilience and Growth at Procter & Gamble

One of Sophia’s proudest achievements came during her internship at the Bank of New York Mellon, where her team won first place in a global case competition focused on sustainability, a project recognized in the company’s sustainability report and acknowledged by the CEO. "It was incredibly fulfilling to see our efforts make a tangible impact," she said. Transitioning from college to a professional career, Sophia faced uncertainty and tough choices, including deciding between multiple offers. Choosing P&G led her to a role where she could grow both personally and professionally.

Sophia credited Penn State with fostering resilience and cultural awareness. "Penn State taught me how to work with and understand people from vastly different backgrounds... a skill that is critical in any professional setting." She also emphasized the importance of flexibility in her career. "Being adaptable has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the success of others while continuing to grow professionally."

Looking ahead, Sophia embraces continuous growth, whether through leadership development, technical skills, or community engagement. Her career vision goes beyond the role: "With no limitations, I would become a CEO.... or learn every language possible and talk to everyone in the world."

Ben Krantweiss

Driving Career Growth Through Adaptability at KPMG

Ben takes pride in taking charge of his own growth. “I’ve been able to move between different functions quickly and expand my supply chain knowledge through the various projects I’ve been fortunate to help with,” he said. That mindset of flexibility extended to a major career decision when his initial start date was postponed after graduation. He returned to Smeal to pursue a master's in business analytics, a choice he calls pivotal for his career growth.

Reflecting on his Penn State experience, Ben highlighted the value of adaptability and teamwork. "The experiences and teachings from my Smeal classes have prepared me quite well for my current role," he said. He stressed that adaptability remains key in today’s dynamic workplace. Looking ahead, Ben plans to expand his expertise in analytics and sustainable supply chains while exploring advanced certifications. His career vision blends professional growth with personal passion: "If I had no limitations, I would love to be an outdoor adventure guide somewhere with great hiking and camping."

Anastasia Sparages

Building Relationships and Growing Through Honeywell

Ana credits Honeywell’s supportive culture and focus on developing young talent as a key reason she returned full time, noting “Many of the leaders at Honeywell want to support young talent and take successful people alongside them as they themselves get pulled into higher roles.” She also leans on the foundation she built at Penn State, recalling the supplier negotiations, cost-benefit analyses, and professional development opportunities that prepared her for the corporate world.

Looking ahead, she plans to expand her technical expertise in ERP systems and continue strengthening her network. And while she dreams one day of running a food and travel blog, for now, she’s making her mark in global supply chain.