Hornberger regularly discusses opportunities and resources available through the University and the community to help startup and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia region develop their projects.
Magers, for example, is designing and building a prototype microphone that will allow classroom discussions to be processed through closed captioning software, thus enhancing accessibility. He is working with Abington engineering faculty and the LaunchBox to develop it as part of an undergraduate research (ACURA) project.
He has gained invaluable experience through his involvement with Hornberger and the Abington LaunchBox.
“I’ve learned that it’s best to simply act and make things happen. It can be tempting to try and get everything right before starting a project. However, if you just start creating, you’ll be way ahead in both output and experience,” Magers said.
Since transferring to Abington, Magers has started a club, helped design an entrepreneurship curriculum, and initiated designing a product.
“Working with Peter has made me realize that I can accomplish a lot more than I thought I could. He’s made many opportunities possible for me, from case competitions to an embedded program in Germany. When a student worker position in the Abington LaunchBox opened up, I knew it would be a great chance to apply my course work to a professional environment,” Magers said.
“I plan to incorporate the lessons that made these achievements possible into my life and any future entrepreneurial endeavors,” he added.
About the Abington LaunchBox
As part of the Invent Penn State initiative, the Abington LaunchBox at Penn State Abington offers support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia region. No affiliation with Penn State is required to utilize its expertise. Many of the services available to startups and early-stage entrepreneurs are available at no cost.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,000 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 24 majors, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.