Dr. M. Kathleen Pitirri, who was a post-doctoral scholar in the Skeletal Morphogenetics Analysis Laboratory in the Department of Anthropology at Penn State from 2018 to 2022, died on Sept 19, 2022, after a valiant fight with cancer. Kathy was a post doc, mother, hiker, sister, sports-enthusiast, scientist, world-traveler, daughter, esteemed colleague, coffee connoisseur, and friend extraordinaire. Kathy lived a life of kindness and compassion, and it is in that spirit that we have established the M. Kathleen Pitirri Pinch Point Fund, otherwise known as the P3 fund.
The P3 fund was created to assist graduate students and post-doctoral scholars in the Department of Anthropology at Penn State as they pursue their scientific passion. The endowment is targeted at easing the burden of those who encounter expenses, hardships, or emergencies that become roadblocks to educational progress by providing emergency financial help needed to stay in pursuit of their scientific goals.
The P3 fund can be used to cover expenses for reasons that may include, but are not limited to: problems of food security; travel related to a family emergency; medical, mental health and well-being, or dental costs not fully covered by insurance; abrupt changes in housing circumstances; groceries; car repairs; etc. Funds are not intended to provide student awards and/or scholarships, nor can they be used to support costs associated with research.
To apply, simply complete the form that can be found here. Although applications cannot be totally anonymous, we strive to make these small gifts in confidence.
