Katie's Story

NAME: Katie Wiechelt
HOMETOWN: Mechanicsburg, PA
MAJOR: Biology

FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHIPPENSBURG:

At Shippensburg I was able to do everything I wanted during my undergraduate years. I was able to get a superior education, experience awesome internships, excel at running, be an active member of the campus and local community as well as be happy!

TWO INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT ME:

Both of my siblings are graduates of Shippensburg University! (Susan ’09 and Thomas ’12). We all loved it here. My event in outdoor track is the 3K steeplechase.

CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS/SPORTS/ACTIVITIES:

Women’s Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track; Honors Program; Environmental Club (member)

SCHOLARSHIP:

Both the Board of Governor’s Scholarship and the Biology Department Senior Award have given me innumerable opportunities. Not only will I be graduating debt free, but these scholarships have given me an edge on my applications for veterinary school. They also represent the recognition of Shippensburg faculty and PASSHE employees, which has probably meant more to me than anything!

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:

I interned at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey, PA this past summer. I worked as a zookeeper for all exhibit animals and learned an immense amount about wildlife husbandry and veterinary medicine. I also did a few internships for no school credit including a large animal veterinary internship at Burnt Mill Veterinary Clinic in Shippensburg with Dr. Simms.

STUDENT RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

I conducted research in the spring of 2011 on tick borne illnesses. My research partner, Kate Baldwin, and I compared the prevalence of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease causing bacteria found in ticks in central Pennsylvania.

MOST MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT SHIP:

May favorite learning experience at Shippensburg was Dr. Pablo Delis’ Comparative Anatomy class. I learned so much about my own studying habits as well as where my true interests lie in the realm of biology. I have never been so interested in learning before being in that class. I know what I learned there will come in handy in veterinary school as well.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

I have volunteered at Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, Better Days Animal League, and Miles and Mutts ( a local club that runs dogs on the Rail trail from Better Days Animal League)

WHAT I DO FOR FUN:

I love being outside and being active. I enjoy hiking in Michaux State Park or kayaking/sailboating on the reservoir in Chambersburg while at Shippensburg. I also enjoy spending time with friends, teammates and family.