News about Brewing & Fermentation Science

Penn College’s unique associate degree in brewing and fermentation science, one of the few programs recognized by the Master Brewers Association of America, prepares students for a variety of rewarding careers in the growing brewing industry. The hands-on program is led by master brewer Timothy L. Yarrington, who has more than 25 years of industry experience. “I want to have some influence on the next generation of brewers and make sure that we never lose that pleasure and that joy of the hard work of learning and the discipline of brewing,” Yarrington affirms in a video added to the college’s YouTube channel. “It’s special, for sure.” One member of that new generation is Eric J. Tuller, a brewing and fermentation student from Montoursville, who has high praise for his academic mentor: He’s “not a guy who’s just sat and learned everything from books without ever pursuing it,” Tuller says of Yarrington. “He’s actually out there in the field doing it. His knowledge has a lot more weight than someone who’s just reading up on it.”

Penn College and its brewing and fermentation science major were well-represented Tuesday in Harrisburg, where faculty and an administrator attended a “Tapping Into Pennsylvania’s Beer Industry” event at the Governor’s Mansion. Among those on hand were several employees instrumental in development of the two-year degree, including D. Robert Cooley, associate professor of anthropology/environmental science; Justin M. Ingram, assistant professor of biology; and David R. Richards, professor of physics. “The experience provided us the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, share insight about our program and discuss internship opportunities,” said Michael J. Reed, dean of sciences, humanities and visual communications, who accompanied faculty members and provided the photos. The group watched the “Poured in PA” documentary, which outlines the opportunities and challenges associated with the multibillion-dollar craft beer industry. The film includes a pre-Penn College segment about Timothy L. Yarrington, a professional brewmaster, highlighting the importance of education and high standards within the field. (Yarrington, an instructor of brewing and fermentation science at the college, was unable to attend the event.)

Penn College’s brewing and fermentation science major was again featured at Saturday’s Billtown Brewfest in Pine Square, organized by the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau and the Brickyard Restaurant & Ale House in celebration of craft beers. The second annual event offered two three-hour tastings from among an impressive range of regional brewers, and included musical entertainment on the stage outside Trade & Transit Centre II.

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“Poured in Pennsylvania,” a documentary that explores the commonwealth’s thriving craft beer industry, will be screened Friday, July 27 – the eve of The Billtown Brewfest in downtown Williamsport. The film features Timothy L. Yarrington, instructor of brewing and fermentation science at Penn College, and is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. in the Michael Ross Center at Trade & Transit Centre II (144 W. Third St.). From America’s oldest brewery to taprooms popping up in small towns, GK Visual’s film follows Pennsylvania’s storied beer past, delves into recent growth and aims to capture the full tale of the beer industry in The Keystone State. Filmed throughout 2017 from Philadelphia to Erie, “Poured in Pennsylvania” visits breweries old and new, large and small … and a few that are still on the path to opening. Sponsored by the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau, Penn College and Straub Brewery, the free showing is limited to the first 240 people who register online. Penn College will staff a table at the Pine Square event from noon-7 p.m. Saturday, July 28, greeting alumni and sharing information about the college and its brewing and fermentation science major. Using the “PCTBrewfest” code when registering will reduce the ticket to $30 ($10 off).

The Master Brewers Association of the Americas has recognized Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing and fermentation science degree as one of only 12 approved programs – and the only approved program in the U.S. Northeast.

Established in 1887, MBAA is a nonprofit, professional, scientific organization dedicated to advancing brewing, fermentation and related industries. A globally recognized authority on brewing, the international association has more than 4,000 members in over 50 countries.

“The Master Brewers Association of the Americas is the standard bearer for the ‘success through knowledge’ foundation on which we have built Penn College’s brewing and fermentation science program,” said Timothy L. Yarrington, instructor of brewing and fermentation science. “It is extremely gratifying to have our efforts validated by such a venerable and esteemed association of professional brewers and brewing scientists. As we continue to grow and develop this program, I look forward to helping ensure that our work aligns with the MBAA’s high standards.”

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A visit to America’s oldest brewery was on tap for brewing and fermentation science students on Wednesday. Along with their instructor, Tim Yarrington, the students received an in-depth tour of D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. in Pottsville. John Callahan, Pennsylvania brewing manager for Yuengling, gave the Penn College contingent an inside look at the plant’s modern operation and historical artifacts. Students on the tour were Luke H. Brown, of Beaver; Ian M. Miller, of Williamsport; Ryan J. Hampton, of Williamsport; and Eric J. Tuller, of Montoursville.
Photos by Tom Speicher, writer/video editor

From the Spring 2018 Penn College Magazine: Nationally recognized brewing expert Tim Yarrington teaches the modern science of an age-old craft in the college’s brewing and fermentation science major. Read “Brewing: Seriously Sciency.”

Penn College’s two-year brewing and fermentation science major, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, attracted the attention of Newswatch 16 on Friday. The ABC affiliate’s Kristina Papa visited the School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications for a talk with students Ryan J. Hampton, of Williamsport, and William B. Ernst-Wingfield, of Picture Rocks; as well as Timothy L. Yarrington, instructor of brewing and fermentation science. The segment premiered during WNEP’s 5 p.m. newscast.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors will soon flock to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center to celebrate the commonwealth’s leading industry, and Pennsylvania College of Technology students and employees will be on hand for an interactive peek into the real-world applications of “degrees that work.”

“A beloved tradition of Penn College, the Pennsylvania Farm Show continues to be the highlight of the new year. During the weeklong festivities, members of Admissions, Alumni Relations and Academic Affairs bring Penn College to Harrisburg and showcase all of the amazing opportunities that await students on campus,” said Claire Z. Biggs, coordinator of admissions events and services. “Through our interactive and hands-on activities, we hope that friends of the college will come to learn what makes applied technology education so special.”

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A collaboration of art and science has crafted a logo for the new brewing and fermentation science degree at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

The logo, designed by Morgan N. Keyser, of Dillsburg, a 2017 graduate of the college’s graphic design major, is being used on various materials, including glassware promoting the brewing and fermentation science associate degree major that launched for the Fall 2017 semester.

“I thought this was a great example of interdepartmental program synergy,” said Timothy L. Yarrington, instructor of brewing and fermentation science. “Branding can be the key to success in the brewing industry.”

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Pennsylvania College of Technology’s new brewing and fermentation science degree was highlighted at the Billtown Brewfest on Saturday. Held in downtown Williamsport at Midtown Landing, an area behind Trade and Transit Centre II, the festival featured 30 craft breweries offering tastings. Representatives from the college’s Admissions, Alumni Relations and Corporate Relations offices were on hand for the event, answering questions about the new major and greeting alumni in attendance. Also participating was Timothy L. Yarrington, instructor of brewing and fermentation science and an award-winning brewmaster, who visited with fellow brewers and promoted Penn College’s academic entry into the industry. “I thought it was a great event in a great location,” Yarrington said. “It was good to see so many of my brewing peers here in Williamsport and be able to taste so many great products. I enjoyed catching up with some old friends and also making some new ones. I look forward to this becoming an annual Williamsport tradition.” Organized by the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau and Brickyard Restaurant & Ale House, the celebration of craft beers offered two three-hour tastings and featured entertainment by two local bands – The No Maddz and The Family Ties. Penn College’s brewing and fermentation science degree begins this fall.

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Penn College’s new brewing and fermentation science degree has attracted the interest of a number of media outlets. WBRE’s Cody Butler visited the lab in the Hager Lifelong Education Center on Monday, interviewing brewmaster Timothy L. Yarrington – instructor for the two-year major that begins this fall – and Michael J. Reed, dean of sciences, humanities and visual communications. Butler’s report, pre-empted by storm coverage earlier this week, aired Thursday night. Another story, joining several that have cropped up recently in regional newspapers, was published this week by WITF, which provides public television and radio programming for 17 counties in central Pennsylvania.

The blending of design and science was evident as graphic design students recently shared their branding campaigns for Penn College’s new brewing and fermentation science degree. As a component of last semester’s Corporate Identity course (ART410) taught by Nicholas L. Stephenson, instructor of graphic design, students developed branding for the new major. The work of four students was selected to be presented to faculty and administrators tasked with launching the brewing and fermentation science degree. Senior graphic design students participating in the presentations were Ainsley R. Bennett, of Montoursville; Morgan N. Keyser, of Dillsburg; Andrea L. Neff, of Trout Run, and Eliza R. Whyman, of Williamsport. “The level of quality and creativity in these presentations was a true inspiration,” said Justin M. Ingram, assistant professor of biology. “Each presentation gave a unique perspective on branding, and the client committee identified aspects from all presentations we would like to incorporate.” The major will begin this fall.

In launching its new brewing and fermentation science degree, Pennsylvania College of Technology has enlisted the expertise of acclaimed brewmaster Timothy L. Yarrington.

The Spring Mills resident will serve as an instructor for the new major, which begins in Fall 2017. Yarrington, along with other faculty and administrators in the college’s School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications, is working to establish the industry-standard instructional space, located in the Hager Lifelong Education Center.

Yarrington is recognized in brewing circles as a national award-winning brewer, as well as an expert on brewery construction and operations.

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Students enrolled in natural sciences courses at Pennsylvania College of Technology will benefit from a recent donation of a PeakSimple 2000 gas chromatograph by Al Silkroski, president and chief executive officer of Hilltop Enterprises, based in West Chester.

“The gas chromatograph is an essential piece of equipment that separates, identifies and quantifies a wide variety of organic chemicals in a mixture,” said Justin M. Ingram, assistant professor of biology. “This GC gives our organic chemistry students hands-on experience with a sophisticated instrument found in many different types of industries, and allows students to monitor their chemical reactions and check the purity of their products.”

The equipment will also be used in science courses required for the college’s new associate degree in brewing and fermentation science, which officially launches in Fall 2017.

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