State of State

10/30/2026

Our final Speaker Highlight is Adam Lieb!

Adam is a fourth-year student at Penn State studying Integrative Sciences. On campus, Adam is involved in numerous organizations and leadership roles, including Chair of the University Park Fee Board, Teaching Assistant for the Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship Program, Vice Captain of the Smeal Business Ethics Team, researcher in the Armache Lab, Lion Ambassador, and member of Alpha Kappa Psi.

Adam will be speaking about the importance of higher education and how we can continue to improve it while staying true to its original purpose. He will explore how universities can evolve to meet the changing needs of students and society while maintaining their broader mission of developing thoughtful, engaged citizens and advancing knowledge beyond career preparation.

10/30/2026

Our next Speaker Highlight is Hasan Demirgil!

Hasan is a third-year student at Penn State studying Industrial Engineering. On campus and beyond, Hasan is involved in independent research in Industrial Engineering and works in regional sales for a beverage company. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a career in commodities and eventually launch his own company focused on the energy and commodities industries.

Hasan will be speaking about his experience trying to build a company and the lessons he learned along the way. He will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges, experiences, and takeaways that come with turning a business idea into reality.

10/29/2026

For our next Speaker Highlight, we’re excited to introduce Reyna Gowie!

Reyna is a third-year student at Penn State studying Enterprise Technology Integration. On campus, she serves as President of Students Teaching Students, is a Millennium Scholar, and is a member of the Provost’s Student Advisory Committee on AI. She is also the creator and instructor of Guess Who? Identity, Recognition, and Representation (PHIL 197-002), a philosophy course she will teach in Spring 2027. Outside the classroom, Reyna works as an AI Engineer Co-op at IBM.

Originally from North Jersey, Reyna is Jamaican-American and writes a Substack blog called Work in Mind, where she explores ambition and how to build a life that leaves room for well-being. She’s a green tea person, and her best ideas tend to show up right when she should be going to sleep.

Reyna will be speaking about what a Penn State degree should actually prove in the age of AI. If AI can produce much of what we’ve traditionally used to measure learning, how should we rethink education? Reyna believes students should graduate with the ability to understand their work, exercise sound judgment, and build something of their own. She’ll explore how students can take ownership of their education through opportunities like teaching a course, participating in research, and launching initiatives on campus.

10/28/2026

For our next Speaker Highlight, we have David Andrew Washabaugh VI!

David is a senior at Penn State studying Community, Environment, and Development. He is highly involved on campus and holds several leadership positions across student government, academics, and student organizations. He serves as the College of Agricultural Sciences Representative and Chair of Campus Operations for the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA). He is also a representative on the College of Agricultural Sciences Student Council Executive Board, a College of Agricultural Sciences Student Faculty Senator on the University Faculty Senate, a member of The Coaly Society at Penn State, and Parliamentarian for Penn State College Republicans. Through these roles, David is committed to student involvement, campus improvement, and building a strong university community.

David will be speaking about how students can find and create communities on campus that help them feel at home at Penn State. He will discuss the importance of getting involved, building meaningful connections, and finding organizations and spaces where students feel welcomed and supported.

10/27/2026

Our first Speaker Highlight, we have Matthew Krokosz!
Matthew Krokosz is a junior at Penn State studying Enterprise Technology Integration. He is from the Jersey Shore, where one of his favorite hobbies to enjoy when he is back home is fishing. On campus, Matthew stays involved through his participation on THON’s Rules and Regulations Committee, as well as being a member of the Applied AI Club. Through these experiences, he has developed an interest in technology and its applications in everyday life.
Matthew will be speaking about how people use AI to its full potential rather than simply using it to answer questions. He will explore the different ways AI can be used as a tool to improve productivity, enhance problem-solving, and make everyday tasks more efficient.

10/26/2026

Make sure to mark your calendars for our fall 2026 conference: State of the Future! Wednesday, Nov. 4th from 6-8 PM in the HUB Flex Theatre. Speakers will be announced this week, don’t miss it!

09/25/2026

Today is the last day to nominate someone you know to be a speaker at our Fall 2026 Conference!! Don’t hesitate and nominate them today!! Form closes at 11:59 p.m.

07/22/2026

The interest forms for Director of Partnerships and for PR Marketing Director are now open!! More information about each of the positions can be found in the interest forms, link in bio 💙🤍

Applications close Sunday, August 9th at 11:59pm EST

03/31/2026

Apply to be the next Executive Director of State of State! The link is in our bio! Applications are due on April 14th at 11:59 PM

03/27/2026