Jayla Boyd '27

When Jayla Boyd first arrived at West Virginia University, she wasn’t sure exactly where her academic path would lead. What she did know was that she wanted to make a difference, , and — with the support of scholarship funding — she has been able to fully pursue that goal through neuroscience research.  

A neuroscience major from Charleston, Boyd has taken advantage of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, made possible in part by donor support. Scholarship funding has allowed her to focus on academics and research without financial stress, giving her the freedom to immerse herself in hands-on experiences early in her college career.  

“The WVU Foundation Scholarship has allowed me to immerse myself in research, extracurriculars and focus on my academics,” she said.  

She began working in research as a freshman, an early start that helped shape both her academic interests and future goals.  

Her passion for neuroscience began before college, when she attended Brain Camp, a summer program introducing students to the field through hands-on learning. The experience sparked a lasting interest in neuroscience and ultimately influenced her decision to attend WVU.  

“It gave me an opportunity to explore something I wasn’t being taught in high school,” she said. “I instantly fell in love.” 

At WVU, Boyd joined a lab studying circadian rhythms and their potential role in improving medical treatments, including chemotherapy timing. She says her coursework and research continuously reinforce each other, helping her grow in both areas.  

She also found a strong sense of belonging on campus, which helped confirm her decision to attend WVU over other schools.  

Today, Boyd gives back by volunteering with Brain Camp and mentoring high school students in neuroscience.  

Boyd plans to continue exploring paths in medicine or research, with a clear goal of helping others through discovery and problem-solving.