Leaders on Campus Honors Community
When you join the Schreyer Honors College, you join a community of students who are committed to making the most of their undergraduate experiences. To support this commitment, we offer a range of opportunities for leadership and civic and social engagement — all in the service of developing an honors community that goes far beyond stellar academics.
Housing ResLife
A Place to Call Home Honors Housing
Schreyer Honors College housing is more than a residence hall. It's a community of Scholars who you will get to know in classes, study groups, and our many events and programs, which are held right in the halls. Our residence halls are a vibrant and fun place to live — part of the South Halls Residence Area and adjacent to the Pollock Halls Residence Area, the second largest first-year living environment.
Location & Dining
Atherton and Simmons are conveniently located on campus and near downtown State College. The residence halls are steps away from multiple on-campus and downtown dining options. They are also a short walk to fist-year classroom buildings, such as Thomas, Willard, and Sackett and close to campus amenities, such as the HUB-Robeson Center, the Penn State Libraries, and the White Building (Gym and Pool)
Community
Living in Atherton and Simmons means you are part of a lively community of Scholars and non-Scholars. Here are just a few things that make our community unique.
- Living with other Scholars makes meeting for homework or study groups convenient.
- Schreyer-sponsored events and Schreyer student organization events take place in the halls, so attending is easy.
- Because the halls are located close to classrooms, they never feel empty. You'll find students studying or socializing throughout the day in both buildings.
- In addition to having a Resident Assistant (RA), Scholars in Atherton and Simmons also have designated Scholar Assistants, who provide support, answer Schreyer-specific and general questions, host community-building events, and more.
Atherton Hall
Lively, welcoming, comfortable.
- 292 rooms
- 10 suites
- 9 Study Lounges
- Zombie Lounge (24-hour quiet study lounge)
- Event Space
- Renovated Community Space & Meeting Rooms
- Laundry
- Full Kitchen
- 2 Soundproof Music Practice Rooms & Piano
- Single User (Pod) Bathrooms
Simmons Hall
Relaxed, inviting, spacious.
- 416 rooms
- 36 GLOBE suites
- Multiple Study Lounges
- Collaboration Spaces
- Rec/Game Room
- 2 TV Lounges
- Laundry
- Full Kitchen
- Music Practice Room & Piano Lounge
- Break Access Housing
- Indoor Bike Storage
- Footwashing
Top Tips
You must select honors housing in your first year, and continue to select honors housing, in order to remain eligible to return.
About 85% of first-year Scholars live in Atherton or Simmons.
Scholars living in honors housing may choose to room with someone who is not a Scholar.
Many of the programs sponsored by the Honors College take place in Atherton or Simmons.
Community Builders Scholar Assistants
Scholar Assistants are upperclass Scholars living in the honors residence halls who are here to foster a sense of community among our students. They can help you identify academic advising resources, answer questions about your class schedule, and, most importantly, make you aware of a wide range of benefits afforded to Scholars. They also help to organize diverse out-of-classroom activities, fun and relaxing social programs, and interactive panel discussions with faculty and Scholar alumni.
Atherton Hall
Somdatta Basu Aerospace Engineering Pittsburgh, PA
Hi! My name is Somdatta Basu, and I am so excited to serve as a Scholar Assistant! I am a third year from Pittsburgh, PA majoring in Aerospace Engineering with minors in French Language and Culture and Engineering Leadership Development.
During my two years, I embraced being a part of Schreyer's leadership through my role as Dean Mather's Student Leadership Intern. During the school year (and in the summer), I am involved with the Engineering Ambassadors, serve on the Women in Engineering Program Leadership Team, and do research at the Applied Research Laboratory.
Fun fact: I spent two months on a study abroad in Lyon, France and travelling throughout Europe!
I love playing the piano, taking naps, taking workout classes at our Intramural gym building, enjoying the restaurants downtown, and studying with my friends!
I am committed to helping Schreyer to serve its students in the best ways possible. If you have any questions about academics, social events, study abroad, leadership, etc., or any concerns or suggestions, feel free to reach out at smb7678@psu.edu!
Let's have a great year and build a flourishing community together!
Ma'az Zaman Mechanical Engineering Phoenixville, PA
Hello Scholars! I'm really thrilled to meet each and every one of you in the coming year! My name is Ma'az Zaman, and I am a third-year student majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
In my two years here at Penn State, I aimed to involve myself with the religious groups on campus and to further my knowledge of engineering. I have been active in the Muslim Student Association where I tried to connect with the State College Muslim community. I also am currently conducting research into metal additive manufacturing to better understand the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts. In my free time, I love reading and playing basketball, so you might catch me playing ball at the IM or White Building courts.
As one of this year's Scholars Assistants, I want to be there for each of you to make the most out of your experience as a Scholar. If you have any questions about classes, clubs, or any of the Honors College's resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at mmz5404@psu.edu. I look forward to hearing from you all!
Simmons Hall
Paige Rishel Public Relations & History Philipsburg, PA
My name is Paige Rishel, and I can't wait to meet you all! I am a rising sophomore from nearby Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, double majoring in Public Relations and History, with minors in Digital Media Trends and Analytics and Deaf and Hearing Studies.
I am currently a Strategic Communications Intern with the Schreyer Honors College and a Marketing Intern with the Penn State School of Theatre. I recently completed a Media Relations internship with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In addition to my internships, I run my own photography business. I am also heavily involved in student organizations, serving as the PR and Professional Development Chair of Phi Sigma Pi Honors Fraternity, Schreyer for Women, Schreyer Student Council, and the Penn State United Nations Organization (UNA-USA). To relax, I often watch documentaries with friends, go to Zumba workout classes, attend theatre performances, and listen to Beyoncé.
As a second-year student, I have plenty of advice on how to tackle your first year. You will probably see me often, usually with a camera in hand! You can find me in the computer lab developing photos, studying in the zombie lounge, or the Simmons lounge. I look forward to meeting you all, and I encourage you to reach out via email at par5574@psu.edu.
Rositsa Tsarnakova Biochemistry and Molecular Biology State College, PA
Hello fellow Scholars! My name is Rositsa Tsarnakova and I am eager for the opportunity to get to know and help as many of you that I can. Currently, I am studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with the intention of going into medical school and conducting research as well. If I am not in class or at the library, my free time is spent in the lab conducting research on purine metabolism in the model organism C. elegans.
When I am not in class or at the lab, Science Lion Pride and Alpha Epsilon Delta (Penn State's chapter of this national pre-health honor society) usually take up most of my time through meetings or recruitment events. Outside of Penn State, I try to spend time as much time as I can with my family and friends, bake, read, and stay outdoors.
As a third-year Scholar, I really enjoyed the orientation and settling in experience, so I hope to provide you all with the same knowledge and insight that led me to be where I am! I look forward to making your time within Schreyer enjoyable and fulfilling! As always, feel free to reach if you have any questions at rft5251@psu.edu.
Sharing Their Experiences Scholar Ambassadors
A team of Scholars who serve as ambassadors for the Honors College, Scholar Ambassadors represent the College at special events for alumni and donors, provide tours of campus and honors housing, develop and lead philanthropic campaigns, meet with visiting families, and share their experiences as Schreyer Scholars.
View Scholar AmbassadorsExecutive Team
Michael Carroll Co-Executive Director Finance (BS) Accounting (BS) mmc6678@psu.edu
Hi! I’m a first-year scholar from Yardley, PA planning to major in Finance. I’m an analyst on The Lion 90.7 FM as a part of the Sports Blitz show. I’m also a participant in the Smeal Ethical Leadership Challenge and a member of the Schreyer Consulting Group. When I’m not busy with classes, I like to play drums, watch Phillies baseball, or enjoy a good Netflix show. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Katherine Marakovits Special Events Director Industrial Engr (BS) kmm7872@psu.edu
Hi everyone! I'm a third-year student majoring in Industrial Engineering, and I love Penn State and Schreyer! Along with my involvement as a Schreyer Scholar Ambassador, I am the Treasurer of Penn State No Refund Theatre (NRT), an Impact Scholar for the College of Engineering, and a member of Penn State Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). In my free time, I love reading, traveling, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and hanging out with friends! I have studied abroad in Switzerland and Italy through embedded courses and Maymester programs. I also have worked three internships in supply chain and consulting. I love meeting new people and sharing my Schreyer experience, so feel free to reach out and connect with any questions!
Ava Nociforo Engagement Director Comm Arts & Sciences (BA) Advt/Publ Relations (BA) agn5131@psu.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Ava Nociforo (Spring '26) and I am from Horsham, Pennsylvania. At Penn State, I serve as the Treasurer for my a cappella group Blue in the Face, serve as a Peer Leader on the logistics team of SHO Time, and serve as a captain for THON. In my free time, I love to watch Broadway musicals and sports, drink coffee, play videogames, watch documentaries, and hang out with my friends. I am so excited to meet you all!
Emily Sanchez Communications Director Biomedical Engneerng (BS) efs5549@psu.edu
Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a third-year from Bergen County, New Jersey, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am on the pre-medical track, but I am also interested in pharmaceutical manufacturing and will continue to explore this field through my Summer 2023 internship at Merck. Outside of being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in undergraduate research, the Biomedical Engineering Society, and I also serve as an undergraduate representative on the College of Engineering Academic Integrity Committee. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going to the gym, and traveling. Please feel free free to reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more about my Schreyer experience!
Kira Smith Co-Executive Director Psychology (BA) Criminology (BA) kxs5250@psu.edu
I am a third-year scholar majoring in Psychology and Criminology with a minor in German. I grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. Here on campus, I am involved with Penn State Mock Trial, German Club, and I am a research assistant in Dr. Newman's Depression and Anxiety Lab. In my free time, I enjoy painting and getting coffee with my friends. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! I would be delighted to share my experiences with you!
Ambassadors
Anjoreoluwa Adegboyo Biology (BS) aoa5927@psu.edu
Hello everyone! My name is Jore Adegboyo and I am a third-year student majoring in biology and minoring in neuroscience. I am also a Millennium Scholar, I am part of a research lab, and I have participated in a study abroad opportunity at Penn State. After graduation, I plan on pursuing an MD/PhD and would love to answer any questions you may have about a similar track (or about any experiences I have had)! I am involved in the Minority Association of Pre-health/medical Students, Global Medical Brigades, Alpha Epsilon Delta, American Medical Student Association, and gymnastics clubs here at Penn State, and during my free time, I love listening to music, hanging out with friends, and playing sports/working out! Please feel free to reach out to me for anything!
Gabrielle Cooper Telecommunications (BA) gxc5351@psu.edu
Hi my name is Gabby Cooper and I am junior from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Outside of ambassadors, I am involved in Women's Club Basketball, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and research to educate jury members about racial injustices. In my free time, I love to workout, watch T.V., and play the piano.
Morgan Dawkins Architectural Engr (BAE) mqd5980@psu.edu
I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina, with an expected graduation year of 2027. Beyond my role as an Ambassador, I'm deeply involved in various campus organizations, including living on the GLOBE floor in Simmons, Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP), Women in Engineering Program (WEP), the National Society of Black Engineers(NSBE), the Student Society of Architectural Engineers (SSAE), Student Society of the Partnership for Achieving Construction Excellence (S:PACE), and State of State. Excitingly, I'll be a design assistant for MEPO this summer and a First Year in Science and Engineering Program Assistant in the upcoming school year. When I'm not busy with academics and extracurriculars, you can find me indulging in my hobbies of sleeping and painting.
Oluwaseni Johnson Info Sciences & Tech (PMAJ) opj5058@psu.edu
Hello! I'm a first year from Staten Island, New York majoring in Human Centered Design and Development in the College of IST. Outside of being a scholar ambassador, I'm a research assistant in the Human Computer Interaction Lab at Penn State, the National Society of Black Engineers and Blueprint, a mentorship organization for POC first years and transfer students. In my free time I enjoy reading, exploring campus and downtown, and traveling. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
George Kadavil Psychology (BS) Biology (BS) gsk5152@psu.edu
Hey everyone, my name is George Kadavil and I’m a senior majoring in psychology and biology and I’m aiming to become a medical doctor. I’m super stoked to be representing Schreyer as a scholar ambassador! Other things I’m involved with around campus are theatre, research into mild traumatic brain injury in the Arnett lab, and volunteering as a firefighter with the local State College fire company: Alpha. In my free time, I love to skateboard, go to the gym, and hang out with my friends. Catch you guys on campus!
Rushil Kakkad Comp Sci - Univ Park (BS) rkk5541@psu.edu
Hi, I am Rushil Kakkad and I am a freshman majoring in Computer Science at the Schreyer Honors College. Outside of the Ambassador job, I am involved in Peer Educator, E-Bio-E Lab, Nittany AI, and The Nittany Lion Fund. Some things I like to do are go hiking and camping, cook food, and just hang out with friends. My anticipated graduation year is 2027 and in the future, I plan to go to grad school to get my masters in either computer science or an MBA. Career-wise, as of right now, I want to be a quantitative analyst or a software developer.
Dalima Lappia Comp Sci - Univ Park (BS) djl6365@psu.edu
Hi! My name is Dalima Lappia, and I am a first-year scholar from Bucks County, PA with a major in Computer Science. Outside of being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in undergraduate research at The Human in Computing and Cognition Lab. Some clubs I’m involved in include the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC), and Algo PSU. In my free time, I enjoy going on nature walks, reading, and movie nights with friends. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at djl6365@psu.edu!
Katherine Miller Statistics (BS) Data Sciences (BS) kmm8841@psu.edu
Hi! I am a first-year scholar from Pittsburgh, PA planning to major in Data Science and Statistics with a minor in Psychology. Outside of being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in Schreyer Student Council and Nittany Data Labs. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, and trying new foods. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Adedayo Olorunnisola Internationl Affairs (MIA) International Poltcs (BA) aeo5178@psu.edu
I am a third-year scholar from State College, Pennsylvania! Aside from being a Scholar Ambassador, I am a member of French club and a Resident Assistant in East Halls. I also enjoy reading, weightlifting, and creative writing.
Maya Pagano Science (PMAJ) mlp6012@psu.edu
Hello there! My name is Maya, and I am a first-year scholar from Hawley, PA, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Other than being a Scholar Ambassador, I participate in Schreyer Student Council, and I am also a Soprano II in University Choir. When I'm not busy studying, I enjoy reading, playing my guitar, or crocheting stuffed animals! Please never hesitate to reach out and connect with me-- I'd be delighted to share my experiences as a scholar!
George Papoutsis Economics (BA) English (BA) gjp5380@psu.edu
Hello! I am a second-year scholar from Mechanicsburg, PA double majoring in Economics and English. In addition to being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in Lion Ambassadors, Phi Beta Lambda professional business fraternity, THON Dancer Relations committee, the Hellenic Student Association, and I also work within the economics department as a grader. In my free time, I love playing and watching all sports and spending time with friends and family. Feel free to contact me with any questions!
Naeema Salau Engr Premajor (PMAJ) nzs5762@psu.edu
Hi everyone!! I'm Naeema, a second year from Allentown, Pennsylvania, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. At Penn State, I'm involved with the Nittany Lion Consulting Group, the National Society of Black Engineers, Phi Beta Lambda (a Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity), and several Schreyer organizations. In my free time, I love going to the gym, hanging out with friends, making TikToks, and taking much-needed naps. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions—I'd love to chat!
Cassandra Schmidt Political Science (BA) English (BA) cas7536@psu.edu
I am a Political Science and English double major from Allentown, PA looking to graduate in May 2025. I'm the Outreach Captain for the Student Red Cross Club, Secretary for Three Broomsticks Club, and involved in soccer through the IM program at Penn State. I also came from the Lehigh Valley commonwealth campus where I was involved with Lion Ambassadors and the women’s volleyball team. Outside of my studies and extracurriculars, I enjoy reading, writing, playing soccer and volleyball, watching television, singing, and spending time with my friends and family.
Madeline Shanafelt Liberal Arts (PMAJ) mms8193@psu.edu
I am a first-year scholar from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and hope to graduate in 2027. At Penn State, I am a member on the Executive Board for the College Democrats, work as a Peer Educator, am becoming a Group Fitness Instructor, and am part of the Political Science Horizons Program. Outside of my school commitments, I am really into running, hiking, and reading. I also love to travel when I get the chance!
Christopher Stauffer Political Science (BA) cjs7913@psu.edu
Hey everyone, my name is Chris Stauffer and I am a Economics and Politcal Science student who plans to graduate in 2027. Outside of my role as a Scholar Ambassador I am involved in Schreyer Student Council, Peer Educating, DASH (THON Org), and German club! I have strong interests in politics, law, and foreign culture.
Rayna Varma Data Sciences (BS) rmv5300@psu.edu
Hi! My name is Rayna, and I am a sophomore at Penn State planning to graduate May of 2026. I am originally from Horsham, PA. At Penn State, I am involved in numerous clubs and organizations. For example, I am in a co-ed business fraternity called Alpha Kappa Psi, I am in the Schreyer Consulting group, I am in the Association of Women in Computing, and I am in the Engineering Consulting Collaborative Club. Outside of school, I enjoy playing and watching tennis, baking, traveling, and hanging out with my friends.
Kahlie Wray English (BA) Journalism (BA) kaw6568@psu.edu
Hi, I'm a first-year scholar double majoring in Digital Print Journalism and English; I'm also pursuing a minor in Spanish. I'm from Montego Bay, Jamaica and spend the majority of my free time crocheting and writing. I'm a news reporter for The Daily Collegian as well as a member of the Caribbean Students Association and Schreyer’s SDA Mentoring Program. I'm always up for a chat, so please don't hesitate to reach out.
Carissa Yu Data Sciences (BS) cby5187@psu.edu
Hello! My name is Carissa and I am a third year Scholar majoring in Applied Data Sciences with minors in Economics and Statistics. In addition to being a Scholar Ambassador, I also currently serve as the Assistant Director for IST Diplomats. In my free time, I like to go on picnics, watch esports and kdramas, and try new recipes. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
