Sam chose the Penn State Architectural Engineering program looking to combine his love of the arts with his skill in math.  He expanded his artistic ability while studying in Rome, Italy for a minor in architecture in the summer of 2006; and plans to graduate with a Master of Architectural Engineering in December 2008.  In the summer of 2007, Sam interned at Atlantic Engineering Services in Pittsburgh, PA; gaining crucial experience in field as a structurally focused AE.  Here, he gained knowledge of RAMSTEEL and EnerCalc computer modeling programs, engineering multistory steel and wood structures, and engineering details in steel, concrete, masonry, and wood.

Extracurricular activities of Sam include leading the Envisioneers as Co-President to their second victory of the Penn State Rube Goldberg Machine Contest, and onwards to compete in the national competition at Purdue.  As a Team Leader in Envisioneers, Sam jump started the Outreach program, utilizing the opportunity to gain valuable experience presenting to groups of people.  Outreach now travels to local elementary schools up to five times a semester to get kids psyched up about engineering. In the spring, this group annually presents to high school students, describing the benefits of being a Penn State Engineer.

When he finds time, Sam currently pursues the arts musically, teaching himself guitar as he has for seven years now.  He also manages to paint, refinish guitars, and sketch once in a while.

Finally, Sam is a ninth semester super-senior, planning to graduate in December of 2008.