October 2025 SCIS & BAIS Student of the Month: Joshua Burkhart
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.
Joshua Burkhart is a fourth-year supply chain and information systems major from Pittsburgh, PA. Nominated by SCIS faculty member Serkan Yilmaz, Josh was chosen as the October SCIS & BAIS Student of the Month for his leadership skills and dedicated supply chain involvement in and outside of the classroom.What excites you about a career in supply chain and information systems?
A career in supply chain and information systems excites me because it is a crucial unit of any business. I enjoy taking large data sets and deriving insights, as well as challenging the status quo and continuously improving current processes.
What internship experience have you gained while at Penn State? What are your plans post-grad?
My previous internship experience was in Dallas, TX, as a Sourcing Intern for AT&T. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to expand not only my technical skills, but also my soft skills. My plan upon graduation is to enter the workforce in a supply chain role.
What is your favorite part about being an SCIS student at Smeal?
My favorite part about being a SCIS student at Smeal is the professors. I have had extremely knowledgeable professors who provide a classroom setting to learn and grow as a professional entering the workplace.
What organizations are you involved in within Smeal and at Penn State?
I am involved in Sigma Chi Mu Tau, where I was a project researcher and am currently a mentor. I was also the previous President of the Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship Society.
How has Smeal and the SCIS Department prepared you to make an impact outside the classroom?
Smeal and the SCIS Department have prepared me to make an impact outside of the classroom by providing a great balance of technical skills and soft skills. I appreciate the abundance of opportunities provided to grow not only as a professional but as a person.
What is your favorite Penn State memory?
My favorite Penn State memory was the first football game I attended. I was shocked by the amount of school spirit. It is a great representation of how strong the Penn State community is.
What is your favorite creamery ice cream flavor?
My favorite creamery ice cream flavor is the Peachy Paterno.
