Mary Fetzer

Dogs bring love and joy to millions, but some owners struggle with common behavioral challenges like barking, chewing or separation anxiety. From easing fears to stopping destructive habits, we'll share tips to help your pup thrive.
Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.
Written by Abbie Mood
Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States, found in 59.8 million households across the country.1 Many dog owners want the best for their pups, which means regular veterinary care, ...

Daily care and feeding of cats, along with medical expenses, can add up quickly. And since many cats live 15 years or more, owning one can be a significant investment. Read on for a breakdown of the costs of cat ownership.
Written by Jean Marie Bauhaus
A cat can bring a lot of love and warmth to your life, but like any pet, they are also a huge commitment. Before you set your heart on bringing home an adorable kitten, stop and consider both the benefits and costs of owning a cat.
Daily care a...

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Erica Mi, who earned two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree from Penn State in 2022, recently received the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (CSGrad4US) from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Mi is using the award to pursue a doctoral degree in computer science at the University of Chicago.
The aim of the CSGrad4US fellowship and mentoring program is to increase the number of domestic graduate students pursuing research...

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) honored three graduates at the college’s third annual Alumni Symposium and Awards Ceremony, held Oct. 17 at the Graduate by Hilton State College.
Andrea Tapia, dean of the College of IST, presented the alumni awards.
IST Dean’s Alumni Excellence Award
Created in 2024, the Dean’s Alumni Excellence Award highlights and celebrates the extraordinary work and accomplishments of College of IST alumni. The awa...

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an annual national campaign administered by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This year’s theme, “Building a Cyber Strong America,” emphasizes the need for individuals, businesses and government sectors to do their part to stay secure online.
In this Q&A, three faculty members of the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) discussed what cybersecurity is, how it’s evolving and what the ave...

Informatics doctoral program is offered by the College of Information Sciences and Technology
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Informatics doctoral program in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) combines computer and data sciences with the study of people, organizations and communities. The program provides interdisciplinary job outcomes and opportunities for IST students, as demonstrated by three recent graduates.
As they pursued their informatics doctorates in IST,...

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Kelley Cotter, assistant professor in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), was awarded the Tom O’Regan Visiting Fellowship by the University of Queensland (UQ).
According to the UQ’s School of Communication and Arts website, the fellowship honors a legacy of cross-disciplinary research in media, communication and culture and promotes public lectures, talks and roundtables as the heart of intellectual life at the university.
In the followi...

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The BLK Men in Tech (BMiT) Penn State chapter was honored as the Collegiate Chapter of the Year at the 2025 BMiT THRIVE Conference, held on Oct. 2-5 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Twelve students from the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) and one student from Penn State World Campus attended.
THRIVE is a tech conference designed to foster connections, facilitate learning and promote personal development for all in the tech community, with a special focu...

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From mid-September through the end of October, Penn State units at campuses across the commonwealth are holding events in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The theme for this year’s observances is “History, Heritage, Hope.”
The Cross-College Hispanic Trailblazer Gallery, held Oct. 6 in the Life Sciences Building, featured an interdisciplinary gallery showcase of posters of faculty from the colleges of Information Sciences and Technology, Health and Human Develo...

Last month, faculty members from the Penn State College of IST visited Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal support of computing research.
Organized by the Computing Research Association (CRA), CRA Congressional Visit Day provided an opportunity for CRA member institutions to make a case directly to their U.S. representatives and senators.
IST attendees Sarah Rajtmajer, associate professor; Shomir Wilson, associate professor; and Nick Giacobe, associate teaching professor, attended a trai...