SCRANTON, PA — Melania Pena of Milford is among the 13 members of the University of Scranton's class of 2027 who entered its Magis Honors Program in STEM. 

One of Scranton's five programs of excellence, the Magis Honors program combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programming to further the students' understanding of the impact science has on society.

Pena is majoring in computer science.

The program offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at the University of Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. 

With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. 

In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.

Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Biology Department, serves as the director of the program.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeast Pennsylvania.