Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

"When I was six, I saw my first Broadway show, Mary Poppins, and at intermission, I pointed at the stage and said, 'That's what I'm going to do with my life.'” In this episode, Melody Munitz ’22 A&A, Liberal Arts shares her extraordinary journey from performing in Broadway plays and musicals to conducting groundbreaking research in neuroscience, all while maintaining her passion for musical theater. Discover how her diverse experiences intertwine, offering unique insights into the power of arts and sciences working together – a must watch/listen for Schreyer Scholars with broad ranges of interests. 

Melanie’s early inspiration and first steps in theater at age six

Transition from local performances to Off-Broadway and regional theaters

Balancing a double major in musical theater and neuroscience at Penn State

The impact of COVID-19 on her performance and research pursuits

Her innovative honors thesis linking empathy, theater, and psychology

Navigating the challenges of auditioning and building a career post-graduation

Insights into the tour life: differences between stage performances in various venues

The significance of networking within Penn State’s alumni and arts communities

Leveraging stage experience in production roles including writing and directing

The role of social media and public facing roles in a performer’s career

Practical advice on managing finances and taxes for traveling artists

The importance of volunteerism, philanthropy, and community building in the arts

 

Melody Munitz ’22 is a New York-born, raised, and based theatre artist, social scientist, and digital designer. She graduated from Penn State in 2022 with dual honors degrees in Musical Theatre (College of Arts and Architecture) and Psychology (College of the Liberal Arts), serving as the Student Marshal of both departments. At the time of recording, Melody was traveling the country playing Wednesday Addams in the Broadway National Tour of “The Addams Family.” Previously, Melody led the National Tour of “American Girl Live!" where she originated the role of Madison, a new American Girl Doll character inspired by her. Beyond touring, Melody's work onstage spans 15 shows Off-Broadway, concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and musicals at regional theaters across the country. In 2023, Melody premiered her interdisciplinary solo show, "The Science of Love: A Night of Songs & Psychology," which won the 2023 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Solo Show. Continuing to combine science and art, Melody has worked as a commissioned playwright and researcher for the University of Chicago's STAGE (Scientists, Technologists, and Artists Generating Exploration) Lab; as an artist with the science-theatre company Transforma Theatre, debuting a project about the role of AI in society; and as an Artist in Health bringing interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities with the non-profit Only Make Believe. As a digital designer and marketing specialist, Melody has worked on the social media marketing teams for 14 Broadway shows, and this spring is working with Broadway writers Paul Gordon and David Goldsmith to launch a new company, Virtual Stage Lab, at the crossroads of theater and film that aims to democratize the process of creation and increase access to the arts. Website: melodymunitz.com Instagram: @melody_munitz

-----

Schreyer Honors College Links: 

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

YouTube

Upcoming Events

"Four years at Penn State will fly by—embrace every moment, seek help when needed, and never underestimate the power of curiosity and giving back." Explore how Dr. Ryan Henrici ’15 Science transitioned from a student with a passion for science and sports to a pioneering physician, scientist, and entrepreneur driving groundbreaking biotech innovations. In this episode, Ryan shares his inspiring path, lessons on work-life balance, mentorship, and the transformative power of philanthropy.

Key Topics

Ryan’s early ambitions: swimming, architecture, and medicine.

The pivotal moments in medical research and clinical impact.

Navigating lab opportunities and research at Penn State.

The influence of mentorship and cultural lessons in science.

The unique structure and advantages of UK and US doctoral programs.

How AI and machine learning are shaping drug development.

Integrating medical training with entrepreneurial ventures.

The importance of storytelling and organizational skills in science.

Strategies for maintaining balance and fulfillment outside of work.

The value of philanthropy and giving back to the community.

 Ryan Henrici ’15 Science is Vice President of Discovery Medicine at BigHat Biosciences where he is using machine learning and AI approaches to design safer and more effective antibody medicines for patients with cancers, infections, and rare diseases. Ryan was one of the earliest team members and helped grow the team to more than 100 employees today and raise more than $110 million dollars to support developing the BigHat therapeutic portfolio. He oversees the immunology research team and the creation of new drug programs through the initiation of Phase 1 studies in humans. Ryan is also an Adjunct Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine where he teaches foundational biology and medicine to first year medical students and supports clinical research activities at the intersection of inherited, benign blood disorders and infectious diseases.

He earned a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with Honors from Penn State’s Eberly College of Science in 2015, a PhD in Infectious and Tropical Diseases from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as a Marshall Scholar in 2018, and an MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2021.

-----

Schreyer Honors College Links: 

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

YouTube

Upcoming Events 

Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment! 

Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer 

Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars 

Join the Penn State Alumni Association 

-----

Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Sarah Taylor '27. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Overview:

Dive into the inspiring story of Brandon Follick ’15 Sci, who seamlessly navigates careers in biochemistry and comedy. Discover how his scientific background fuels his humor, the challenges of balancing these worlds, and his advice for scholars pursuing creative paths.

In this episode, you’ll here about

Brandon's journey to Penn State and his early interests in science and comedy

How biochemistry has shaped his understanding of human health and storytelling

The parallels between scientific research and comedic creation, including writing and improvisation

His experience working in biotech startups and the lessons learned about enterprise and innovation

The evolution of comedy as a tool for social critique and the importance of punching up

How platforms like YouTube and social media democratize content creation and talent discovery

The role of mentorship in STEM and arts, and the importance of paying it forward

Brandon’s creative process, balancing authenticity with ethical boundaries in comedy

Practical advice for scholars considering unconventional careers in arts and startups

How his childhood experience with Judge Judy influences his comedic perspective

This episode is great for any Scholar interested in career paths in either STEM or the arts, and especially for Scholars looking to navigate and balance multiple interests.

Guest Bio:

Brandon Follick ’15 Science is an entrepreneurial scientist comedian and writer in New York City. He has written for humor websites such as The Onion, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, and Reductress, including Reductress’s recent book How To Stay Productive When the World is Ending, named one of Vulture’s Best Comedy Books of 2023. He is a writer and actor on Going Down with Ella Yurman, a trans-led public access late night show from the team that produced Late Stage Live, which is about to return from hiatus. He has performed standup and sketch in national and international comedy festivals, including New York Comedy Fest, Edinburgh Fringe, and Philly SketchFest. He produces a writing workshop series alongside The Onion to help create career opportunities for emerging comedy writers from backgrounds historically-excluded in comedy. He currently teaches Humor & Satire Writing at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective.

During the day, he works as a Senior Administrative Business Partner for Legal and Therapeutics at Schrödinger, a drug discovery and research enterprise. He was previously a Project Manager and Research Associate at Kallyope in New York City, an early-stage biotech startup exploring the gut-brain axis, where he assisted with the Research & Development of small-molecule therapeutics. Before joining Kallyope in 2016, he was a research assistant in Marcia Haigis’s lab at Harvard Medical School.

He earned his B.S. in Biology with Honors in Biochemistry from Penn State in 2015.

-----

Schreyer Honors College Links: 

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

YouTube

Upcoming Events 

Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment! 

Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer 

Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars 

Join the Penn State Alumni Association 

-----

Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted and produced by S...

Overview:

Brian Rogowski ’97 Science shares his journey from a winding academic path to a successful career in technology. He discusses the importance of practical experience, the value of social sciences in tech, and the lessons learned from his honors thesis and research. Brian emphasizes the significance of teamwork, mentorship, and work-life balance while navigating the challenges of transitioning from academia to industry. He also provides insights into breaking into big tech and the evolving landscape of technology careers. This episode is useful for any Scholar, and especially those who are undecided about majors as well as those looking to work in the tech industry, especially “big tech.”

Guest Bio:

Brian Rogosky ’97 Science is Senior Software Engineering Manager at Apple, working on building large-scale data services for Apple Music. He previously was Director of Big Data Engineering for Beats Music, where he founded a software team for one of the early music streaming applications, which launched in 2013 and was acquired by Apple later in 2014, along with Beats Electronics, for $3 Billion, the largest monetary acquisition by Apple.

 

Brian graduated with a dual degree BS in Psychology and Science, with Honors and a Minor in Science, Technology and Society, in 1997. He earned a Masters in Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2004, where he researched human learning and artificial intelligence. He originally intended to pursue a Ph.D. with a view to become a professor of Cognitive Psychology like his mentors, Dr. David Rosenbaum (Penn State) and Dr. Robert Goldstone (Indiana), but the pull of technology and human-centered AI drew him to a career in the technology industry.

 He has worked for or advised numerous startups in AI, internet geolocation, online publishing and online learning. He continues his interest in applied AI, big data, human learning and knowledge representation, as well as creative writing.

-----

Schreyer Honors College Links: 

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

YouTube

Upcoming Events 

Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment! 

Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer 

Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars 

Join the Penn State Alumni Association 

-----

Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

View Full Transcript

Overview:

Katie Florio ’15 HHD, a Schreyer Scholar alumna and former D1 student-athlete at Penn State, joins FTG to share her journey from being a kinesiology major with aspirations of attending medical school to pivoting into the financial sector, where she now works at Goldman Sachs. The conversation delves into her experiences as a cross-country and track athlete, the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, and her transition into the business world. Katie also discusses her passion for running, her achievements in marathons, and how the skills she developed as an athlete have translated into her professional life. The episode concludes with Katie offering advice to current students on networking, attention to detail, and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal interests. This episode, featuring a cameo from running enthusiast Dean Patrick T. Mather ’89, is great for any Scholar interested in a career in business, especially those not in the Smeal College of Business, and all Scholars for exploring and maintaining hobbies and passions beyond their time at Penn State as they transition to alumni.

Guest Bio:

Katie Florio ’15 HHD earned her B.S. in Kinesiology with Honors from Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development in 2015. Katie was a D1 athlete on the Penn State Track and Field and Cross Country teams where she served as a team captain. Katie, originally aiming to work in healthcare, now works as a Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Goldman Sachs in Philadelphia. She won her division of the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon and is a proud working mother.

-----

Schreyer Honors College Links: 

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

YouTube

Upcoming Events 

Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment! 

Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer 

Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars 

Join the Penn State Alumni Association 

-----

Credits & Notes:

This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.