English student receives SEN Grant to present at national conference
Halle O'Neil's academic prowess and interest in research has helped her garner a University SEN Grant, and be accepted to present her research at a national conference this spring.
By: Morgan Sewack
DUNMORE, Pa. – Halle O’Neil, a fourth-year English major at Penn State Scranton, has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the University's Student Engagement Network (SEN) to present her research on the writings of female mystics in the Late Middle Ages at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh in April.
O’Neil, a Clarks Summit native, expressed her excitement upon receiving the grant. “When I found out that I got a SEN grant this semester, I was ecstatic,” she said. “I applied in December in the hopes that I would be able to get enough money to attend the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh. I was so grateful to receive this grant because without it, I would not have been able to afford to attend this conference at all.”
The conference will provide O’Neil an opportunity to network with other students and faculty from across the nation, as well as expand her knowledge.
“This conference accepts students from all different majors and specialties, so I am really looking forward to learning some new things from the other students presenting. I think it will help me grow in and out of the classroom because it really aligns with my goal to continually improve myself through my education.”
How the English Program opened doors for her success
O’Neil also praised Penn State Scranton’s English program, highlighting the English faculty’s support and dedication. “I think our English program on campus is absolutely fabulous! I cannot say enough nice things about the faculty and class offerings. Each of the professors truly wants you to succeed and are so passionate about their work. It is infectious to be around them!” she said.
“They have all given me such wonderful advice and helped me to do research on my own, apply to graduate programs, and attend conferences. I am so grateful to have been able to learn from them in my academic journey as they have all impacted me so deeply.”
Throughout her time at Penn State Scranton, O’Neil has garnered numerous academic achievements. She is a recipient of the Evan Pugh Scholar Award for being in the upper 0.5% of her class and has been awarded with the Outstanding Peer Tutor Award, which recognizes student peer tutors committed to providing extraordinary service to students and the campus community in support of student success.
She was also promoted to the Lead Tutor position in the campus' Learning and Writing Center. Additionally, one of her papers was published in the "Best of Freshman Writing Journal", and she was accepted to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
O’Neil currently serves as an undergraduate research assistant for the University Park-based Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring office. In this role, she meets weekly with students to guide them in getting involved with undergraduate research. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is actively involved in the Penn State Scranton Music Program, performing in both the Chorale and Rock[tet] groups.
“I’m really passionate about continually learning and bettering myself,” O’Neil said. “Going to college is important to me because I am really passionate about continually learning and bettering myself.”
