Penn State Scranton's Mechanical Engineering student marshal, Zackery Gray
DUNMORE, Pa. – Penn State Scranton is highlighting the campus' student marshals who will lead their fellow graduates during the 57th commencement ceremony procession on May 10 at The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. In this series, we will feature students selected as marshals for their academic programs. Join us as we explore their academic journeys, insights and advice for future students.
Student Marshal: Zackery Gray
Major: Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: Getting a full-time job at PSA Systems, my current internship, and becoming financially stable and possibly pursuing a master's degree.
Q: What was your favorite memory at Penn State Scranton?
A: Creating a class wide friend group that always assists, works and enjoys each other's company. My engineering class is one entire large group of students, leaders and talent.
Q: What was your favorite learning experience?
A: CAS 100 allowed us to choose the topics for our own speeches in an open-forum discussion type course that showcased how to properly give a presentation and speech. This course has been integral for many other Engineering courses as presenting projects is often the status quo.
Q: What experience prepared you the most for what is next?
A: Having a multitude of work, projects and assignments due consistently yet always managing to get them finished with utmost care. The sheer amount of work that comes from the Mechanical Engineering program has prepared me for any career I may have.
Q: Who at Penn State Scranton has supported you and how?
A: Associate Professor of Mathematics Bagisa Mukherjee nominated me for the Tabatabaie Family Math and Science Award, which I earned through the support of Mukherjee in 2023.
Assistant Professor of Engineering Majid Chatsaz and adviser for the Engineering Club allowed me to serve as vice president of the club and access the campus's classrooms for meetings, obtained funding for the club, supported the club's efforts even through his busy schedule, and nominated me for the Patrick J. Rose Award in Spring 2025.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Farhang Daneshmand brought to my attention the internship opportunity at PSA systems in Spring 2024, recommended master programs to me, and nominated and supported me to earn the Tabatabaie Family Math and Science Award in 2025.
All three professors are always welcoming and open to help with any matter I have had during my time learning their courses and throughout my time in the engineering program.
Q: Do you have any advice for incoming students beginning their Penn State journey?
A: Once something is due, do it because you never know how fast things will pile up under negligence.
Meet the Marshal series
Stay tuned for as we continue to highlight our student marshals for their outstanding accomplishments. Each individual represents the dedication, talent and spirit of excellence that define the Penn State Scranton community.
