Kiley Kennedy ’19 considers the world to be her classroom, but at UNH she has found a place that brings the world to her and where unique opportunities for learning in both traditional and nontraditional ways are preparing her for the future. The neuroscience and behavior major from North Waterboro, Maine is currently interning at Boston Children's Hospital as a research assistant and recently received funding from COLSA's dean's office to continue her work.
An interesting fact about Kiley? She has moved 35 times in her life so far, which makes UNH the place she’s lived the longest.
Kiley Kennedy: I am the most proud of all of the different opportunities that I have pursued here at UNH. I am someone who truly values academics, but I also believe a lot can be learned outside of the classroom. Looking back on my past four years, I am the most proud of what I have learned from immersing myself in the world rather than confining myself within classrooms.
Kennedy: I am motivated by my family and all of the love and support they have provided me with. It is with their love and support that I have had the opportunity to attend UNH and continue my education, and for that I am forever grateful and motivated to be the best and most education version of myself.
"After attending UNH for four years I can confidently say that this experience has pushed me in almost every possible way, and because of this I leave this university more educated, passionate, and driven than I imagined possible."
Kennedy: I chose neuroscience as my major because I have always been fascinated by why people behave the way they do. To me, neuroscience was what I thought would be the explanation I had long been searching for, as the brain and the nervous system control much of the human body. If I was able to understand the physical way the brain worked through the biology and neuroscience courses and could couple that with the information from psychology courses, I would be able to begin to understand the "why" behind human behavior.
Kennedy: Neuroscience sounds a lot harder than it is and because of this people initially believe it is something they could never pursue, but that is far from the truth. If neuroscience is something you are passionate or curious about than you will thrive within this program.
Kennedy: After graduation I plan on taking a gap year before applying to medical school. Whether this gap year is spent receiving a master's degree or being out in the workforce is unknown, but I am excited for this next chapter!
Kennedy: My experience at UNH has helped me grow as a person in more ways than I had ever imagined. The opportunities at this university truly are endless and through these I am prepared to face whatever it is that comes my way. After attending UNH for four years I can confidently say that this experience has pushed me in almost every possible way and because of this I leave this university more educated, passionate, and driven than I imagined possible.
Kennedy: Other than the beauty and sense of calm of the campus, what I love most about UNH are the people (professors, staff, and students) that make UNH home.
Learn more
