Editor's note: This story is part of a series profiling exceptional members of Penn State Schuylkill’s graduating class. For more stories like Walshaw's, visit Schuylkill Speaks! The series is written by Renee Paetzell, a fourth-year Penn State Schuylkill student majoring in human resources with a minor in corporate communications.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Kaely Walshaw is a determined student who enjoys teaching others. Seeing her peers succeed in their academic journeys brings her joy, she said, adding, “Being a leader at Penn State Schuylkill has guided me towards uplifting others and motivating those around me to reach their potential.”
An active student, Walshaw serves as the president of Tri-Beta for two years, a member of Chi Alpha Sigma (the National College Athlete Honor Society), and the captain of the softball team for three years. These activities have helped her grow as a leader, she said.
One of the challenges Walshaw said she faced upon entering college was balancing her love for softball with her academic responsibilities. Choosing to play softball allowed her to build meaningful connections with her teammates and expand her social circle.
“It also taught me discipline and accountability, which carry over into my academics," she said. "Softball is a great stress reducer as well. Being on the field for practices and games gives me an escape from stressors. It is truly a time just to have fun and be with friends.”
Beyond athletics, Walshaw also has been involved in research at Penn State Schuylkill. She worked on two projects: the first with Professor Lee Silverberg in organic chemistry, where they synthesized organic heterocycles with sulfur and nitrogen atoms in their central ring over two semesters. The second project, with Associate Professor Lucas Redmond, focused on ornithology, examining how weather influenced the body condition of songbirds during fall migration.
Walshaw’s passion for learning and leadership has led her to significant opportunities. With guidance from Pre-Health advisers at University Park, she participated in the 2024 Primary Care Scholars Program at Penn State Hershey Medical School.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I was able to shadow a local orthopedic surgeon with the help of advisors on campus. In addition to these activities, I spent my time over the summers working as a medical assistant in a rural primary care doctor’s office. All of these experiences solidified my passion to become a physician and motivated me to succeed academically.”
Walshaw said she credits her success to the dedicated faculty at Penn State Schuylkill.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the extraordinary help of the biology faculty. I would like to thank Assistant Professor Sarah Princiotta, Associate Professor Lucas Redmond, and Associate Professor Brenna Traver for never giving up on me and always believing in me," she said. "All of the faculty members at Penn State Schuylkill are exceptional and always willing to help students. The caring nature of the faculty here at Penn State Schuylkill is one of the reasons why I love this campus.”
As she prepares for the next chapter of her journey, Walshaw said she is reflecting on what she will miss most — spending time with friends in the apartment buildings and seeing faculty members and classmates every day. Her advice to incoming students is to stay focused on their goals.
“You will have some difficulties, but as long as you continue moving in the direction of your goals there is nothing you can’t accomplish," she said. "Get involved in activities on campus as you will meet a lot of great people and form lasting memories.”
Q: Why did you choose Penn State Schuylkill?
Walshaw: I chose Penn State Schuylkill because I loved the small community feel of the campus and the amazing biology program. Penn State Schuylkill also gave me the opportunity to continue playing softball, join a variety of clubs, and participate in research projects.
Q: Why did you choose your major, and what was the most memorable part of the program for you?
Walshaw: When I was two years old, one of my family members was killed trying to assist a stranger after a car accident. Although I was too young to remember, it was his bravery and kindness that motivated me to pursue a career as a physician. This motivator in combination with my love for human anatomy, is why I chose to major in biology. The most memorable part of the program for me was working hard to succeed in some of the harder classes. It took a lot of dedication but was truly rewarding as it gave me confidence that I could overcome anything.
Q: Outside of academics, what was the most valuable lesson you learned?
Walshaw: Outside of academics, the most valuable lesson that I learned was how to cope with hardships and live independently. I learned to channel my stress into things like softball and lean on friends when I needed support. Living on campus taught me important skills like buying groceries, cooking, doing laundry, and many other things. These skills will carry over into my future and help me succeed in post-graduation.