Graduating Psychology Major Reflects on a Life-Changing Four Years as a Charger

For Kelsey Ann McDonnell ’25, choosing the University of New Haven was more than just selecting a college—it was the beginning of a transformational journey. Over the past four years, she’s found her passion in psychological research, built lifelong friendships, and traveled across the globe, all while becoming a leader and advocate for others.

Now as she is preparing to pursue her master’s at the University of Edinburgh, Kelsy looks back with gratitude on the experiences that shaped her.

Coming to the University of New Haven and being a Charger was the best decision I could have made for my professional and personal life! During the past four years, I have been able to seek out so many amazing opportunities in psychology. After the exceptional faculty at the University helped me discover my passion for psychological research, I started doing research at the Yale Child Study Center, the Community-Oriented Research and Evaluation Lab, and the Cognition Lab.

Through these experiences, I was able to contribute to multiple manuscripts that were in the process of being published, including a meta-analysis on irritability and suicidal behaviors. Thanks to these fantastic opportunities, I was able to start my own faculty-led research project, working with Melissa L. Whitson, Ph.D., on examining adverse childhood experiences, and being able to present my findings at multiple conferences.

Beyond the research, I have studied abroad twice as a Charger and became president of the Psychology Club. Studying abroad was extraordinary and made me a better student and person. I studied at the University’s Prato Campus in Tuscany, Italy, and in Poland. These were transformative experiences. Since studying abroad, I have worked in the Office of Study Abroad and have been able to help many students follow their dreams of studying internationally.

My time as president of the Psychology Club allowed me to take on a leadership position on campus, develop amazing friendships, and organize fun events centered around psychology.

The University of New Haven helped me so much in furthering my career and becoming the best version of myself. The best part of my time here was the friendships I made. I met my best friends at the University, and they are genuinely the best people I have ever met. The number of fun memories, both on main campus and from studying abroad together, are memories that I will always hold close to my heart.

These past four years at the University of New Haven have been irreplaceable. Still, I am excited to start my next journey as an MSc candidate at the University of Edinburgh this Fall, studying developmental science, which combines neuroscience and psychology. As the first person in my family to ever attend college, I never imagined what the future could hold, but I am so grateful that I chose to attend the University of New Haven. My time here has been filled with phenomenal opportunities, meaningful friendships, and the best memories.