Medical simulation startup uses robotics to train for better patient outcomes
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Three “Dynamic Haptic Robotic Trainer” systems lined up and ready to train medical residents at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Photo: Provided. Engineers are naturally problem solvers and, as such, are often pioneers of innovation. Those who choose to become professors don’t always stop inventing. Take the case of Scarlett […]
Giving first responders next-gen solutions to today’s emergencies
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger ERTCA partner TECHLINE Technologies demonstrates methods for applying a loss-of-limb tourniquet at ERTCA event in Bradford County, PA. Photo: Provided. Eric Porterfield, CEO of the Emergency Response Training and Certification Association (ERTCA), a nonprofit housed at Innovation Park, credits a grant from the Ben Franklin Technology Center for helping him jumpstart his […]
Phospholutions founder honored for social impact in Forbes 30 Under 30
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Photo: Provided. President and CEO of Phospholutions Hunter Swisher was just named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for the social impact of his work to create a more sustainable future for agriculture by enhancing the efficiency of phosphorus fertilizers. During his time as an undergraduate at Penn State, Swisher learned about phosphorus-enhancing […]
Request, respond, record: How Mission Critical Partners is there during every step of an emergency
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger A Mission Critical Partners employee provides assistance during a time-critical incident. Photo: Provided. Mission Critical Partners began with just three people: Kevin Murray, Brian Bark and Len Kowalski, working in makeshift offices above their garage and in their basements. Today, the company is known as the top public safety, courts consulting advisory […]
Sustainability pioneer EnergyCAP started in Happy Valley 40 years ago. Why they are choosing to stay here, and what’s next.
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger “The EnergyCAP Team shares information on their business at an industry tradeshow.” EnergyCAP became a pioneer in energy and sustainability enterprise resource planning (ERP) software before energy conservation was high on everyone’s radar and while PCs were in their infancy. The company was created to help users track their energy usage, and […]
“Striving to be a lightning rod” in region underserved by capital resources
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Matt and Edan Rhodes. Photo: Provided. Matt Rhodes, managing director of Happy Valley’s 1855 Capital, has been deeply involved in the tech world over the years. The businessman graduated from Penn State in 1979 with a degree in physics, before earning a master’s in electrical engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA […]
Helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger The HVVC Team. Photo: Provided. Happy Valley Venture Capital (HVVC) describes Penn State’s entrepreneurial landscape as a “crowded forest, with tall educational programs and flourishing support initiatives.” The organization finds its purpose in paving the paths through that forest. Since its inception in 2017, HVVC has been bringing students together to foster […]
Identifying small problems before they turn big
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger (Left to right) Bruce Pellegrino, VP Marketing; Jim Barshinger, CTO; and Jeff Anderson, President/GM; Photo: Provided. Happy Valley-based Sensor Networks Inc. is helping companies protect their assets by equipping them with products that identify small problems before they turn into large ones. The company was born from a relationship between two coworkers, […]
The Make Space of Centre County promotes self-sufficiency and creativity
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger A Make Space member uses a table saw for a project. Photo: The Make Space of Centre County. As technology advances, creative individuals can, too — that is, if they’re provided with the resources to take their ideas from concept to reality. That’s the thought behind The Make Space of Centre County. […]
