Paying It Forward Through Mentorship: Dr. Kelsey Gray ‘20

Dr. Kelsey Gray ’20 attributes his successes to Arcadia University for providing an environment to where he could develop as a person and create the ultimate vision for his life. He enrolled in Arcadia’s combined five-year (3+2) Engineering Program with Columbia University in the City of New York.

“Without Arcadia, Columbia University would not have been attainable,” Dr. Gray remarked. “I never experienced mentorship before Glenside’s campus… I would not have had a single ounce of success without Arcadia’s direction.”

Arcadia was the foundation, providing the tools to cultivate his dreams through the advocacy and support of not only his professors but also the entire Mathematics department.

“Dr. Carlos Ortiz and Dr. Tatjana Miletic were those mentors for me,” recalled Dr. Gray. “Their care helped me realize both the impact and power of teachers as well as their ability to change the world around them.” He continues, “My professors were there for me, giving me the grace I needed when I fell short of my own expectations. I knew what earning a PhD could do for me.”

This past June, he defended his Doctoral dissertation from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

“Attending Arcadia allowed me to realize that my goals are rooted in helping people. I possess a strong passion to live abroad, inspired to learn new cultures and languages. Ultimately, I want to pursue a future career in academia.”

Dr. Gray is currently researching synthetic biology for the U.S. Government. He remains a proud alumnus and is looking forward to engaging with current students as an alumni mentor through the Arcadia Knights Mentor Program.

“Immerse yourself in the international identity for which Arcadia is known, and go on Preview in your first year,” Dr. Gray said when asked what advice he had for incoming students. “Arcadia does an excellent job of making that experience accessible to all. Also, take advantage of the professor’s office hours and leverage your network…you’re not alone at Arcadia!”

In the top photo, Kelsey Gray stands with his advisor from his time at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.