For Joanna Lian, a senior genetics and developmental biology major at Penn State Berks, a passion for women’s and children’s health extends far beyond the classroom.
As a member of the Penn State Berks Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program, Lian has combined her academic interests with community service through her work with Safe Berks, a nonprofit organization in Reading, Pa. that provides shelter, advocacy and support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
After graduation, Lian plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. The college’s Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program, which prepares outstanding students to become engaged and ethical leaders, provided her with an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Working with her mentor, Cheryl Nicholas, Lian explored several nonprofit partnerships before connecting with Safe Berks.
She first became involved with Safe Berks during her sophomore year when she created welcome bags for clients. Her commitment soon expanded into additional initiatives. When Camp Safe Berks, a teen leadership program focused on ending violence, was hosted at Penn State Berks, Lian provided sensory items, including fidget pens, for participants with the words ‘Safe Kids’ on them. Later, Safe Kids grew into an official program, and Lian now serves as its developer.
Along the way, Lian discovered the extensive network of support connecting Safe Berks and Penn State Berks. “I was surprised by how many people on campus were already involved with Safe Berks,” she stated.
Lian helped coordinate a speaker series and professional development opportunities for Safe Berks staff, provided by Penn State Berks faculty. Eric Lindsey, professor and program chair of psychology, gave a presentation on recognizing signs of domestic abuse. Brett Spencer, reference and instructional librarian, introduced sensory kits and demonstrated how they can support clients. In addition, Todd Migliaccio, vice chancellor and chief academic officer, serves on the Safe Berks Board of Directors.
She commented that she was equally surprised by the support she received from Safe Berks throughout her own academic and volunteer journey.
In September, Lian helped bring the Safe Berks Silent Witness Project to Penn State Berks. The traveling exhibit serves as a visual memorial to individuals who lost their lives to domestic violence in Berks County. The display features life-sized red silhouettes representing women, men, children and pets, each accompanied by a gold shield sharing the victim’s story.
Lian also participated in the Safe Berks Silent Witness Walk on Oct. 13, 2026, further raising awareness of domestic violence and its impact on the community.
As she looks ahead to graduation, Lian is focused on ensuring the sustainability of the inroads she has helped build between Penn State Berks and Safe Berks. She plans to pass her service initiatives with Safe Berks to another Cohen-Hammel Fellow and to create a volunteer handbook to guide future student involvement.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Lian commented that she chose Penn State Berks because of her love for the Northeast and the opportunity to earn a Penn State degree.
Beyond her work as a Cohen-Hammel Fellow, Lian is actively involved in campus leadership, serving as past president and current adviser to the Pre-Health Society, treasurer of DiscipleMakers, secretary of the Asian Culture Club, and secretary of the Student Government Association. She also conducts research with Maureen Dunbar, associate professor and program chair of biology, studying the effects of alcohol on various breast cancer cells.
Reflecting on her experience, Lian said the Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program has provided both meaningful opportunities for community service and a strong network of support among fellow student participants and faculty.
For more information on the Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program, visit the website or contact Nathan Greenauer, program coordinator of the Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program and associate professor of psychology, at NMG12@psu.edu.
