Christian Myung, sophomore Mechanical Engineering major, is completing his first two years of study at Penn State Lehigh Valley before transferring to University Park, as part of Penn State's 2+2 program.
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Christian Myung knew from an early age that engineering was the right path for him.
“Learning what engineering is, how varied the industry can be as well as the way it helps other people, I decided on this path pretty early on,” he said. “I think it’s something that’s very practical and can change the world for the better.”
Myung said he chose Penn State Lehigh Valley (PSU-LV) because he liked the campus’ tight-knit community and small size that allows many students to get to know the faculty and staff. Myung’s decision was also influenced by Penn State’s reputable name, he said.
“I knew I would receive an in-depth learning experience,” he said. Specifically, he decided to major in mechanical engineering because of his fascination with the field: “It interested me the most because I think robotics and things that move are pretty cool.”
Now in his second year at PSU-LV, Myung has fully immersed himself in the college experience. His curiosity and strong work ethic left a positive impression on Tracey Carbonetto, associate teaching professor of engineering. She first worked with Myung during the Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates (MCREU), an event hosted and funded by the College of Engineering in summer 2024.
“I was his mentor, and he did a fantastic job on a project intending to reduce the glare of LED car headlights,” Carbonetto said, adding that she was so impressed, she hired Myung as her first-ever teaching assistant (TA) in engineering design for the fall 2024 semester. “He helped Alison Bonner and I with the new equipment purchased for the engineering lab, he worked with the students and demonstrated to them that hard work will pay off!”
Among other duties, Myung taught students and faculty how to use the 3D printing facility. Recalling the TA experience, Myung said, “I think it was really interesting to take what I know in things like CAD and design principles and help other students in a very hands-on manner.”
His strong work ethic stems from his competitive nature, he said.
“I set high standards for myself,” he said. “I simply want to do well and be a high achiever. It’s not about competing with others or following friends’ or family’s standards — I just have a strong desire to achieve and make the world a better place.”
Myung is putting those sentiments into action by working with the FIRST Robotics Competition team at his high school alma mater. He was a member when he was a high school student.
“Since I’m going to college locally, I’m available to help with that, so I’ve been able to give back to my community in that manner,” he said.
He’s also active on campus as president of the Dungeons & Dragons Club and a member of both the Engineering and Chess Clubs. He will complete his degree at University Park as part of PSU-LV’s 2+2 program for engineering.
While Myung continues to carve his professional path over the course of his time at Penn State, he said he knows he will strive for excellence in everything he does. He urges students beginning their college selection process to consider PSU-LV.
“You get a lot of 1-on-1 time with professors," he said. "If you’re struggling, you can get the help you need to have a better understanding of material, so you won’t just do well but excel.”
