A mechanical engineering major builds a foundation for a solid future.
From Penn State Berks
When Mark Longenberger graduates on Saturday, May 9, he will have earned both a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State Berks and a master’s degree in applied statistics from Penn State World Campus. The master’s degree is an integrative undergraduate graduate (IUG) degree program, which allowed him to complete coursework for both degrees concurrently. He also minored in both mathematics and business.
Longenberger, of Boyertown, PA, hit the ground running at Penn State Berks, beginning his academic career with 56 credits that he earned from Boyertown Area Senior High School through advanced placement (A.P.) courses.
He explains that as a Penn State Berks Cohen Hammel Fellow, along with his other scholarships, his tuition was fully covered. When presented with the choice of graduating with a bachelor’s degree in three years or completing the IUG master’s degree and graduating in four years, it was an easy decision.
The Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program is a scholarship program for talented and engaged students who complete their bachelor’s degree at Penn State Berks. Longenberger chose to conduct research to meet the program’s requirements.
Longenberger was also a Schreyer Scholar, and so he was also required to complete a thesis. Working with his faculty advisor, Matthew Rhudy, associate professor of mechanical engineering, Longenberger’s thesis was titled “Statistical analysis of wind velocity data for enhanced uncrewed aerial vehicle navigation.”
He also conducted research in another study titled “Low-cost technologies for prototyping and re-engineering sheet metal in aerospace applications,” which he had an opportunity to present at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Conference in Las Vegas in 2024, the AIAA Young Professionals, Students, and Educators Conference in Lauren, MD, and the annual Higher Education Council of Berks County Research Colloquium.
Longenberger explains that he chose Penn State Berks for several reasons: the first is the Penn State name, which is recognized worldwide. His father is a Penn State Berks alumnus who earned an associate degree in electrical engineering. Finally, when he learned that he could major in mechanical engineering and commute from home, his decision was made.
During his time at the campus, Longenberger completed two internships: one at Teva Pharmaceuticals in West Chester, PA, where he worked as a medical device engineer intern, and one at Merck in Rahway, NJ, as a device development and technology intern.
He also found time to get involved on campus, working as a tutor in the college’s Learning Center and serving as president of the Engineering Abroad student organization, which he also founded. He explained that the mission of the club is to provide students with the opportunity to embody a global perspective within engineering. In addition, he was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the financial manager of the Student Government Association.
For all his accomplishments, Longenberger was recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Award in 2025 and 2026, the Outstanding Adult Student Award in 2026, and the University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award in 2025.
When asked how his time at Penn State Berks has prepared him for the future, he commented, “The coursework builds the foundation and connection skills. And the capstones allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects.”
Through his studies and experiences, Longenberger has built a solid foundation for his future. After graduation, he will begin working at Merck in Rahway, NJ, as a medical device engineer, beginning in mid-June.
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