Commonwealth University College of Health, Science, and Technology

04/17/2026

In March, the Commonwealth University Alumni Association hosted a banquet recognizing the 2026 Professional U Champions, including several outstanding Biology faculty from Commonwealth University.
Congratulations to our Biology faculty honorees:
Dr. Heather Bechtold (Lock Haven)
Dr. Kate Beishline (Bloomsburg)
Dr. Abby Hare (Bloomsburg)
Dr. Angela Hess (Bloomsburg)
Dr. Amy Kutay (Lock Haven)
Dr. Dan Spooner (Lock Haven)
These faculty members were recognized for their incredible impact on the professional success of CU students. Through mentoring, research opportunities, and career guidance, they help students explore career paths, build confidence, develop essential skills, and successfully transition from college to career.
We are proud to have such dedicated faculty making a difference across Commonwealth University!

04/03/2026

First‑year BIOL 110 students at CU–Lock Haven used real‑time PCR for hands‑on learning in pathogen detection, environmental DNA, and gene expression. Drs. Root and Overton secured the instrument through CU integration funds, with Chemistry supplying the computer.

Chemistry major Ray Hartman built a student‑friendly lab with Dr. Overton, and helped teach it. Students were highly engaged and appreciated learning from a peer.

Ray continues supporting research across departments and developing protocols for future use. Drs. Root and Overton say the project showcases CU’s “power of three”—students, faculty, and departments collaborating to expand access to modern molecular tools.

04/01/2026

Try Scuba event at Lock Haven hosted by the Scuba Club was a success this week!! Plans are in the works to have events at both Mansfield and Bloomsburg, so keep an eye out for those dates!

03/26/2026

03/13/2026

Natalie Brown, graduate student in the Spooner lab at CU Lock Haven won the best student presentation award at the PA Chapter American Fisheries Society 2026 Spring Technical Meeting in Lewisburg, PA. Natalie’s talk entitled “Assessing eastern elliptio (Elliptio complanata) populations and the role of local geology on aragonite saturation in Pennsylvania streams” was based on her research on freshwater mussel restoration in the West Branch Susquehanna River. Congrats Natalie!

11/12/2025

WNEP visited the Bloomsburg Campus to capture the 27th annual high school math contest hosted by our faculty!!

High school students who are interested in mathematics in Central Pennsylvania had the opportunity Tuesday to put their skills to the test.

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

Three Bloomsburg chemistry majors just earned national recognition on the 2025 ASBMB accreditation exam — a major milestone in the world of biochemistry and molecular biology!

👏 Lauren Boyer → Proficient
👏 Andrew Faust + Duane Milnes → Highly Proficient

Their success is a testament to the high-impact research, expert faculty, and hands-on learning that define the CU-Bloomsburg experience. 🎓🔬 We couldn’t be prouder — and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

📖 Full story here: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/news/cu-bloomsburg-chemistry-students-excel-national-chemistry-exam

10/07/2025

📣 Big moves at Commonwealth U!

We’re thrilled to welcome three inspiring leaders into new interim academic roles ahead:

🎓 Dr. Christopher Podeschi – Interim Dean, Eileen G. Jones Honors College — A visionary in interdisciplinary learning and sociology with a passion for research that makes an impact.

📚 Dr. Priya Poehner – Interim Associate Dean, Arts, Humanities, Education & Social Sciences — A champion for future educators and inclusive classrooms, bringing deep expertise and heart to every course.

🩺 Dr. Amy Way – Interim Associate Dean, Health Professions — A driving force in health sciences and workforce development, building real pathways to student success.

These three bring the experience, passion, and leadership to help elevate the academic experience across CU. Let’s give them a warm welcome! 👏

Read their feature here: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/news/commonwealth-university-announces-academic-leadership-updates

10/07/2025