Class of 2026: Ready for What's Next

With guidance from faculty mentors, alumni connections and Bucknell's Center for Career Advancement, Bucknell seniors are landing meaningful roles at top companies and graduate programs. They're not just finding jobs — they're launching careers built on the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that define a Bucknell education.

Shane Coudriet '26, chemical engineering major

Shane Coudriet '26 will serve as a technical bridge between customers and engineering teams in his role as an applications engineer. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: applications engineer at Lee Industries, Phillipsburg, Pa. I'll serve as the technical bridge between customers and engineering teams, translating real-world process needs into safe, efficient equipment solutions.

The Bucknell advantage: Bucknell pushed me to go beyond theory and really learn how to think like an engineer. Through coursework in thermodynamics, heat transfer and process control, along with lab work and Senior Design, I learned how to break down complex systems and defend engineering decisions with confidence. Just as importantly, I learned how to communicate those ideas clearly, something I know will matter every day in this role.

Alumni connections and networking events also helped me see how classroom concepts translate directly into industry, ultimately leading me to this opportunity. Through Bucknell and AIChE I attended many industry tours, and from these tours I ultimately found my future job. 

Maya A. Fetzer '26, chemical engineering and Spanish double-major

Maya Fetzer '26 (center) will be working in vaccine manufacturing at Merck, thanks to the support of two mentors, Kristen Duffy '99 (left) and Kasey Piper '25. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

Next step: associate specialist, TORP Program, Merck in West Point, Pa. I will be working in vaccine manufacturing, focusing on problem-solving to optimize processes, reduce defects, and improve yield and efficiency. This is part of a three-year rotational program that will allow me to work across three different areas within the vaccine space.

The Bucknell advantage: My Bucknell education prepared me in both technical and non-technical ways. I gained the engineering foundation to navigate complex technical problems, and I also learned to be a strong leader, speaker and listener. I learned how to connect across differences, communicate technical and non-technical ideas clearly, and build a strong professional network. Bucknell gave me the knowledge, support and confidence to succeed going forward.

A major part of my journey also came through mentorship. Kasey Piper '25 was a close supporter who helped me prepare for interviews and navigate the transition from intern to full-time. I was also mentored by Rachel King '16 and Kristen Duffy '99, who guided me through the interview process, helped me practice the STARR method, shared technical resources and connected me with key people at Merck. Their support played a major role in my success.

Matthew Karic '26, finance major, religious studies minor

Matthew Karic '26 will be joining Uber's strategic finance development program. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: strategic finance development program at Uber Technologies in New York City. I'll rotate across teams, including autonomous vehicles, corporate development, and financial planning & analysis. Across these roles, I'll build financial models, evaluate investments and help guide strategic decisions at scale. What excites me most is the chance to see how finance connects across an entire global technology organization. 

The Bucknell advantage: At Bucknell, I built a strong analytical foundation and learned to think across disciplines, which has shaped how I approach problem-solving and collaboration. That perspective is what I'll carry into Uber.

Alexis Killeen '26, psychology and education double-major

Alexis Killeen '26 will become a preK–4 teacher while also attending graduate studies in School Psychology at Fairfield University. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: preK–4 teacher at Brunswick School in Greenwich, Conn., while also pursuing graduate studies in school psychology at Fairfield University.

The Bucknell advantage: Bucknell played a defining role in shaping this path for me. Through my work in both the psychology and education departments, I found a space where theory and practice constantly informed each other. Research and teaching assistant roles helped me connect psychological concepts to real classroom environments, and pushed me to think of myself as a scientist-practitioner in training.

I'm especially grateful for the faculty mentors who guided me along the way — their support made all the difference in helping me find my direction in special education and school psychology.

Freddie Lapworth '26, economics and history double-major, real estate minor

Thanks to the mentorship of a Bucknell alumnus, Freddie Lapworth '26 will be joining a real estate corporation in Baltimore. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: associate in retail operations & NNN strategy at Continental Realty Corporation in Baltimore. I'll work in retail leasing and shopping center operations, including transactions involving pad-site and outparcel sales.

The Bucknell advantage: At Bucknell, I developed the analytical and communication skills that made this path possible. Economics and real estate taught me to think about markets and financial decisions, while history sharpened my ability to analyze context and complexity. Together, those experiences trained me to approach problems with both structure and perspective.

I'm also grateful for mentorship from JM Shapiro '91, who supported me early on and helped me secure an internship that ultimately shaped my path to this role. I met him through the Bucknell Real Estate Club's annual spring trip to Baltimore, which led to an internship last summer and, ultimately, this full-time position.

Rebekah Lando '26, civil engineering major

Rebekah Lando '26 is joining Whiting-Turner Contracting Company as a project engineer. Photo by Prestige

Next step: project engineer, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company on Long Island, N.Y. In this role, I will serve as a hands-on link between field operations teams and project management in construction. Project engineers support technical coordination, ensure contract compliance, manage documentation, and help with the daily execution of construction projects.

The Bucknell advantage: Bucknell supported my career development by blending a technical engineering education with broad liberal arts thinking. Hands-on experiences, such as design projects, combined with strong career services, conference opportunities and alumni connections, helped me grow both professionally and personally. The faculty and staff create an environment that encourages learning, growth and leadership. 

A meaningful part of my experience also came from mentorship. Winnie Okello '10 met with my classmates and me after the EC4 Engineering Conference Day this past fall semester to discuss real-world work experiences, being a woman in engineering, and how to foster inclusion and self-respect in the workplace. It is important to bring your unique perspective to the table, professional confidence in your background and eagerness to support and learn from others.

Nicole Lioumis '26, biology major, economics minor

Nicole Lioumis '26 credits the mentorship she received from Edward McDevitt '72 for helping her find her path toward Yale School of Nursing. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

Next step: Yale School of Nursing in New Haven, Conn. This fall, I'll begin pursuing my master of science in nursing in a three-year program, with the goal of becoming a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.

The Bucknell advantage: Throughout my application process, I leaned on resources like Handshake and the Alumni Mentorship Program, where I connected with Edward McDevitt '72. We spoke weekly during the fall as I navigated an incredibly competitive graduate school application process. He helped me better understand the landscape, but more importantly, reminded me to trust my path. Meeting him in person during Homecoming brought everything full circle and made that mentorship feel especially meaningful.

Anna Ottman '26, electrical engineering major, Italian studies and physics minors

Anna Ottman '26 will be working as an electrical engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory while pursuing a master's degree. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: an electrical engineer within the Discovery Program at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, pursuing a part-time master's in electrical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. I will be part of a two-year rotational program with three eight-month assignments across the lab. My first rotation focuses on developing radar systems for the defense sector.

The Bucknell advantage: Bucknell's small size made it incredibly easy for me to find leadership opportunities, campus jobs and hands-on experiences that strengthened my resume. I worked as an app developer, a CAD modeler and served as the undergraduate executive intern to the Dean of Engineering, all of which helped me build both technical and leadership experience in meaningful ways.

Richard Perez '26, business analytics major

Richard Perez '26 will be leading and developing a team at Amazon, based in Harrisburg, Pa. Photo by Alex Steier '27

Next step: area manager at Amazon in Harrisburg, Pa. I'll lead and develop a team of 100–200 employees in a fast-paced warehouse environment focused on efficiency, safety and performance.

The Bucknell advantage: My business analytics major gave me the technical and statistical tools to think critically about operations and process improvement. Just as importantly, the Freeman College of Management and Bucknell's liberal arts foundation helped me understand how to lead people — not just manage tasks. That combination of data-driven thinking and human understanding will be key as I step into a role centered on motivating teams and driving results.

Kenneth "KJ" Scott Jr. '26, markets, innovation & design major, entrepreneurship minor

Career Search Accelerator Tony Gomez '16 (left) helped Kenneth "KJ" Scott Jr. '26, markets, innovation & design, sharpen his interview skills and boost his confidence in the job search process, ultimately supporting his hiring as a project engineer at Clark Construction Group. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

Next step: project engineer for the Clark Construction group in Washington, D.C. I'll join a team responsible for all technical and engineering aspects of construction projects. I will help lead daily coordination between clients, trade partners, engineers, architects and internal teams. The role includes planning, scheduling, predicting and managing technical tasks to ensure accuracy, proper resourcing, and quality throughout the project lifecycle. My responsibilities will also include supporting purchasing activities, preparing and reviewing submittals, helping develop and maintain project schedules, coordinating drawings, tracking material deliveries, reviewing and negotiating change proposals and assisting with project closeout documentation.

The Bucknell advantage: Bucknell helped me shift my mindset and expand my outlook on the world. Coming from an urban background with limited exposure to the corporate world, I initially found it intimidating. Through my time here, I learned the ins and outs of professional environments, strengthened my communication skills and grew my confidence. Now, when I step into these rooms, I know who I am, what I bring and how to communicate that clearly through my presentation, mindset and work ethic. I also had the benefit of working with Freeman College of Management's Career Accelerator coach, Tony Gomez '16, who helped me prepare for my job search and played an important role in landing this opportunity.

Brylee Tereska '26, biology major, health humanities minor

Brylee Tereska '26 is joining a rotational development program in vaccines manufacturing & supply at Sanofi. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: rotational development program in vaccines manufacturing & supply at Sanofi in Swiftwater, Pa. I'll rotate across production, quality and operations before transitioning into a full-time role in vaccine manufacturing.

The Bucknell advantage: At Bucknell, I learned how to think critically under pressure and apply science in real, tangible ways. My biology coursework challenged me to dig deeper into complex systems, while small class sizes and supportive faculty helped me grow into a more confident learner. My health humanities minor also pushed me to think more broadly about health care, including its social and ethical dimensions. Between academics, leadership roles and my experience as a student-athlete, I've built the discipline, teamwork and resilience I know I'll rely on in this next chapter.

Tyler Thrutchley '26, business analytics and Spanish double-major

Tyler Thrutchley '26 is joining Merrill Lynch as a wealth management client associate. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: wealth management client associate at Merrill Lynch in Charlotte, N.C. I will support a team of financial advisors by managing client relationships, onboarding new accounts and handling transactions.

The Bucknell advantage: My experience at Bucknell and the Freeman College of Management helped me build both technical skills and confidence in professional settings. Mock interviews, career fairs and advising sessions prepared me for recruiting, but just as importantly, my coursework and involvement on campus helped me grow into someone comfortable in client-facing roles.

I'm especially grateful for the mentorship I received from Bridget Tobin '22, who supported me throughout my internship experience and checked in regularly as I moved through the application process.

Julia Schaer '26, psychology major, English — creative writing and arts leadership minors

Julia Schaer ’26 teaches a Stadler Center poetry workshop to Lewisburg Area second-grade students. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

Next step: Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management Accelerator Program in Nashville, Tenn. This is a highly selective three-week experience designed to build foundational business skills and prepare students for careers in communications and brand strategy.

The Bucknell advantage: At Bucknell, I learned how to connect insight with storytelling. My psychology coursework helped me understand audience behavior, while my writing, internships and leadership experiences taught me how to turn that understanding into clear, compelling communication. From media relations to marketing projects, I've built experience in shaping narratives with purpose.

Alyssa Zimmer '26, political science major, education minor

Alyssa Zimmer '26 will be working in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office in Syracuse, N.Y., while studying for the LSAT. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

Next step: Onondaga County District Attorney's office in Syracuse, N.Y. While preparing for the LSAT and applying to law school in fall 2027, I will be working as an intern at the Onondaga County District Attorney's office. In this role, I will shadow attorneys, observe court proceedings, and work directly with case materials, gaining hands-on experience within the legal system. 

The Bucknell advantage: At Bucknell, I learned the value of understanding systems of justice and public policy, and my time here has shaped my passion for improving those systems. My political science and education courses were consistently forward-thinking, with each class engaging deeply with pressing issues in today's political landscape. More broadly, every course I took in the College of Arts & Sciences strengthened my foundation in analyzing complex systems, an interest that drives both my desire to create meaningful change and my decision to apply to law school to continue this path.

Beyond the classroom, my relationships with professors and peers helped me grow into someone who can communicate clearly and professionally in high-stakes environments. I have learned to balance intellectual rigor with empathy, which I believe is essential in the legal field.

I am incredibly grateful to Bucknell for preparing me for my next steps, and I could not imagine a better undergraduate experience to have shaped me.