Kaelen Baly
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Sept. 16, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University senior Kaelen Baly, a psychology major, spent his summer at Harvard University.
Baly was part of the Du Bois Scholars Program, a fully funded nine-to ten-week research internship within the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative. The Initiative “believes that if they transform Harvard into an institution that takes full accountability for its involvement in and benefit from slavery through actively advancing reparative efforts as an integral part of University culture, then they will have meaningful impact on direct descendants and descendant communities.”
The Du Bois Scholars Program, now in its second year, is open to rising juniors and seniors from select R1, R2, and research-focused HBCUs. Fellows receive a stipend, live in the Harvard residential community, and conduct mentored research at the Harvard College Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV). The program is directed by Shahara C. Jackson, Director of HBCU Initiatives.
“The Du Bois Scholars Program advances one of the Initiative’s three strategic priorities — deepening our partnerships with HBCUs,” said Sara Bleich, vice provost for special projects at Harvard and leader of the initiative, in a press release. “The program’s impact occurs in the relationships built between its fellows and Harvard faculty — collaborations that drive transformative research.”
This summer, the program welcomed its second cohort of 35 fellows, including seven returning fellows. Among them was Baly, who was paired with Dr. Veronique VanderHorst of Harvard Medical School.
Baly says he first learned about the program when a peer who was part of its inaugural cohort shared about it on her Instagram story. While initially hesitant to apply, he did after some encouragement from Dr. Barney D. Williams, a lecturer in the PVAMU Psychology Department.
Baly describes it as “the stars aligning” when Dr. VanderHorst’s project landed in his inbox. Dr. VanderHorst’s research examines the effect of neurological dysfunction on physical mechanics, such as gait.
“In the context of my psychology studies, this allowed me to explore the interaction between the brain and physical behavior,” Baly said. “The familiarity I’ve gained with neuroanatomy will undoubtedly shape my future clinical work—whether that involves treating psychological disorders or teaching about them in a university setting.”
As a fellow, Baly spent his summer at HSURV, which brings residential summer undergraduates from across Harvard and participating colleges and universities together.
“The blended Harvard Undergraduate Research Village environment was truly enlightening,” Baly said. “What could have been a space approached with trepidation instead became one where I was encouraged to embrace the fullness of my personhood, both as a scholar and as a human being.”
One of the most formative moments came after his final lab presentation. Baly admits he felt daunted when faced with numerous edits and corrections, but said the feedback was both constructive and affirming.
“The conversation invigorated me and deepened my passion for pursuing any future work worthy of my name,” he said.
Moreover, Baly said he learned to “carry his light” proudly, as someone who believes God and divine intervention led his path to Harvard.
“This experience showed me that the brilliance within myself, my HBCU, and HBCUs across the country is not meant to remain in one place,” he said. “Instead, it can be shared—through collaboration—to spark a light that can illuminate not just one room, but countless rooms like it all over the world.”
Going forward, he says he has gained not only technical skills but a new perspective.
“This experience revealed the power of bringing together work from different disciplines to address shared stigmas and dismantle common injustices,” Baly said. “Before, I saw my path as purely linear, unable to recognize that my lateral reach could be a tool to advance my goals and expand my potential. Now, I see that interdisciplinary connection as not just valuable, but essential to moving forward.”
The summer at Harvard was both an educational and an empowering experience, according to Baly.
“This experience reaffirmed my belonging among these scholars and confirmed the foresight behind my selection for the program,” he said.
Beyond the stars aligning, Baly talked of standing on the shoulders of past ancestors. He noted that within HSURV, the Du Bois program was the sole program composed entirely of HBCU students.
“Beyond any perceived discomfort, my presence at Harvard was the product of generations. I understood that simply being myself, in all my brilliance, was an affirmation of my ancestors’ wildest dreams,” he said. “That realization meant everything to me.”
For other students considering applying for this program or another and struggling with doubt, Baly offers this advice: “Enter these spaces knowing that success is possible and understand that you were not chosen by mere chance. You belong here.”
To read more about this year’s Du Bois Scholars cohort, visit Harvard’s announcement.
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-