Kayla is a second-year student pursuing a Biobehavioral Health degree with a minor in Kinesiology. Born and raised in State College, she hopes to extend her career across disciplines to engage and help diverse groups. As a dedicated BBH student, she focuses on understanding the intricate relationships between behavior, biology, and health. The complexities of this multidisciplinary field have given her a strong foundation in physical, mental, and public health, which she aims to use to improve lives through evidence-based practices.

Neha is a fourth-year Data Science major at Penn State, with a focus on Information and Cybersecurity Science. Her background in graphic and multimedia design adds a creative edge to her technical skillset. Neha thrives in innovative spaces and enjoys exploring new technologies and ideas. These experiences have shaped her approach to problem-solving and innovation, driving her to develop innovative solutions that not only address technical challenges but also create meaningful impact.

Sean, a born-and-raised Pittsburgh yinzer, is pursuing a Marketing degree with a minor in Management Information Systems at PSU. His passion for business and marketing sparked during his high school years as president of Future Business Leaders of America. A strong advocate for community service, Sean has actively contributed to initiatives like the Penn State Dance Marathon and local church projects such as Night to Shine - an unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs.

Suhitha Reddy is a BS/MD student in the Penn State Premedical-Medical program with an interest in entrepreneurship, startups, and healthcare innovation. She is set to attend Thomas Jefferson Medical School after graduation and is driven to develop solutions that improve healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. This summer, Suhitha gained hands-on experience in Tokyo, working with a health tech startup on a remote ophthalmic diagnosis device. Inspired by her global travels, she plans to live abroad and explore all seven continents before medical school. Her goal is to bridge the gap between medical expertise and technology, creating impactful and compassionate healthcare solutions.

Elijah Beard is an altruistic individual driven by the mission to improve the well-being of others. Elijah's experiences living overseas and his Catholic faith, motivate him to serve diverse and underserved communities. He is a fourth-year student at Penn State studying Health Policy Administration alongside a Smeal Certificate in Business, currently pursuing a career in Healthcare Administration. Elijah is an avid New Orleans Saints fan who enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and cooking.

Helena is a fourth-year student studying Economics with a minor in Spanish at Penn State University. While she enjoys the problem-solving and strategic thinking involved in economics, her true passion lies in connecting with people. Helena is dedicated to using her academic background to help others succeed in diverse environments. Her studies in Spanish have fostered an interest in different cultures and strengthened her desire to build meaningful connections and work with people from all backgrounds.

Kayla is a Biobehavioral Health major with a focus on data analytics, finance, and operational strategy to drive efficiency in healthcare. She leverages her experience to support impactful leadership initiatives at Penn State, aiming to bring lasting value to her work and the communities she serves.

Ava Matzinger is a fourth-year Health Policy and Administration student with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. At Penn State, she is a member of the HPA peer mentoring program and is involved with THON. She is passionate about healthcare and is committed to continuous learning and professional development. She strives to make a meaningful impact in the field while giving back to her community.

Adrianna is a fourth-year student pursuing a degree in Biobehavioral Health with minors in Psychology and Biology. She plans to attend physician assistant school after graduation, with an interest in psychiatry. She is passionate about meeting new people and enhancing connectedness among students. Her experience as a patient care technician has strengthened her passion for helping others, and she applies this knowledge to improving teaming and well-being strategies within the Impact Incubator.

Academic Director

Meg Small is the Director of Social Innovation at Penn State’s Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center and serves as the Director of the Impact Incubator, one of four cores in the Evidence to Impact Collaborative that seeks to accelerate research impact through cross-sector partnerships.

She regularly partners with industry and has served as a consultant to Build-A-Bear Workshop, the Kellogg Company, and Disney. She works with several start-up companies and is on the Entrepreneurship Faculty at Penn State. Dr. Small began her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prior to coming to Penn State, she served as a liaison to the World Health Organization in Geneva and as a member of the White House Council on Youth Violence. Dr. Small received her PhD in Community and Public Health from the University of Maryland.

Arts & Cultural Experiences

Sara Jackson is a graduate of Penn State University, where she earned a degree in Commercial Recreation with a minor in Art History. She went on to pursue a master’s in Art Business from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.

Following her Master’s, Sara gained valuable experience working in Philadelphia's Freeman's Auction House. After her time in the art world, Sara served as the Director of Student-Athlete Engagement for the Penn State NIL Collectives of Success with Honor and Happy Valley United, where she played a key role in supporting student-athletes through NIL opportunities and engagement initiatives. As a team member of the Incubator, Sara is now focused on creating innovative third space experiences, with a special emphasis on the arts.

Director of Operations

Kerry Small is dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and lifelong success. With a strong background in research application, creative problem-solving, and leadership in both business and education, Kerry has a proven track record of driving impactful change.

As the Director of the Prevention Research Center’s Impact Incubator, Kerry works closely with research assistants and professionals to address one of today’s most pressing challenges—combating disengagement and disconnection in society. By cultivating dynamic, inclusive learning environments, Kerry not only enhances students' educational experiences but also underscores the broader value of higher education.

Through innovative engagement methods and a strong emphasis on teamwork, Kerry empowers students to reach their full potential while developing and testing interventions that benefit both learners and their future employers. His commitment to experiential learning ensures that students graduate with the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Recreation & Cultural Experiences

Sydney is currently a 4th-year PhD candidate in the School of Hospitality Management, specializing in human resources and organizational behavior with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as well as effective training. Her research examines the impact of play-based training and learning in organizational and academic settings, with a strong emphasis on creating inclusive environments for marginalized identities. She has over half a decade of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, having previously served as a hotel general manager.

She is passionate about training and facilitation, particularly through LEGO-based learning methods. This professional background shapes her work with the Impact Incubator, where she strives to bring a unique perspective to learning, leadership development, and creating inclusive spaces where true group belonging can thrive. Committed to bridging practical industry experience with academic research, she is dedicated to driving positive impact through education, collaboration, and innovative approaches.