Three undergraduates receive Kirchner Family Award for sustainability innovation

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Eberly College of Science undergraduate students Fiona McConnell, Kylie Nitz, and Kellyn Roth have been honored with the inaugural Kirchner Family Award for Sustainability Innovation.

The award is given to undergraduate students enrolled in the college who show a commitment to transforming Penn State as a leader in, and living laboratory for, sustainability.

This inaugural award was presented to McConnell, Nitz and Roth for their accomplishments during the 2023-24 academic year.

Fiona McConnell

McConnell, who graduated in spring 2024 with a bachelor of science degree in biology, received the Life Science Award. She was involved in many projects and groups committed to advancing sustainability across the college’s undergraduate population and the University. McConnell was the undergraduate representative on the college’s Sustainability Council.

“Fiona has shown awesome leadership, innovative thinking, and action in advancing sustainability,” one nominator wrote.

McConnell was also the sole student representative on an initiative to improve Penn State’s Organic Materials Processing Center. She also organized thrifting events and served as president of the college’s Student Council.

Kylie Nitz

Nitz, a fourth-year forensic science major, received the Leadership Award. During her time at Penn State, she has contributed to promoting sustainability in many ways. She has volunteered at events such as ENVISION: Supporting Young Women in STEM, an initiative that promotes sustainability to middle and high school students.

“She’s friendly, hardworking, and incredibility passionate about sharing science and sustainability with others,” one nominator wrote.

Nitz is also a leader for the college’s Science-U summer camps, which serve students in grades two through 12 across the state. She serves as a role model for campers and staff alike while inspiring the next generation to care about sustainability.

Kellyn Roth

Roth, a third-year B.S./MBA. (bachelor of science/master of business administration) student earning a minor in chemistry, was chosen to receive the Integrative Award. Throughout her time at Penn State, she has served as a member of the Penn State Net Impact Undergraduate student organization, which aims to give individuals the power to use business to foster a more sustainable world. This past March, the organization held its Student Sustainable Business Conference, which Roth played a major role in planning and executing.

“I am eager to watch her leadership skills develop as she works to educate other Penn State undergraduate students about sustainability issues and opportunities,” one nominator wrote.

About the Kirchner Family Award

Inspired by an Oct. 2023 visit to Penn State by James Balog — an internationally renowned photographer, Emmy Award-winning documentarian, explorer, environmentalist, and founder and president of Earth Vision Institute — Elizabeth “Betty” Kirchner and her three sons established the Kirchner Family Award for Sustainability Innovation.

Kirchner became an assistant professor of psychology at Penn State in 1965. She later opened a clinical psychology practice in State College before retiring at the age of 88. Kirchner was an avid canoeist and hiker and a longtime supporter of the Nature Conservancy, the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

Kirchner died on Feb. 12 at the age of 95. Her family invited friends to make donations to the Kirchner Family Award for Sustainability.