With their combined achievements, Dr. Elizabeth Dudkin and her son, Henry Neeb, make the perfect dynamic duo.
Dudkin, associate professor of biology at Penn State Brandywine, has a Ph.D. in biology and neuroscience, teaches several biology courses, received honors awards such as the Distinguished Teacher Award in 2005 and the George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching in spring 2008, and has contributed through writing and research to nearly 15 articles on biology.
A student at Penn State Eberly College of Science, Neeb will be honored as the college's student marshal during the winter commencement ceremonies at University Park. To be eligible for this honor, students must excel academically and establish outstanding commitment to worthy extra-curricular activities on campus and in the community. They assist with University convocation ceremonies, and on occasion they represent the student body at other special University events.
Neeb, of Media, will receive a bachelor's degree in mathematics, has a 4.0 GPA, and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. He plans to use his mathematics and actuary skills by working as a retirement consultant after graduation. He selected his mother, also from Media, as his faculty escort for commencement.
Neeb said he was excited when he was selected to serve as student marshal. "I know a lot of others who also deserve to represent the Eberly College of Science, so being selected among such distinguished students is truly an honor," he said.
"I was very proud and excited when Henry called me with the news," Dudkin said. "He has always been driven to be successful. He started setting career goals and researching universities in elementary school. He's willing to work hard to achieve his goals."