The media spotlight on Penn College’s expanded welding lab shone brightly – and nationally – this week, attracting a visit from Philadelphia-based FOX News reporter Katie Byrne. The multimedia journalist spent much of Tuesday morning in the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center, talking with students and administration from the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies. She also captured considerable video footage of the enhanced instructional space, resulting in online and broadcast versions of her story. The latter was distributed to FOX affiliates throughout the country, airing on Byrne’s home station (FOX29) Friday evening and during weekend newscasts on the FOX News cable network.

– Photos by Tom Speicher, writer/video producer

Byrne shares a moment with Franchesca C. Ybarra, of Hood River, Ore., one of 64 Penn College welding students from outside Pennsylvania.

Checking out the operation of one of the college’s robotic welders

Byrne converses with Alexander W. Bibber, of Linden.

The journalist tells viewers that Penn College welding students have to complete a minimum of 144 hours of hands-on lab experience.

Interviewing Natalie J. Rhoades, of Weedville

The story will air on newscasts of FOX affiliates across the country and appears on the FOX News website.

Byrne gets up close to watch Ybarra and Rhoades weld.

Learning about the Penn College welding program from Bradley M. Webb, dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies

The college is believed to be the only school in North America with an electron beam welder.