Contact us
With any questions or concerns feel free to contact us at eship@engr.psu.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT TYPES OF THINGS DO YOU DO IN SEDI?
A: You get to learn about entrepreneurship through hands-on projects, experience numerous research opportunities, work collaboratively with your peers, gain real-world experience, connect with alumni, build your resume, and so much more!
Q: Are there research opportunities?
A: Yes! The research at Penn State is positioned to tackle some of today’s most pressing social challenges in order to shape the future. Among the several laboratories at Penn State, research students work creatively and in collaboration with other experts across campus and around the world.
Q: Do I have to have a business or idea in mind to be a part of SEDI?
A: You do not have to have an idea or business beforehand to join SEDI! Throughout your journey with SEDI, we hope to aid your creativity and support any projects you develop.
Q: Is there a lot of math involved?
A: No, there is minimal math and number crushing required.
Q: How can SEDI benefit me?
A: SEDI works to provide the tools necessary for students to apply to their first job all the way to their first job post graduation. It allows students to gain real-life experience while learning professional skills. With the SEDI community, students are surrounded by driven like minded peers, staff, and alumni who will support each student along the way of their education.
Q: Why entrepreneurship?
A: Be your own boss, entrepreneurship gives you the opportunity to take control of your life!
Learn the ins and out of business!
Be a fearless problem solver, learn how to take educated risks, and deal with ambiguity!
Identify opportunities others miss, learn to see and take advantage of opportunities that others might miss
Freedom to express your creativity, there is no limitation to what you can come up with!
Q: Is SEDI worth it?
A: We definitely think these activities are perfect for your future, but if you don’t believe us, listen to some SEDI students and alum…
“The ENGR Entrepreneurship Program taught me how to produce results in a non-academic setting. Dealing with real companies taught me how to communicate my objective in a more convincing manner.” – Masen Nartatez, Mechanical Engineering
“Taking ENGR 310 added a new spark and motivation for me when it comes to my business. My professor made coming to class every day super fun and they pushed my creativity.” – Keely Reese, Public Relations
Q: Who do I contact to sign up for a minor or to learn more?
A: Either email us at the above link, stop by our room in the Hammond Building (room 213), or reach out to us on any of our social medias. We would love to hear from you and help answer any questions you may have!
Meet the Professors
Ted Graef
I have worked for several small companies and ran my own traffic equipment company for 20 years. I’m an expert in rapid product development and the business of startups. From these experiences I know the entrepreneurial mindset will help you in life no matter what you do. What are you passionate about, and how can you apply the entrepreneurial mindset? How can you apply it to your life long goals? How can we help you to achieve these?
Frank Koe
Like life itself, entrepreneurship embodies many of the same characteristics that include problem solving, adapting to change, thinking creatively and accepting failure as part of the growth process. Teaching entrepreneurship allows me to share my business experiences and the academic side of entrepreneurship.
Brad Groznik
I own Groznik PR, a strategic public relations firm based in State College. In 2016, my wife and I co-founded Pop Up Ave, an urban-style flea market in downtown State College that routinely draws thousands of attendees. As an adjunct instructor for ENGR 310 and 407, I keep my classes current based on the world I inhabit as an entrepreneur. My class projects focus on honing entrepreneurial skillsets and offering challenging, real-life experiences.
Bob Beaury
I’ve been teaching entrepreneurship related classes at Penn State since 2001 after a 20+ year career in the electronics industry that included being the CEO of a tech startup. In addition to my work at Penn State, I’m an owner of a web marketing business and serve on several Boards of companies in Pennsylvania. (Bob was honored with the George W. Atherton Excellence in Teaching award in 2016, recognizing his substantial efforts and excellence in teaching undergraduates.)
Heather McWhorter
I am passionate about empowering individuals and communities to succeed through entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability. Currently I am the Regional Center Director of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), which serves a large multi-county region in southeast NC with free and confidential assistance to help businesses start, grow, and prosper.
Greg Woodman
I love teaching Penn State students the WHY to entrepreneurship because I feel the entrepreneurial mindset is the key to happiness. It’s all about seeing a need and filling a need, seeing a problem and solving a problem. Personal growth, embracing challenges and a continual path to mastery, overcoming obstacles to serve others (customer discovery) and going deeper with students who want to dig in and collaborate, is exhilarating for me.
Jeff Wendle
I like teaching in the entrepreneurship program because of the opportunity to share with students things learned from years of business experience that I would have really Iiked to have learned as a student, and for the chance to continue learning from the exchange of ideas with them.