AMERICA A brilliant lady named Jazlyn Nketia has set a historic record as the first African-American woman to earn a PhD in Cognitive Science at the prestigious Brown University in the United States.
Her story is one of academic excellence and trailblazing achievement, as she rose from earning a fully funded scholarship to an Ivy League university to making history at one of America’s most respected institutions.
Jazlyn's Story and How She Did It
Jazlyn began her academic journey at the University of Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2016. The following year, she proceeded to Brown University, enrolling in a Master’s programme in Cognitive Science, which she pursued alongside her doctoral studies.
After completing her Master’s degree in 2019, she continued with her PhD programme and, in 2023, successfully earned her Doctorate in Cognitive Science, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this milestone at Brown University.
Reflecting on her journey, Jazlyn shared that the past six years were filled with life-changing experiences, including working as an Educational Research Lead at Katsuiku Academy in Tokyo, Japan.
She also completed her dissertation research at Columbia University during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering an invited academic talk in Paris, France, and finalising her dissertation project in Accra, Ghana.
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To honour her roots, she wore Nsubra print for her graduation photos. She explained that Nsubra, which means “water well” in Twi, symbolises the ripple effect of water, serving as a reminder that one’s actions can create lasting impact.
While she is the first Black woman to earn this degree at Brown, she expressed hope that many more Black women cognitive scientists will follow.
Looking ahead, Jazlyn announced that she was selected as a Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) U.S. Federal Executive Branch Fellow and an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow.
For the 2023–2024 fellowship term, she will be placed at the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Expressing gratitude, Jazlyn said she feels blessed to live each day walking in her purpose, working toward making the world a better place for children.
She revealed that she almost did not apply to Brown University and faced several personal and professional challenges during graduate school, yet she persevered.
Jazly thanked God, her ancestors, and everyone who supported her journey, describing this achievement as only the beginning as she continues to break barriers and leave a lasting impact on the world.
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