Someone in My Corner
Even the best laid plans of IST students can sometimes go awry. See how five students found support from staff who listened, advocated for them, and believed in their potential to help them find their own paths forward.
Features
More Than a Model
Students participating in the Nittany AI Challenge learned that great AI requires more than technology—it demands user insight, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a compelling vision.
The Digital Thread of Modern Society
IST researchers highlight their high-impact work in the areas of youth, health, and cybersecurity.
Alumni & Friends
Congrats, Grads!
Projects finished. Degrees earned. Futures ready to launch. These moments at commencement reflect academic achievement, excitement, and pride as the Class of 2026 closed one chapter and began another.
Upcoming Alumni Events
Connect with the IST community this fall!
The Multiplier Effect
Through matching programs, alumna Mary Ward's gift is poised to make a significant difference for IST students.
Laiya Mathew '26
One of IST’s newest alumni shares how the powerful IST alumni network shaped her experience—and how she hopes to carry on the tradition.
Share What You’ve Learned. Shape What Comes Next.
Alumni mentors like Melanie Treff '19 are guiding the next generation of IST students.
The Impact of You
For college students, there’s a difference between attending and thriving—and talent should never be limited by financial need. Donor support opens doors for students whose ideas, research, and leadership shape the future.
Make a Gift
When you support the College of Information Sciences and Technology, you make an impact greater than a simple transaction. No matter the size of your gift or what you support, your gifts drive us forward, making the college—and the world—a better place.
Class Notes
New Positions, Promotions, and Recognitions
Diana Lopez Long, 2004
Founder, Long Wave Consulting
Learn More About Diana Lopez Long's Update
Curtis Cain, 2016
Associate Professor, College of IST
Learn More About Curtis Cain's Update
Holly Swires, 2021
Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Privacy Officer, Penn State
Learn More About Holly Swires's Update
Elissa McNeil, 2023
UX Designer (Specialist), Merck
Learn More About Elissa McNeil's Update
Student Success
Show Me the Money!
IST students do incredible things every day, and it's paying off. Here are just a few of their recent achievements.
Student Spotlight: Kendall (KJ) Reed II
Fourth-year cybersecurity analytics and operations major and Millennium Scholar reflects on his Penn State journey.
And the Winners Are ...
It’s been a remarkable year for IST’s graduate students. Here’s a look at just some of their successes.
Make a Gift
When you support the College of Information Sciences and Technology, you make an impact greater than a simple transaction. No matter the size of your gift or what you support, your gifts drive us forward, making the college—and the world—a better place.
Discovering How People and AI Work Together
The Berardi Family Student Engagement Center in Westgate Building was a hub of activity for the University's Bring Our Children to Work Day.
IST students guided participants through fun, hands-on activities that compared human imagination with AI. Participants transformed drawings into digital art, built LEGO designs against the clock, created simple video games, and tested their ability to spot AI-generated images. Even Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi stopped by to play!
Around the College
Top 8 from Westgate
Highlighting a year of enterprising students, innovative researchers, and engaged alumni.
A Different Kind of Talent
As AI transforms the world, IST is preparing students to shape what's next.
Discovering How People and AI Work Together
IST welcomed the next generation of tech leaders during Penn State's Bring Our Children to Work Day.
Get Involved
Share your expertise, experiences, and story to inspire future generations of IST students.