November 2025 SCIS & BAIS Student of the Month: James Holot
The Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) is proud to highlight high-achieving students in Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) and Business Analytics and Information Systems (BAIS) who are making an impact in their programs with a SCIS & BAIS Student of the Month award. These students are nominated by faculty leaders and selected by a panel of SCIS and BAIS faculty representatives and the CSCR Executive Director.
James Holot is a second-year supply chain and information systems major from Flemington, New Jersey, with a minor in international business. Nominated by SCIS faculty member Susan Purdum, James was chosen as the November SCIS & BAIS Student of the Month for his active supply chain work outside of the classroom and passion for the field.What excites you about a career in supply chain and information systems?
A career in supply chain and information systems excites me through the opportunity to solve complex problems in a collaborative environment affecting all aspects of global business.
What internship experience have you gained while at Penn State? What are your plans post-grad?
Being a member of the Supply Chain Management Association has enabled me to travel to many facilities of companies such as REI, Walmart, and A. Duie Pyle as well as the CSCMP EDGE 2025 conference. In each of these experiences I gained more practical industry knowledge and witnessed in person how various parts of supply chains operate.
What is your favorite part about being an SCIS student at Smeal?
In addition to wonderful faculty and professors, the SCIS program provides many opportunities to engage in significant, real-world professional experiences.
What organizations are you involved in within Smeal and at Penn State?
I am involved in the SCMA as the Chairman of Networking & Recruiting and the Penn State Outing Club as an avid hiker.
How has Smeal and the SCIS Department prepared you to make an impact outside the classroom?
Smeal and the SCIS Department have prepared me with the academic and experiential background needed to make an impact outside the classroom through case studies, on-site exposure, and many other avenues of learning.
What is your favorite Penn State memory?
Walking around campus while the seasons changed during my freshman year is my favorite Penn State memory. State College is a beautiful place to live and explore no matter the time of year.
What is your favorite creamery ice cream flavor?
My favorite Berkey Creamery flavor is Grilled Stickies.
