Meet Daniel Jing, from the Pennsylvania State University chapter. Jing grew up in Swarthmore and Wallingford, Pennsylvania, and attended Penn State.

At Penn State, Jing completed undergraduate summer research with Dr. Andrew Zydney. He has also volunteered with a food bank, Little Crum Creek Park and Philadelphia’s July 4 Red, White & Blue To-Do event.

We’re proud to highlight Jing’s commitment to research, service and community involvement.

Let’s get to know Jing!

What inspired you to pursue a double major in chemical engineering and meteorology, along with a minor in environmental engineering?
I chose chemical engineering for its versatility and added environmental engineering and meteorology to pursue my interests in sustainability, climate and broadcast meteorology. I enjoy exploring different interests and career paths. Currently, I spend much of my time playing piano, a hobby I’ve pursued for more than 10 years. I hope to one day play with a band or join Hollywood, while remaining open to opportunities to use my engineering background to improve sustainability.

Your academic interests span several STEM fields. How do you hope to combine these disciplines in your future career?
All of my STEM fields could prove useful for an outdoor-related environmental role. Specifically, I plan to analyze atmospheric issues through my meteorology major and harmful chemical reactions through chemical engineering to help protect the environment.

What's one challenge you've overcome during your academic journey, and what did it teach you?
My greatest challenge was setting up membrane module systems during my undergraduate research program. Initially, everything was new to me in the lab, so I needed to teach myself how to correctly assemble SANI and Pellicon XL membranes. This took some time, and I made many mistakes, such as causing the membrane tubing to leak. I documented every mistake in a notebook so I would not repeat them. Throughout my undergraduate research program, I learned to document my mistakes and identify what I could have done differently to improve.

If you could solve one environmental challenge, what would it be?
If I could solve one environmental challenge, it would be building homes that are resistant to wildfires, especially given the major wildfires that have occurred around the globe in recent years.

What's one scientific discovery or innovation that fascinates you the most?
The scientific discovery that fascinated me the most was the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which made significant progress toward mitigating the pandemic.

We noticed you're a fan of Mariah Carey and Norah O'Donnell! What draws you to each of them?
As stated before, I am very extroverted and love meeting new people, especially celebrities. I admire Norah O’Donnell for her informative and truthful reporting, which has helped me stay informed about current events. I would love to meet her one day and thank her for her work. I also love Mariah Carey for her music, especially her Christmas songs. I admire her incredible singing ability and personality, and I even wear a Mariah Carey shirt I bought in New York City almost every day. I would love to meet her as well.

What's a fun fact about yourself that most people don't know?
A little-known fact about me is that I met Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White during a trip to Los Angeles last summer at a Wheel of Fortune taping.

What's your favorite book, movie or TV show?
My favorite movie is Inside Out 2.

If you could invent something to make everyday life easier, what would you create?
I would invent a medicine that could instantly cure any type of cancer. I have supported Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon during my years at Penn State and donated more than $100 in total. I hope my support can help make an instant cure for cancer a reality.

What did it mean to you to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi?
Being invited to Phi Kappa Phi means a lot to me. Besides being recognized for my achievements, I have found a sense of community and belonging in this honor society. I want to be part of something meaningful, and Phi Kappa Phi is an organization that makes me feel welcomed. Because of my diverse interests, I feel that multidisciplinary honor societies like Phi Kappa Phi truly reflect who I am.

To learn more about Jing and connect, visit his profile within our online member community here.

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to news@phikappaphi.org, and include background information for the nomination.

Note: The answers are those of the member interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the views of the society.