Jayvon Nougaisse, a fourth-year MD/PhD student in neuroscience at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, has pursued a career in health sciences from an early age. Inspired by science television shows and motivated by a desire to address gaps in healthcare access, Nougaisse said, “When I was a kid, I used to watch a bunch of different science TV shows, and I just remember finding that so cool. So that’s definitely a big part of it. But later on, I realized health is wealth, and there’s a lot of people who need help and treatments who aren’t getting them in the best way, and there are a lot of gaps in the system as far as accessing treatment. It’s cliché, but helping people is the main reason why I wanted to pursue the health aspect of things.”
After high school, Nougaisse chose Augusta University for its BS/MD Professional Scholars Program, affordability, and proximity to Atlanta. He began his undergraduate studies in cellular and molecular biology before joining the lab of Xin-Yun Lu, chair of the Department of Neuroscience.
“I actually found her lab in undergrad. I was just emailing professors, and she was like, ‘We’re looking for motivated students,’ so I joined her lab, did a couple of experiments and realized I really liked it,” he said. “So, I started working in the lab, and I’ve been there ever since.”
Nougaisse discovered his interest in research while working in Lu’s lab. He decided to enter the MD/PhD program after realizing that existing treatments for neurological diseases were insufficient.
“After I started my med school journey, there was the option to join the MD/PhD program, so I took that path,” he said. “Whenever I was in medical school learning about all these different pathologies, especially in neuroscience, I realized the treatments we have for these pathologies are kind of lacking.
“There’s definitely more research that needs to be done to develop more effective therapies,” he continued. “And then when I get to the PhD side, all this research is being done, but how can we apply it to medicine, and how can we make it so that it is translatable and that patients can actually use these therapies? I think that’s really what made it clear to me that MD/PhD was the best path forward.”
The MD/PhD program at Augusta University requires students to complete two years of medical school before focusing on their PhD work; they then return for their final two years of medical training—a process lasting six to eight years.
“A lot of people see medicine and science as two separate worlds. And after joining the MD/PhD program, I realized how separate they are, but I also realized how connected they are in some aspects and how both of them need each other in order to be at their best,” Nougaisse said. “I joined the program to be able to use both my medical knowledge and my research knowledge to find cures and treatments for these diseases that we really have no idea what’s going on or how we can even approach them.”
Although only up to six students are admitted each year into this program cohort at Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Nougaisse is currently its sole member. He receives support from his older brother Joshua—an MCG graduate now completing residency—and his fiancée Ananya Chakraborty who is also an MCG student.
“It was really cool to have him and go through classes with him. We still had our separate social groups in med school, but I could always reach out to him if I needed help with anything…we were living together for his final years of med school,” Nougaisse said.
On balancing academic responsibilities with personal relationships: “It’s going to be a little tougher just because she graduates medical school in the spring of 2026…but she’s just been very supportive…I can’t imagine having done this process without her,” he added.
Nougaisse participates actively within his academic community by serving as both mentor and mentee during biannual dinners with other members across various stages within their dual-degree journeys: “Twice a year we have dinners with the entire cohort…I’m able to ask for advice…and then on the flip side; I can mentor those below me on how to approach those first few years…and handle transition between med school to PhD.”
Looking ahead toward graduation expected around 2029 followed by residency focused on research tracks—he aims eventually to establish his own laboratory: “In beginning—I would definitely lean more toward research just because…of work required…but…I think later on shift more toward clinical aspect…If…specific number…it would be like 80/20…then shifting more toward 60/40 later on.”
His current research centers on Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms though he plans future focus on psychiatric disorders due largely to unmet needs: “Currently…I’m working on Alzheimer’s disease…and biology behind…But really…when you look into psychiatric diseases—there’s even less research compared neurological diseases—in future—I think that’s where greatest need will be.”
Reflecting upon experiences such as being named homecoming king during undergrad or engaging with competitive degree programs at AU: “I feel like my AU and MCG journey as whole has been perfect for me…and this is perfect period development…By time graduate MD/PhD—I’ll have been in Augusta…and at Augusta University half my life—so…I think AU…and this program provided perfect environment grow change step into adulthood,” he concluded.
