About Us
In addition to facilitating experiences abroad for College of Engineering students, the Center for Global Engineering Engagement is working to internationalize the College and foster global institutional collaborations.
We aspire to create an environment that embraces the values of global engagement, where access to international exposure and opportunities to develop cross-cultural competence are pervasive. We believe all Penn State engineering students can become globally engaged.
Patrick Tunno, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Global Engineering Engagement
Associate Teaching Professor, Global Engineering Engagement
Associate Teaching Professor of Italian (Courtesy Appointment)
pjt130@psu.edu
814-863-1654
Since 2016, Patrick has served on the College of Engineering faculty as the inaugural director of global engineering engagement. He has overseen and continues to lead the development and expansion of diverse international initiatives. Under his leadership, the college has established an award-winning Global Engineering Fellows Program, launched Penn State’s first 3+1+1 program for international students to pursue a one-year master’s degree, and initiated new interdisciplinary faculty-led study abroad programs. In addition, he has helped the college secure multiple grants, including a 100,000 Strong in the Americas award, supported by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Peru, and CAF-Development Bank.
Tunno started his career in Washington, D.C., as a legislative aide specializing on Foreign Affairs and Senate Judiciary Committee issues for a U.S. senator. From 2008-2014, he served as a Penn State Italian Department faculty member, where he directed multiple summer study abroad programs, taught a variety of Italian language classes, as well as developed and instructed courses focused on Italian for business and study abroad. Tunno’s faculty career includes a stint with Virginia Tech’s honors program, during which he was responsible for the Presidential Global Scholars Program and spent the semester in Switzerland mentoring a cohort of honors students. Tunno is also an associate teaching professor of global engineering engagement and holds a courtesy appointment as an associate teaching professor of Italian.
He earned a bachelor of science in management and a bachelor of arts in Italian language and literature from Penn State. As part of his undergraduate education, he studied in Milan, Italy, and gained professional experience at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Italia. At Milan’s SDA Bocconi University, he earned a master of business administration, with a concentration in corporate finance and international strategy. Tunno earned a Ph.D. from Penn State in workforce education and development, with research interests in the development of global competencies and the impact of intercultural experiences. He is a regular speaker at conferences and events on these topics.
Angela Rothrock, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Center for Global Engineering Engagement
arb184@psu.edu
814-863-9899
Angela Rothrock, associate director for Global Engineering Engagement, has extensive experience with faculty-led global education initiatives. It is her goal to build on the success of the Global Engineering Engagement office by enhancing existing programs while developing new opportunities for engaged scholarship and research. To this end, Rothrock aims to increase accessibility for students, develop programs that promote UN Goals for Sustainable Development, and enhance faculty participation in global education.
Rothrock earned a doctorate in educational theory and policy and master of education in college student affairs at Penn State. Before joining the College of Engineering, she held teaching faculty appointments with Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture and Health and Human Development. Rothrock’s previous teaching has focused upon art, cultural activism, and sustainable practices.
Sara Elin Kuhlman, M.P.S.
Coordinator of International Experiences, Center for Global Engineering Engagement
sxa473@psu.edu
814-863-9899
Sara Kuhlman, coordinator of international experiences, aims to increase access to international education, ensuring that every engineering student receives the career, educational, and personal benefits of a study abroad experience.
Kuhlman earned a master of professional studies in psychology of leadership from Penn State and a bachelor's degree in global studies from North Park University. As part of her education, Kuhlman studied in Jönköping, Sweden. After graduation, she moved to South Korea where she worked as an English teacher for grades K-12 in Gwangju. Before joining the College of Engineering, Kuhlman spent several years as an academic adviser.
Alexandra Faille
Hubert Humphrey Fellow, 2024-25
Global Engineering Engagement, Professional Affiliation
Alexandra Faille is a senior specialist in international affairs for the School of Design at Instituto Profesional Duoc UC and Academic Director of Chile Diseño. Leading international quality assurance, study abroad programs, and international funding, Alexandra has built strategic partnerships with renowned academic and professional organizations. Her commitment to fostering collaborative initiatives and community engagement has strengthened the school's and Chilean design reputation both locally and internationally. Alexandra holds a bachelor’s degree in Design from Universidad Católica de Chile and a master's degree in International Affairs from Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. As a Hubert Humphrey Fellow, she is committed to advancing the internationalization of higher education, emphasizing the development of intercultural competencies, global belonging, and involvement. She believes that these essential skills will empower students to explore diverse career paths and make a meaningful impact on the world.
