Student Spotlight: Kaitlyn Folsom ’24

The Student Spotlight Series is a new feature to highlight Saint Michael’s students’ lives in all corners of campus. Students’ answers have been lightly edited for style and clarity. 

Kaitlyn Folsom ’24 is from Meredith, NH, and is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Philosophy and Ethics and Health Equity.  

What brought you to Saint Michael’s College?  

Family friends influenced me in high school to send in an application to Saint Michael’s College. I had heard wonderful stories about the academics and student life/atmosphere, and it seemed like such a secure decision. Additionally, I was enamored by the Neuroscience program and its accomplishments in the research world. The Neuroscience program offered so many opportunities in undergrad to set up students for success. I am incredibly thankful for this college and the people here for making me who I am today. 

Kaitlyn Folsom ’24 (Courtesy photo)

Where do people see you on campus? (What are you involved in? How do you spend your time?)   

I am the Vice-President and Social Media Manager of SDAA (Student Disability Advocacy Alliance), a resident assistant (of 3 years!) in Cronogue, and a team leader of Professor Weaver and Professor Ruth Fabian-Fine’s research group. If I’m not on duty in the Canterbury staff office, I’m probably doing homework in the SDAA space and/or taking care of the spiders in Cheray! 

What is your favorite thing about the academic experience at St. Mike’s?  

My favorite thing about the academic experience here at Saint Michael’s is the real, meaningful, and close relationships made with peers and faculty. I have made such wonderful friends in these small, tight-knit classes with my fellow peers and professors. The small class sizes really allow for hands-on, beneficial learning and furthering an understanding of how it’s applied in a professional setting. My academic experience here at Saint Michael’s has opened many doors for new opportunities and has made my last four years on campus incredibly enriching.  

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?  

My absolute favorite thing to do on campus is research with Professor Fabian-Fine and Professor Weaver. I have gained so much hands-on experience with different tools like the vibratome and confocal microscope and a further understanding of what I love— the brain! I enjoy tending to the American wandering spiders, or “Cupiennius salei,” and spending most of my time in St. Mike’s science building, Cheray Hall.

How are you hoping your St. Mike’s education will prepare you for the future? (Do you have after-graduation plans?)  

I have grown tremendously these past four years here at St. Mike’s. Saint Michael’s College has presented me with so many unique experiences and opportunities that I might not have received in any other place. I am thrilled to share that I will be returning to this lovely campus in the fall. I will be attending Saint Michael’s College’s Clinical-Counseling Psychology Program to complete my Master’s in Clinical-Counseling Psychology. I owe a tremendous thank you to my peers and professors for making my undergraduate experience so wonderful and rewarding.