Cohen-Hammel Fellows: Cohort 2023-2024
Daniel Abramov
Daniel Abramov grew up for some time in Israel, but was born in Brooklyn, New York. In New York City, he attended Stuyvesant High School where he participated in Red Cross, Jewish Student Union, and wrestling. While wrestling was important to becoming active in his high school community, his focus was on competing in judo for Team USA. Now at Penn State Berks, he is a double-major in biochemistry and molecular biology and psychology. As a person who speaks several languages, Abramov wants to explore the role of the brain-mind in acquiring language and uncovering people’s cognitive capabilities. By pursuing an MD-PhD, he will be able to integrate his curiosity with a desire to heal people with neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injuries. His current roles as a writing center tutor, a French TA, and the president of the Pre-Medical Society have given him the opportunity to explore his interests in leadership and teaching on campus. As a recipient of the Erickson Discovery Grant, Abramov has begun exploring his interest in research, and as a volunteer at the Reading Hospital he hopes to make an impact on his new community.
Lauren Conrad
Lauren Conrad is a biochemistry and molecular biology student at Penn State Berks. She graduated top of her class from Brandywine Heights High School in 2022. During her high school career, she volunteered at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, created a chemistry in education internship, and was part of a competitive, senior-only medical health program, which included taking courses at Penn State Berks. During Conrad’s first year at Berks, she served as a learning assistant for chemistry and calculus classes; became a Schreyer Honor Scholar; and conducted computational chemistry research on the amino acid serine, analyzing its role in the serine protease enzyme, trypsin. At the culmination of her research, she presented her work at the national American Chemical Society conference and at various local conferences.
As a second-year student, wanting to gain experience in a wet lab, Conrad began conducting metabolic research on fruit flies. In the lab, she analyzes the effects of mRNA splicing factors on regulating metabolism through performing various macromolecule assays. Outside of the classroom, she is a Lion Ambassador and the vice president of both the Berks Chemical Society and Christian Student Fellowship. Conrad is passionate about sharing her love of science with younger students and providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to reach their educational goals and scientific aspirations. Therefore, she plans to create a Cohen-Hammel service project that resonates with her desire to spark lifelong learning in students.
Quinn Dry
Quinn Dry grew up in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Exeter Township Senior High School in Reading, Pennsylvania. They transferred to Penn State Berks from Montgomery County Community College and are majoring in psychology. In their first year at Penn State Berks, they became a member of the Honors Club. They participate in multiple research projects on campus, such as their current participation in the Partner Abuse State of Knowledge (PASK) Project and a legislative project reviewing domestic violence laws.
Mark Longenberger
Mark Longenberger grew up in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Boyertown Area High School. He currently is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with minors in mathematics and business. In college, he is a member of the Schreyer’s Honors College, is a learning assistant for upper-level mathematics classes, officer of the Society of Automotive Engineers club, and serves as a peer tutor on campus. After college, he plans to work in the aerospace industry and return for his master’s degree in engineering. He is interested in using his degree to advance the field of engineering through his research and career.