Symposium on Inclusive Excellence

Co-chair of Business & Economics, Assistant Professor of Economics

Dr. Bhattacharjee (or Dr. B) joined Lebanon Valley College after previously teaching at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, and the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire. Originally from Kolkata, India, she moved to the United States approximately ten years ago to begin her academic journey as a graduate student in economics.

Dr. B earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Calcutta in Kolkata, India. She then pursued advanced graduate training in the United States, earning a second master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of New Hampshire. Her academic and professional experiences across countries have shaped her global perspective on economic issues and her own life.

Her research interests span environmental economics, gender economics, labor economics, and international economics, with a particular focus on policy-relevant questions and real-world applications. She is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students, emphasizing critical thinking, data-driven analysis, and the application of economic theory to contemporary social and environmental challenges.

Exercise Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy Student

Shelly is a third-year Exercise Science major in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a minor in Applied Spanish for Healthcare Professionals. She is actively involved on campus as a Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, Valley Blue Coat, Peer Tutor, Writing Mentor, Footloose Line Dance Club Treasurer, and member of the Handbell Choir, Honors Program, LVC FBLA Collegiate Chapter, and several other clubs. Off campus, Shelly is involved in the Four Diamonds Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) Council, where she helps to create goals and action plans to steer programming for Penn State Health Pediatric Oncology patients. Shelly also serves as a counselor for Camp Can Do, an oncology camp, and has recently joined Penn State College of Medicine’s Oncology, Nutrition, and Exercise (ONE) Group as an intern. She studied abroad this past summer in Costa Rica.

Shelly’s passion for the field of physical therapy and oncology rehabilitation is formed through her journey through and following Ewing Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, at the age of 8. She credits her own physical therapists for helping her pursue a second chance at an active life through learning to walk with a prosthetic foot, and she believes physical activity can empower cancer patients and survivors in meaningful ways. Cancer reshaped her perspective, teaching her deeper compassion and the value of a strong support network. Shelly’s love for people and learning strengthens her desire to help others just as her physical therapists have helped her.

Shelly finds joy reading, exercising, hiking, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with family, especially her twin sister and best friend, Kelly. She is always ready for a conversation and embraces each opportunity to share her experiences with others.

Community Organizer & Event Planner, OnePA

Tyler Hartl is a 2024 graduate of LVC and now a community organizer and event planner with OnePA. From athletics to study abroad to multiple majors, Tyler made the most of his time at LVC. He began his studies as a Business Administration major, later adding majors in International Business and Marketing, as well as a French concentration. Outside the classroom, Tyler represented the Dutchman on the football field, served as Resident Assistant, and studied abroad in the Netherlands and Canada. 

Today, his focus is on base building and creating relationships within the city of Harrisburg and Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. These efforts are focused on supporting a grassroots movement centered on people’s power through voter education, combating political disillusionment, and fostering leadership development. In his free time, he enjoys continuing to organize for different causes, the process of language learning, experiencing cultural immersion, and engaging in various creative outlets and entrepreneurship.