UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Brittany Banik, a Penn State graduate student, has been awarded the 2016 Graduate Student Service Award. Established in 1991, the Graduate Student Service Award recognizes a graduate student who has best combined high academic achievement with leadership in University or other public activities. The award is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities.
Banik, a doctoral student in bioengineering, has demonstrated her considerable leadership skills and passion for science and engineering through a variety of roles impacting educational outreach programs on campus, including a STEM career day for young women.
As the community service coordinator for the Engineering Graduate Student Council, Banik has helped to coordinate activities at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, including outdoor work days, the Maple Harvest Festival, and the Fall Harvest Festival.
Banik also volunteers at Centre County PAWS and serves as one of two student representatives on the Center for Performing Arts Community Advisory Council.
One nominator wrote, “Brittany has not only contributed to the success of these programs, but she has positioned herself as a leader for women in STEM. She takes the initiative and has promoted career opportunities to thousands of young future scientists and engineers. Of all the students we’ve interacted with in the last three years, Brittany has the highest level of impact I can measure.”
Banik was honored for her accomplishments during the inaugural Graduate Student Awards Luncheon held on April 27 at the Nittany Lion Inn.