Boston Doctoral Graduate Praised As ‘Bright Rising Star’

Boston, Massachusetts — Massachusetts is home to students who are showing up, standing out and making a real impact in their schools and communities. To celebrate them, Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to spotlight local students excelling in academics, athletics, the arts and beyond.

This submission comes from Candida Brown, who nominated Kayla.

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If you know a student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured as a Star Student on Patch.

What is the star student’s name?

Kayla

What grade is the student in?

Just completed her PhD at Boston College and returning to the Bay.

How do you know the star student?

My daughter.

Tell us about your star student's accomplishments and why they deserve to be recognized on Patch!

In May 2019, Kayla received her double Master’s degree in Medical Science and Clinical Research from Boston University.

Today, she totally rocked the defense of her dissertation and was granted her PhD. Through these last challenging years — through the joy and the tears, the hard work, exhaustion, discouragement, ups and downs, highs and lows — she persevered with grace. She has grown so much from this experience, and her family is so proud and happy for her.

As one of her committee members shared, “You are a bright rising star.” We look forward to watching her exciting future unfold. Her contributions will make the lives of others better.

However, we are especially excited for her move back to the Bay to be closer to family.

“Role of Allopregnanolone (Allo) and Pregnanolone (PA) in Cognition in Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms”

Kayla Brown
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
Behavioral Neuroscience
Boston University
May 13, 2026

What three words best describe your star student?

Intelligent, resilient, perseverant.

Keep up the great work, Kayla! If you know a star student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.

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