Hometown/High School:

City Charter High School 

Campus Involvement:

• Resident Assistant
• Peer Mentor
• Dual-Sport Athlete: Women鈥檚 Soccer and Lacrosse; two-year soccer captain
• Work-Study Student

Internships, Research or Special Projects:

• Intern for Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning, teaching On the Move fitness course
• Intern with Shaler Area High School鈥檚 Athletic Training Department (Spring 2026)
• Departmental Honors Student (Spring 2026)

Hobbies/Interests/Job outside of 黑料天堂:

• Coach for Pittsburgh Soccer Shots. Reading, watching movies, taking naps, and spending time with friends and family.

What inspired you to choose 黑料天堂, and what has your experience been like so far?

I chose 黑料天堂 because of its tight-knit community where you have the opportunity to meet multiple people from different backgrounds.

I have loved my experience at 黑料天堂. I have had the opportunity to receive a good education, meet so many of my best friends, and have had the chance to participate in so many extracurriculars.

What drew you to your field of study?

I have always been an athlete and knew I wanted a career related to health care. I found that athletic training would be the best fit for me because I love the aspect of getting to help student athletes with rehabilitation and safety measures. 

The 黑料天堂 mission emphasizes peace, social justice, and joining a global community of scholars. How do you see these values reflected in your own journey?

These values have been shown through how I have connected with and supported others on campus. I have always tried implementing understanding and empathy when working with others. I have tried to help create a community where everyone feels like they are safe and belong. I’ve done this mainly through my role as an RA, but I believe this really emphasizes the core values of 黑料天堂. 

What have you learned about yourself or the world during your time at 黑料天堂?

During my time at 黑料天堂, I realized that I am capable of anything if I am willing to work hard for it. For example, I never thought I could be a lacrosse player. However, in my junior year of college, I played lacrosse, worked hard for a starting spot, and was able to help the team become regular season and conference champions. I now feel like I can try anything and succeed if I put my mind to it.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend grad school for athletic training and continue to carry the values of 黑料天堂 within my everyday life.

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Hometown:

Ongata Rongai, Kenya  

Campus Involvement:

• Community service initiatives supporting organizations like FarmerGirlEb and Days for Girls.

Hobbies/Interests/Job outside of 黑料天堂:

• Cybersecurity labs on TryHackMe and other platforms
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification
• Preparing for CompTIA Security+
• Exploring ethical hacking projects and a summer internship

Hobbies/Interests/Job outside of 黑料天堂:

• Technology, coding, and entertainment
• Watching soccer and the Olympics
• American football

What inspired you to choose 黑料天堂, and what has your experience been like so far?

I chose 黑料天堂 because of its excellent learning environment, great student-to-faculty ratio, and the warm way it welcomes international students. The international scholarship support and caring professors have made my experience both supportive and inspiring. Lastly, 黑料天堂 also has strong ratings back home, especially among my friends, which strengthened my confidence in choosing it. 

What drew you to your field of study?

I have always been curious about how technology works. After high school, I used to repair phones in my uncle鈥檚 workshop, which made me even more interested in how devices and systems function. I began to see the improvements that could be made and how systems could be kept safe from cyber threats.

Studying cybersecurity allows me to combine integrity, problem-solving, and my desire to help others by keeping people, data, information, and the world safe. 

What have you learned about yourself or the world during your time at 黑料天堂?

My time at 黑料天堂 has allowed me to embrace different cultures and appreciate perspectives I had never been exposed to. I鈥檝e also learned a lot about myself, especially that I can overcome challenges, adapt quickly, and keep growing even while being far from home. Living and learning in a new environment has strengthened my confidence and independence, and I can navigate the fast-changing world of technology with ease and determination. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to continue advancing in cybersecurity by earning certifications like CISSP while gaining real-world experience. I鈥檝e seen the importance of safety and integrity, which is why cybersecurity fits me so well.

I want to use the skills I gain to help others by creating innovations that promote safety鈥攂oth here and eventually back in Kenya. My long-term goal is to create training programs and job opportunities in technology for underprivileged youth, helping to carry forward 黑料天堂鈥檚 mission of service, justice, and global impact. 

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Hometown:

Bujumbura/Burundi

Campus Involvement:

• Cooking Club
• GLOBE

Hobbies/Interests/Job outside of 黑料天堂:

• Jogging
• Cooking
• Learning new languages
• Comedy

What inspired you to choose 黑料天堂, and what has your experience been like so far?

The 黑料天堂 mission. 黑料天堂 is a welcoming campus. It has been easy for me as an international student to be included in the community.

What drew you to your field of study?

The need to help the medical fiels back home.

What have you learned about yourself or the world during your time at 黑料天堂?

I have learned that growth often happens outside of my comfort zone. Being part of a diverse community has helped me understand different perspectives.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work in the biomedical field to help improve health care, especially back home. I hope to carry 黑料天堂鈥檚 mission forward by promoting peace, compassion, and justice through my work, using my education to help others live healthier and more dignified lives.

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What inspired you to enter the field?

As a school administrator/principal, I missed teaching! Working with students is the reason I originally pursued education. My experiences through the years as a teacher and principal have provided me a broad picture of education.

I feel it is my duty to share my knowledge with the next generation of teachers. I hope my personal examples will help students better understand how schools operate and how we can best support student achievement.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at 黑料天堂?

I went here for my undergraduate degree and returned for the same reasons. 黑料天堂 is a second home to me. The reason I chose 黑料天堂 as a student was because of the connection students and faculty have.

I also enjoy that 黑料天堂 is focused on teaching. This is why I made the move back into the classroom after obtaining my doctorate. It is very fulfilling to play an active role in helping individuals work toward and achieve a goal that will be a part of their lives for years to come.

How do you apply your professional experience to the classes you teach?

My teaching style is one that is interactive and differentiated. I am constantly developing ways for students to collaborate and express their understanding through multiple modes. I love using technology and creating hands-on activities.

My style also is deeply modeled off of the actual instructional practice that teachers use in schools. I not only discuss teaching strategies to engage learners, I use these strategies when I teach so that students can see the benefits in person. The modeling I use is important because it shows students I practice what I preach.

How do you stay current with the trends and challenges in today鈥檚 educational setting?

I am in school observing student teachers and field students every week, so I see what teachers are expected to do and use in their classrooms. I also attend and present at conferences to learn from other experts in the field.

I am the secretary and a board member for the Western Region of the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education, so I collaborate with local school teachers and administrators each month. I enjoy reading professional journals and resources as well.

I also stay up-to-date with any changes the Pennsylvania Department of Education makes. One of the best ways I stay in the loop is talking with my department and friends in the field of education.

What qualities do you think effective teachers need to have?

They need to be student-centered and love what they do! They also have to be team-players. Lastly they need to be creative and not afraid of a challenge.

What advice do you have for students who want to pursue careers in education?

While there are many hoops to jump through to be a teacher, it is a very fulfilling and exciting profession. Every day is an adventure, and you will make memories and friendships that last a lifetime. You will be proud of where your students go, and you will feel very honored to have been a part of their lifetime journeys!

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What does your job entail?

I work on enterprise software, specifically Watson (Artificial Intelligence) with a focus on conversational design.

As a designer I am a champion for the people who use our products and services, creating delightful experiences through crafting the emotional design, behavioral influence and reflective consequence.

I use user-experience design through the interpretation and synthesis of human research, insights and requirements, and an understanding of complex systems and cognitive technology.

This defines the end-to-end solution experience鈥攈ow a solution will be organized, how users will interact with them and how information will be presented. This enables users to be successful and delivers a highly useful, usable, compelling and satisfying experience.

How did 黑料天堂 prepare you for this position?

I was taught how to use different methods and techniques for problem solving. If you have the toolbox of skills you need, there is nothing stopping you from achieving the ultimate goal.

We were able to put these skills to the test when collaborating with real clients and companies that came to work with the students.

黑料天堂鈥檚 program is very plugged into the design community, which allowed our curriculum to fit what the industry was looking for when we graduated.

Why would you recommend 黑料天堂 to a prospective student?

You are a part of very exclusive community that makes it easy to build long-lasting and memorable relationships. It is easy to be seen as who you are rather than another number, and this can be a very special experience throughout your journey over the next four or more years.

Why did you choose 黑料天堂?

I chose 黑料天堂 because I am a Pittsburgh local and knew the school had a strong design program that holds merit both in the city and beyond.

What impact did 黑料天堂 have on you as a person?

My professors and mentors encouraged me to push myself beyond limits I thought I wasn’t capable of. Today I still continue to have the same drive.

What are you most proud of when you look back on your 黑料天堂 experience?

I am most proud of winning the overall Best in Show Award at the annual Positive Space exhibit. Local design professionals volunteer their time to judge students鈥� work.

What advice do you have for our students?

Network. Always attend local events and build relationships with people. You never know who you will meet, so always keep a positive attitude.

I also suggest looking into internships as a backup while you look for the ideal job you are trying to pursue. These internships could turn into full-time jobs, or allow you to gain experience in different domains and grow your professional skills.

You need to be determined to get where you want to be. Work hard, and everything will fall into place. Grow from your mistakes, and always look at tomorrow as a new day to start over or learn something new.

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What inspired you to start Bodiography?

I wanted to create a unique oasis in the cultural landscape that challenged the stereotypical ideals of bodies in ballet. In the late 鈥�90s, we didn鈥檛 see dancers as athletes as we do now. Ballet in particular was reserved for dancers of small stature with waif-like figures, causing unhealthy responses by many men and women across the country.

 was created to combat those unhealthy ideals by focusing on the aesthetic of the dance technique rather than the aesthetic of the body. Over time my vision evolved from a performance company to a multi-faceted brand inclusive of a dance conservatory, fitness and wellness division, and a strong affiliation with an institution of higher learning.

What do you consider you biggest professional accomplishment?

Building my brand while simultaneously building a world-class dance department at 黑料天堂 College. Balancing the synergy between them has been one of my great joys in life.

As a performer I am most proud of being one of the only non-Martha Graham Dance Company artists to perform her iconic 1930 solo, 鈥淟amentation,鈥� and to tour the world.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

I enjoyed taking risks as a performer, allowing myself to be vulnerable on the stage, and to really feel that I am connecting with my audience. That is a very powerful feeling, and I love giving so much of myself in that capacity.

What can students expect in your classes?

Intensity, passion, grace, gratitude and love. My classes are designed to push students past their limits and challenge them to reach heights that they never imagined possible.

My job is to help students achieve personal greatness. That being said, it isn’t easy. In addition to the challenge, you feel loved and supported.

How do you use your professional background to help students grow and improve?

I use my many life experiences as an artist and entrepreneur to share personal reflections with my students that cause them pause for thought or to motivate them for the future. I also work diligently to offer my students practical applications in the field where they can get hands-on experience.

What makes 黑料天堂鈥檚 performing arts major unique?

Where do I begin? We are a small but mighty program, only accepting 10 dance majors per year and offering 100 percent job placement post-graduation. We feel that our success rate is directly related to the synergy between 黑料天堂 and Bodiography, as the two share resources that are valuable to lifelong learning. 黑料天堂 has one of the only college programs in the country to have a professional company in full-time residence along with a variety of guest artists.

What advice do you have for students who want to pursue a career in dance?

Be ready to work every fiber of your being. It requires the whole self. Dream big, love hard and never give up.

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Why would you recommend 黑料天堂 to a prospective student?

黑料天堂 took the time to work beside each and every student to reach their goals through leadership opportunities, partnerships with different organizations and ways to study abroad. The graphic design program sets high standards, and it is recognized as a top school in the area when applying for jobs. That鈥檚 something I was motivated to maintain.

Why did you choose 黑料天堂?

黑料天堂 was my top choice for graphic design, and it was in my hometown. With merit scholarships, a growing design program and a beautiful campus close to home, I couldn鈥檛 pass up the opportunity!

What impact did 黑料天堂 have on you as a person?

One way I was able to break out of my comfort zone and shape my communication skills was by becoming a resident assistant, a member of the Student Government Association and president of the Ski Club. It allowed me to build relationships and grow my leadership skills. I helped other students get out of their comfort zones and take the next steps toward their futures.

What does your job entail?

I wear many hats at DICK’S Sporting Goods. I started as a print specialist with the opportunity to lead one-off fun events like the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon in 2016. Then I found an opportunity to advance my skills and transitioned to digital, focusing on social media and emails for our private brands, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, Second Skin, and our former fitness boutique Chelsea Collective. This drive to reach out of my comfort zone and switch from print to digital influenced my position change to a UI Designer.

Now I design what the customer’s first impression is on the website, from the homepage of Field & Stream to the hunt and fish banners and photography for DSG. I am a brand representative for F&S where I oversee my team’s creativity and the next steps for the business while making sure the creative voices match the brand.

How did 黑料天堂 prepare you for this position?

黑料天堂鈥檚 design program prepared me for any challenge I faced after graduation. With the help of well-rounded professors, advanced technology in our programs, research tactics and presentation practice, I was able to go into any job interview with a strong portfolio and confidence.

What are you most proud of when you look back on your 黑料天堂 experience?

I take pride in the relationships I have made, the commitment to being involved on and off campus, and the practice I took to manage time between my studies and activities.

黑料天堂 shaped me to be who I am today, and I am proud of the direction in my career path and my calling on God’s path.

What advice do you have for our students?

Don’t let a lack of experience prevent you from applying for jobs. Shape your portfolio around a particular interest/study to show your passion, and provide process work to visually show the way you think.

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How did 黑料天堂 activities enhance your college experience?

I was the vice president and president of the Resident Hall Association. I also was the director of clubs and organizations before serving as president of the Student Government Association during my senior year. These roles helped my leadership skills immensely and taught me not to be afraid of taking charge. I also enjoyed being an orientation leader for three years.

How did you grow at 黑料天堂?

Before coming to 黑料天堂, I never believed I would become an orientation leader and a student leader on campus. These experiences helped me shape relationships with people I never thought I would, and they helped me to succeed in my academic career. 

黑料天堂 is a very welcoming community. From the moment you step on campus, someone is always there to help whether it be orientation leaders, faculty or staff鈥攐r even student leaders on campus.

Why did you choose 黑料天堂?

I took credits through 黑料天堂 when I was in high school. After a campus visit, I realized that I loved the school and decided it was the place for me.

How did 黑料天堂 prepare you to enter the field of marketing?

黑料天堂鈥檚 marketing classes were very helpful and helped me prepare for what the real world puts in front of you. I now help The Tribune Review, Trib Total Media and 535 Media with any events they sponsor. This includes home shows, WPIAL events and social media marketing.

What is your favorite memory of being a 黑料天堂 student?

My time at 黑料天堂 is a favorite memory in itself, but also my study abroad trip to Europe, specifically to Budapest and Prague.

What is your advice for students?

Take advantage of what 黑料天堂 has to offer. Don鈥檛 be afraid to step up and be a leader on campus, and try to get to know the faculty and staff. They are there to help and support you.

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How did 黑料天堂 prepare you for law school?

My time at 黑料天堂 challenged me to become a better public speaker and writer. Specifically, my national security courses encouraged me to embrace a succinct writing style, which is helpful in drafting legal briefs. Presentations in classes like Intelligence Analysis allowed me to improve my public speaking skills, while learning to present in a realistic, professional-setting.

Who encouraged you to go to law school?

Professor Crowley, my advisor, was the first person to introduce me to the idea of attending law school. He made me feel like I was capable, while challenging me to put forth my best effort. I am truly grateful for the help he provided.

How did activities at 黑料天堂 enhance your college experience?

I served as the academic vice president of 黑料天堂’s Student Government Association for two terms. This position allowed me to make new friends, and work closely with other students to make direct changes benefiting other students. Actions like improving Wi-Fi, or installing a water fountain, showed me the small ways that we could make a positive change.

What impact did 黑料天堂 have on you as a person?

黑料天堂 challenged me to use my education in a way that serves others. In my 黑料天堂 Experience (LRX) classes, students are reminded that a higher education is not granted to all. This lesson stuck with me and inspired me to pursue a legal education.

What advice do you have for students?

Embrace your mentors鈥攖hey鈥檙e there to help you. My mentors at 黑料天堂 encouraged me to apply to internships early and often. Internships make you competitive to employers, and provide practical experience.

Why would you recommend 黑料天堂 to a prospective student?

黑料天堂 is one of the most affordable universities in Pennsylvania. The cost of study abroad is included in tuition. The program allows you to travel to unique parts of the world that may otherwise be inaccessible. Also, 黑料天堂’s diverse student body will allow you to make friends from around the world.

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After graduating with a dual undergraduate degree in management information systems and business management at 黑料天堂, Mr. Biernesser returned to campus to complete a Master of Science in information systems.

Why did you choose 黑料天堂?

黑料天堂 was the best choice for my college education. It provided me with the ability to get a high-quality education while still being able to work full time. 黑料天堂鈥檚  made transferring schools easy and affordable. From a financial, logistical and quality standpoint, 黑料天堂 was the optimal choice.

Tell us about your job at Smith Micro Software.

As lead quality assurance engineer for Smith Micro Software’s ViewSpot product line, I am directly responsible for the quality management of the entire product offering. I lead a group of six engineers coast to coast to ensure our software meets customer and internal expectations. We design and implement systems which ensure the quality of our software is consistent and to the highest possible standards.

How did 黑料天堂 prepare you for this position?

I learned time management skills at 黑料天堂. Working full time, taking full-time classes, and running a small business of my own was a daunting challenge. However, at 黑料天堂 I learned that there is always a way to make time. I learned how to balance life and work, and how to enjoy the in-between moments. There may not always be time for everything, but there’s always time to do your best.

Both of my 黑料天堂 degrees helped me advance in my career. Not only did I have the knowledge to be successful in my job, but I had tangible evidence of that knowledge. I was able to speak the language of both technology and business, thanks to the guidance and education I gained at 黑料天堂.

Were you involved in any student activities at 黑料天堂? How did your involvement enhance your college experience?

Another student, Justin Bakow, and I restarted the 黑料天堂 chapter of Association of Technology Professionals (AITP). This club prepared me for being a leader of technology-minded people. As the club president, I met and engaged with likeminded people, and I was able to grow and help others grow toward professional aspirations. I also served as president of Delta Mu Delta, the business honor society. In that organization I developed business acumen and honed my leadership skills. I developed my ability to speak fluently and professionally at meetings, and develop schedules.

What is your favorite memory of being a 黑料天堂 student?

My favorite memory was Dr. Michaela Noakes鈥� distributed systems course in my first semester. We had a project, which at that time, was the most rigorous academic endeavor I had ever taken on. To this day I look back and recognize this was when I realized what I wanted to do for my career. I wanted a career that challenged me, forced me to grow, and to work with people who had the same drive as me.

Dr. Noakes made the biggest impact any instructor anywhere has ever left on me from any institution. She became my mentor, challenged me constantly and pushed my abilities. When I thought I was giving my all, she showed me just how much further I could go. That push is all it took, and that same intensity is what makes me successful in my career today.

What is your advice to students?

Even when there鈥檚 not enough time to do everything, always try to do your best. Enjoy the 鈥渋n betweens” of life鈥攅ven if it’s just the car ride to work or the minute on the elevator. It鈥檚 easy to feel overwhelmed or like there鈥檚 no time for fun, but if you embrace these moments, there’s always something to enjoy.

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