17c��ݺ��

Building a Future in Research, One Brick at a Time

sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:56:27 +0000

Building a Future in Research, One Brick at a Time

Name

Alyssa Grim '28

sarah.matarell… Mon, 08/17/2026 - 16:56

College

College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise

Department

Chemistry

Persona

Undergraduate student

Intro Content

Junior Alyssa Grim and Professor Brad Bauer, Ph.D. take a colorful approach to scientific research

By Sarah Matarella

For most people, a pile of LEGO bricks might inspire a leisurely afternoon of building. For junior chemistry major Alyssa Grim '28, they became the starting point for something much bigger: her first experience as a scientific researcher and a glimpse into her future.

Over 10 weeks this summer, Grim traded staying home for the summer for devoting time on campus to explore an open-ended research question. She worked alongside Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Brad Bauer in the lab through 17c��ݺ��’s Student Undergraduate Research Fellows (S.U.R.F.) Program.

The S.U.R.F. program promotes and rewards undergraduate Student Fellow and Faculty Scholar research or creative projects that yield publication and presentations. It includes a rigorous process of professional development modeled by faculty, career development opportunities, workshops, and experiential learning.

Their subject? The small, colorful, plastic bricks.

Alyssa Grim '28

This was my first steppingstone into research and seeing research as a potential future for me.

The project FUN-damentals

Grim and Bauer’s project, Distinguishing Plastic Building Block Brands Using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, examined LEGO bricks and compatible off-brand building blocks to determine whether they could distinguish between seemingly similar plastic products based on their chemical composition.

Using 17c��ݺ��’s chemistry lab equipment to perform attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, Grim and Bauer analyzed blocks based on manufacturers, colors and piece types.

"Gaining that experience with the IR spectrometer was really cool because I got to actually see the workarounds. This was my first steppingstone into research and seeing research as a potential future for me," said Grim. “Coming up with a method collaboratively, having the trial-and-error process, that's something new that I wasn't used to. This has sparked my interest to pursue research as a career.”

All of the building blocks they examined were made primarily from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, commonly known as ABS plastic, but the analysis revealed subtle differences between manufacturers and even among some products from the same manufacturer.

Those differences could have implications extending far beyond the toy aisle.

“Plastics are an ongoing concern in society. Understanding the materials we work with could inform better consumer habits. Even just knowing what’s in those materials and what differentiates one versus the other is an important consideration for applications like recycling,” said Bauer. “We wanted to put a lens on plastics, but in a fun way. I think LEGO bricks are a good way to do that. Everyone recognizes them.”

The toy building blocks offered Grim and Bauer a familiar and accessible way to investigate those larger questions. Their availability and variety allowed the pair to control variables while exploring how the chemical makeup of plastic can differ from one product to another.

In addition to recycling practices, the project could ultimately have applications in areas including waste sorting, quality assurance, product authentication, and consumer safety.

Finding confidence and community

For Grim, however, some of the most meaningful results of the summer cannot be found on a graph.

When Bauer first approached her about conducting this research, she wasn't immediately convinced. She was a sophomore at the time and had never conducted scientific research before.

The experience quickly pushed her beyond what she had encountered in her chemistry courses. Rather than following a predetermined laboratory procedure designed to produce an expected result, Grim had to help develop a method, test it, encounter error, and decide what to do next.

There were moments when she questioned whether she had enough knowledge or experience to succeed.

“Working with Dr. Bauer has been very rewarding. He guided me through the whole process and broke down hard concepts with me so that I could understand it better,” said Grim. "He’s been a big help in pushing me forward because there were times that I thought, ‘I don’t think I’m good enough to do this.’ But he helped me overcome those moments, recenter myself, and re-approach what I was working on.”

Bauer had already seen Grim’s potential in the classroom. The summer gave him an opportunity to watch her apply it in a new environment. Research also required Grim to develop skills that are difficult to replicate through coursework alone.

"This gave me an opportunity to work with an excellent student outside of the regular classroom setting. In addition to just doing the research, which was pretty intense and involved a lot of work, we got to work on some of those skills that you don't necessarily teach in the classroom," said Associate Professor of Chemistry, Brad Bauer, Ph.D. "Those skills include getting to think like a scientist, being able to tackle problems, and reason your way through 'should I do this or that?' Those kinds of little decisions pop up all the time in research, and until you actually do it, you don't get a full appreciation for what it involves."

In addition to Dr. Bauer’s mentorship, Grim spent the summer alongside eight other students conducting research across a variety of disciplines. That interdisciplinary community also helped Grim become more comfortable communicating science to audiences outside her field.

“I think the biggest thing I got from it was gaining new friendships and bonds, especially with the SURF students,” Grim said. “I love being able to hear about their projects and their interests and also have them hear about what I was doing and receive feedback. I was able to learn a lot about myself as a researcher and gain new skills in the laboratory and analytically that I’ll use in the future.”

She also strengthened her critical-thinking and problem-solving skills — particularly when experiments didn't work as expected. Exploring ways to overcome setbacks and learning to speak scientifically while communicating complex concepts to a broader audience was also a meaningful lesson, according to Grim.

That process of exploration and building relationships among the cohort and faculty mentors is at the heart of the S.U.R.F. experience, according to Associate Professor of Psychology & Counseling Erin Way, Ph.D. who leads the S.U.R.F. program.

“I think Dr. Bauer and Alyssa work very well together and really complement one another,” said Way. “And she really took a lot of different variables and kind of distilled it down into a project that I think is going to be meaningful. She’s got a lot of potential avenues for this project to continue.”

Grim and Bauer plan to continue building upon their findings in future semesters and will share their research at upcoming conferences.

For Grim, it’s another opportunity to put learning into practice and an example of how experiential learning at 17c��ݺ�� extends beyond the classroom, giving students the skills, confidence and experience to explore where their education can take them.

Alyssa Grim '28

I think the biggest thing I got from it was gaining new friendships and bonds, especially with the SURF students.

17c��ݺ�� to renovate its newly secured Allentown location

sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:29:47 +0000

17c��ݺ�� to renovate its newly secured Allentown location sarah.matarell… Fri, 08/14/2026 - 13:29

17c��ݺ�� to renovate its newly secured Allentown location

In-person MBA classes to be offered in Lehigh Valley as a part of a new, hybrid format

17c��ݺ�� University has expanded into the Lehigh Valley this summer.

The university purchased the 3,300-square-foot building located at 520 Hamilton St. in the City of Allentown. The latest addition to the 17c��ݺ�� footprint will undergo renovations prior to opening to students later this year.

“17c��ݺ�� has a long tradition of bringing our model of higher education directly where our students live and work. Thanks to the vision, collaboration and shared commitment of the Lehigh Valley’s community leaders, public officials and industry partners,” said 17c��ݺ�� President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “This milestone reflects our commitment to the region and advances our mission to provide transformative, real-world learning experiences while serving as a catalyst for workforce development, innovation and economic vitality. For our MBA students, this new location creates meaningful opportunities to engage with regional employers, collaborate on real business challenges and develop the leadership skills needed to help shape the Lehigh Valley’s future.”

The 520 Hamilton St. location will be the home of expanded academic programming, including a $10,000 hybrid Master of Business Administration (MBA). Students will be able to meet for an hour and a half per week for each session, with the rest of the courses offered online.

“Our goal is to meet the needs of the communities that we serve and, in this case, we are committed to delivering the flexibility and affordability of quality, online programs with the in-person element that people are craving in higher education in a post-covid market,” said 17c��ݺ�� Chief Enrollment and Strategic Communications Officer, Gaetan T. Giannini, Ed.D. “This is what allows 17c��ݺ��’s culture of care and real-world learning to be sustained beyond traditional undergraduate student populations that live on campus for four years. Hybrid and affordable, does not have to mean less value to graduate and adult students.”

Noncredit seminars and other community-based programming will be offered at the location in the future. Stay tuned for additional updates on the Allentown location by following 17c��ݺ�� on social media:

LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube: 17c��ݺ��

Instagram, X, TikTok: @alverniau

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Virtual Information Session

jonfassnacht — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:08:36 +0000

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Virtual Information Session jonfassnacht Thu, 08/13/2026 - 14:08

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Virtual Information Session

jonfassnacht — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:05:22 +0000

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Virtual Information Session jonfassnacht Thu, 08/13/2026 - 14:05

17c��ݺ��'s foundation helps veteran transfer student find success

jonfassnacht — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:43:41 +0000

17c��ݺ��'s foundation helps veteran transfer student find success

Name

Corey McNear '11

jonfassnacht Wed, 08/12/2026 - 13:43

College

College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise

Persona

Alumni

Intro Content

Ask 17c��ݺ�� alum Corey McNear, DMD about his college experience and he’ll likely tell you it was anything but traditional.

School, admittedly, wasn’t a top priority for McNear in high school. Post-graduation, he joined the Marine Corps, serving from 2002 to 2006 and stationed at MCAS New River in Jacksonville, N.C., as a Task Force Planner for MAG-29 HQ. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq in 2003.

Following an honorable discharge, McNear’s focus turned to higher education and earning a degree, which he shares was made possible because a GI Bill paid for a significant portion of his undergraduate education.

A Wyomissing High School graduate and self-professed “computer nerd,” he first enrolled in an Information Technology (IT) program at Berks Technical Institute (BTI). Halfway through the program, McNear changed course.

A mutual friend introduced him to his soon-to-be wife, Theresa. Her father and brother, who owned a dental practice, recruited McNear to help with some computer work.

That’s when the wheels started turning in his head.

“I liked what they did,” McNear remembered.

So much so, he committed to changing career paths and started the transfer process from BTI to 17c��ݺ��. While many dread the transfer process, McNear says 17c��ݺ�� made it easy.

“It was pretty straightforward,” he recalled. “The paperwork was easy to fill out. They made it clear which credits would transfer. They actually took some military credits, too.”

"17c��ݺ�� has certainly demonstrated that they care about providing a good education. They’re constantly investing in the school and they’ve come a long way even since I’ve graduated.”

Aside from the ease of the transfer process itself, the commuter student was attracted to 17c��ݺ�� for its smaller class and campus size and the potential to get help with his studies.

“I was already kind of assuming that I would need some extra help to catch up on things that I kind of didn’t work on when I was in high school,” he admitted. “There was a strong tutoring system and the teachers were really helpful.”

Upon graduating from 17c��ݺ��, McNear went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University College of Medicine in Downers Grove, Ill.

He recalls feeling confident when doing so because of the foundation 17c��ݺ�� laid within his studies.

“I look back on some of my classes, like pharmacology, anatomy and cell biology, and remember thinking it was pretty much the same as what I’d learned at 17c��ݺ��,” McNear says. “It was a bit more in depth, but what 17c��ݺ�� taught me already made it easy.”

Today, McNear is in his 10th year practicing dentistry at Nolt Dental in Ephrata, Lancaster County, the practice for which he provided computer assistance for his father-in-law, who is retired, and alongside his brother-in-law.

Corey and Madison McNear in the 17c��ݺ�� classroom where Corey took a final exam a day after Madison was born in 2011.

He’s a father to Carter, a seventh-grader at La Salle Academy, and Madison, a freshman at Berks Catholic, who has shown interest in a possible future academic career at 17c��ݺ��. After all, she already has ties to her father’s alma mater.

“She was born on May 10 during my final exam week,” McNear recalled. “We were in the hospital and she was born one day and then the next day I had to go in and take a final.”

How would he feel about her attending 17c��ݺ��?

“It’d be nice to have her around,” he admitted. “And 17c��ݺ�� has certainly demonstrated that they care about providing a good education. They’re constantly investing in the school and they’ve come a long way even since I’ve graduated.”

Sounds like dad’s okay with the idea.

O'Pake Fellow set up for professional success after logging 500 consulting hours

jonfassnacht — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:56:35 +0000

O'Pake Fellow set up for professional success after logging 500 consulting hours

Name

Anthony Florkowski ’25, MBA ’27

jonfassnacht Sun, 08/09/2026 - 13:56

College

College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise

Department

O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

Persona

Graduate student

Intro Content

Since he started as an O’Pake Fellow during his first year at 17c��ݺ��, Anthony Florkowski ’25, MBA ’27 says his communication and project management skills have made a 180-degree change for the better, setting him up for success in the work-a-day world.

“I’m challenged every day,” said the accounting graduate from Downingtown who is pursuing his MBA at 17c��ݺ�� and is a graduate assistant in finance with the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. “I’ve developed professionally profoundly. I’ve become a lot better leader.”

Florkowski credits O’Pake and its many experiential learning opportunities, including currently overseeing a dozen undergraduate fellows plus high school interns, with bolstering his skill set and helping him put into practice what he learns in the classroom.

"My studies are directly fueling the work I do for clients and with fellows, especially in understanding market trends and organizational growth,” he said. “Recently, I have been helping local businesses scale through systems integration, including streamlining inventory and providing manufacturing cost analyses for products.”

Florkowski almost didn’t consider accounting. In his senior year at Downingtown West High School, he needed one more class to graduate. Florkowski looked at the A’s in a course list and settled on intro to accounting.

“I loved that class,” he said. “What I liked about it most is that it was simple math, but there’s a theory to the numbers. Accounting is the language of business. If you understand accounting, you understand everything else.”

I like to think of O’Pake as a place with padded walls, where if you make a mistake, it won’t hurt too much.

At 17c��ݺ��, which he chose in part for its ice hockey club team, Florkowski continued to excel, capturing the top honor for accounting at graduation and logging some 500 consulting hours through O’Pake projects.

“It's teaching me what a real job is like,” said Florkowki. “It's exposing me to some scenarios that you typically don't get if you're just in class. I like to think of O’Pake as a place with padded walls, where if you make a mistake, it won't hurt too much. It's great preparation for going into the real world.”

PHOTO: Anthony Florkowski, at right, was an O'Pake Fellow throughout his undergraduate years at 17c��ݺ�� and has continued during his years pursuing an MBA.

The John Paul II Center, a school for children and adults with special needs, was a favorite, said Florkowski, who helped set up QuickBooks for the Special Blends Café, which the center hopes to open in late 2026 in 17c��ݺ��’s new American House at Reading CollegeTowne.

Florkowski has earned three certifications in QuickBooks, so he was perfect for the job.

“They have a great business office there, so I was able to talk to them and see where they might need help, and give them some tips and tricks,” he said. “Going to meetings there is amazing. They always take me on a tour, and I get to go see the kids. It's always a heartwarming time. One of the favorite projects I've done.”

Florkowski wants to explore a career in accounting or commercial banking following graduation. He will enter the job market brimming with confidence garnered from years of working with clients.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at O'Pake is seeing our graduate students apply their expertise to make a lasting difference in the community,” said John Stetler, M.S., O’Pake’s executive director of client and financial services. “Anthony's hands-on support, from configuring QuickBooks Online and designing the chart of accounts to training staff and providing ongoing guidance, has helped equip Special Blends Café with the tools needed for long-term success."

- By Lini S. Kadaba

17c��ݺ�� to welcome record incoming class this fall

sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:42:22 +0000

17c��ݺ�� to welcome record incoming class this fall sarah.matarell… Thu, 08/06/2026 - 14:42

17c��ݺ�� to welcome record incoming class this fall

Milestone marks the seventh consecutive year with over 475 new students

17c��ݺ�� will welcome the largest class in university history this fall, with enrollment currently sitting at over 575 first-year and transfer students. The incoming class breaks the 2022 record of 563 first-year and transfer students. This milestone also marks the seventh consecutive year 17c��ݺ�� will welcome over 475 new students. To date, the 2026 incoming class has grown by 21.89% compared to the 2025 class of over 475 first-year and transfer students.

" The largest incoming class in 17c��ݺ��’s history marks an exciting milestone in the university’s continued growth and momentum,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “Students are choosing 17c��ݺ�� because they recognize the value of an education that delivers a strong return on their investment—preparing them for successful careers while equipping them to lead lives of purpose and service. As we expand our academic offerings, partnerships and footprint, we remain focused on providing a personalized, career-connected education grounded in our Franciscan values. Our commitment is clear: to ensure every 17c��ݺ�� student graduates with the knowledge, experience and confidence to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce and make a meaningful impact in the world."

Academically, the incoming class holds an average GPA of 3.44. This year further acknowledges the growth of the John R. Post School of Engineering with the addition of a fifth major and first incoming class for civil engineering. This year also brings the first incoming classes in artificial intelligence; business analytics; digital humanities; and social influencing, communication and creative media.

"Academic excellence is about preparing students not only for the careers of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow," said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM. " As we expand offerings in engineering and introduce programs that reflect the evolution of artificial intelligence and the digital landscape, we are equipping students with the knowledge, critical thinking, communication skills, hands-on experience and ethical foundation to thrive in rapidly evolving industries and contribute meaningfully to their communities."

Over 180 members of the Class of 2030 students are first-generation college students and 225 are Pell Grant-eligible. The incoming students earned an average merit scholarship award of $24,949. The class hails from 18 states (ranging from as far as Nevada, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas) and 12 countries: Saudi Arabia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Kenya, Malaysia, Brazil, India, Peru, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.

"This incoming class reflects 17c��ݺ��'s commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to reach their goals," said Associate Vice President of Admissions Bret Krotee. "Through substantial merit scholarships, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, we are helping talented students see that a transformational 17c��ݺ�� education is within reach, whether they are traveling from around the world or are local to the region.”

The record class follows 17c��ݺ��'s ranking in the top echelon for Most Affordable and Popular Colleges in Pennsylvania by Research.com. It also comes on the heels of the university being named to Carnegie's 2026 High Access, High Earnings Opportunity Colleges and Universities list, recognizing institutions that expand educational access while producing strong economic outcomes for graduates. 17c��ݺ�� was also recognized as a national doctoral university by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting the university's continued growth and impact.

17c��ݺ��'s Carnegie Community Engagement Classification was reaffirmed in 2026, continuing ongoing recognition since 2008, highlighting the university’s 40-hour service requirement, CollegeTowne partnerships and mission-driven impact. It also builds upon the university’s continued recognition by Colleges of Distinction, Money magazine and Berks County Living's People's Choice Awards ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, record number of conferred degrees in May, and reaffirmation of accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education last summer.

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: December 5

jonfassnacht — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:56:38 +0000

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: December 5 jonfassnacht Thu, 08/06/2026 - 11:56

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: November 21

jonfassnacht — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:54:36 +0000

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: November 21 jonfassnacht Thu, 08/06/2026 - 11:54

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: October 24

jonfassnacht — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:53:01 +0000

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: October 24 jonfassnacht Thu, 08/06/2026 - 11:53

17c��ݺ���

Building a Future in Research, One Brick at a Time

Junior Alyssa Grim and Professor Brad Bauer, Ph.D. take a colorful approach to scientific research

The project FUN-damentals

Finding confidence and community

17c��ݺ��� to renovate its newly secured Allentown location

In-person MBA classes to be offered in Lehigh Valley as a part of a new, hybrid format

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Virtual Information Session

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Virtual Information Session

17c��ݺ���'s foundation helps veteran transfer student find success

"17c��ݺ��� has certainly demonstrated that they care about providing a good education. They’re constantly investing in the school and they’ve come a long way even since I’ve graduated.”

O'Pake Fellow set up for professional success after logging 500 consulting hours

17c��ݺ��� to welcome record incoming class this fall

Milestone marks the seventh consecutive year with over 475 new students

17c��ݺ��� Information Session: December 5

17c��ݺ��� Information Session: November 21

17c��ݺ��� Information Session: October 24

17c��ݺ��

17c��ݺ�� to renovate its newly secured Allentown location

17c��ݺ��'s foundation helps veteran transfer student find success

"17c��ݺ�� has certainly demonstrated that they care about providing a good education. They’re constantly investing in the school and they’ve come a long way even since I’ve graduated.”

17c��ݺ�� to welcome record incoming class this fall

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: December 5

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: November 21

17c��ݺ�� Information Session: October 24