Penn State Student Named Truman Scholarship Finalist

By Blake Jackson

Brenna Fitzpatrick, a third-year student at Penn State, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Truman Scholarship, recognizing her commitment to agricultural education and campus food security.

Awarded by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the program supports future public service leaders with up to $30,000 for graduate study, along with leadership development and networking opportunities. This year, 781 students applied nationwide, and 198 were selected as finalists.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Fitzpatrick is pursuing a degree in plant sciences with an agroecology focus, while also minoring in environmental soil science, entomology and Spanish. She hopes the scholarship will help her further her studies in food systems and agricultural extension education.

“I believe that change starts locally, and the best way to create change is to engage within your community,” Fitzpatrick said. “I hope to empower others to engage with their community and food system, even if their career path isn’t inherently related to agriculture.”

Fitzpatrick time at Penn State has centered on research, outreach and advancing food literacy. Through the Sustainable Food Systems Network, she helped establish a garden club and develop lesson plans at Park Forest Elementary School, allowing students to grow and learn about food firsthand.

“Witnessing students grow their understanding and appreciation for agriculture has been the best part of the entire experience,” Fitzpatrick said. “Students’ self-efficacy grew as they sowed seeds, cared for them as they grew, and then were able to enjoy the produce they grew themselves.”

Fitzpatrick also gained research experience in the Tooker Entomology Lab, studying plant-insect relationships and sustainable pest management.

On campus, she launched the Free Fridge Project to address food insecurity and reduce waste. “I am passionate about food security and decreasing food waste,” she said. “Food literacy plays a huge role in food security, as it empowers people to navigate food systems and prepare nutritious meals.”

Fitzpatrick will interview in New York on April 8.

Photo Credit: penn-state-college-of-ag-sciences