Strike a Spark: Celebrating Student Creativity

In today’s episode, we sit down with three remarkablePennWest students and one dedicated faculty mentor to explore how research andcreative scholarship have influenced their academic paths, expanded theiropportunities, and helped them discover their own voices as emerging scholars. And speaking of presentations – our conversation today alsooffers a preview of PennWest’s signature academic events: Strike a Spark andCelebration of Scholarship, a series that highlights experiential learning andacademic achievement across PennWest. Today's guests include:Liz Keppler is a dual major in Graphic Design and Illustration at PennWest Edinboro, passionate about creative storytelling and visual communication. Originally from Waterford, Pennsylvania, she performs trombone with the Spirit of the Scots Marching Band and is an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi’s Nu Zeta chapter. Liz loves contributing to campus life through both the arts and meaningful service.Tsahai Senior graduated from PennWest with a degree in Psychology in December 2025. During her time on campus, she served as an officer in New Life Christian Club and sang in the University Choir throughout her college career. Now pursuing graduate studies, Tsahai is passionate about trauma informed developmental care, combining clinical intervention and research to support healing and resilience.Selamawit Yilma is a Molecular Biology and Computer Science double major from Ethiopia, dedicated to academic excellence and global engagement. At PennWest Clarion, she serves as a peer tutor and leads across campus as President of Model United Nations and the Black Student Union, Vice President of the Clarion International Student Association, and Treasurer of the Association of Information Technology Professionals.Dr. Michelle Valkanas is an Assistant Professor of Biology, Earth, and Environmental Sciences who earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Duquesne University, specializing in bacterial genetics and bioremediation. Her research explores bacterial adaptations in extreme environments, including metal and antibiotic resistance. A Pittsburgh native, she is deeply committed to community science outreach and active in several national scientific organizations.