Albany State honors student Jya Bacon builds medical path through research and summer programs

Albany State University honors student Jya Bacon completed competitive summer programs at Meharry Medical College and Morehouse School of Medicine as she works toward a future in healthcare. Her experience blends nursing, cancer research, leadership and service, with plans to present research on fatphobia and medical neglect this fall.

Why it matters: - Jya Bacon’s path shows how Albany State University students can combine nursing, biomedical research and leadership to prepare for medical school and long-term careers in healthcare. - Bacon is building experience for a planned transition from registered nurse to physician, a route that is less traditional but increasingly relevant to students seeking broader clinical impact. - Her work also touches health equity, cancer research and medical neglect, giving her training beyond classroom learning.

What happened: - Albany State University honors student Jya Bacon, a junior nursing major from Fort Pierce, Florida, completed two competitive summer programs at Meharry Medical College and Morehouse School of Medicine. - Bacon participated in the Morehouse School of Medicine FIRE-UP Research Program as one of six ASU scholars selected to represent the university. - Bacon also completed a six-week medical enrichment program at Meharry Medical College.

The details: - FIRE-UP focused on health equity, clinical studies and biomedical research methodologies. - Bacon conducted systematic literature reviews during the Morehouse program. - Bacon explored artificial intelligence in healthcare and health equity as part of the research experience. - The research work was designed to help students understand how evidence can inform clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. - At Meharry Medical College, Bacon completed advanced pre-medical coursework, clinical simulations and MCAT preparation. - Bacon said the FIRE-UP program taught her that medicine reaches beyond the exam room and that innovation and technology matter in addressing health disparities. - Bacon said the Meharry experience was intense and pushed her beyond her comfort zone. - Bacon is a member of the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program. - Bacon has earned Dean’s List recognition twice. - Bacon has secured $19,000 in scholarships, including two Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholarships, the HOPE Scholarship and the Foothills Regional High School Scholarship. - Bacon will serve as Miss Honors for the 2026–2027 academic year. - Her campus roles include Student Government Association Senator for the College of Health Professions, Public Relations Chair for Women in Pre-Med and member of the NAACP and the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program. - Bacon has also worked as an ASU Marketing and Communications intern, a SEEL intern, a Therapy for Black Girls Advisory Council member and a marketing intern with Impressions of Beauty and Creative Girl Connect. - Bacon has served as a Phoebe Putney Memorial Undergraduate Cancer Researcher. - Bacon has shadowed a physician and volunteered at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital. - Bacon participated in the Justice 4 Black Girls Undergraduate Black Girlhood Research initiative. - Bacon is scheduled to present research on fatphobia and medical neglect at Spelman College in November. - Bacon has completed about 130 hours of community service through Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program, Women in Leadership, Impressions of Beauty and Brand the Yard.

Between the lines: - Bacon’s experience reflects Albany State’s push to connect high-achieving students with research and professional opportunities outside the classroom. - Her focus on equity, Black girls’ experiences and medical neglect suggests a growing interest in advocacy alongside clinical practice. - The RN-to-MD goal highlights how Albany State students can use nursing as a launch point into broader medical careers.

What's next: - Bacon will begin her tenure as Miss Honors for the 2026–2027 academic year. - She is expected to present her research at Spelman College in November. - Bacon will continue her nursing education while expanding her preparation for medical school and future physician training. - Albany State says her path will continue to reflect the university’s emphasis on experiential learning, service and leadership.

The bottom line: - Bacon is pairing scholarship, research and service to create a direct pipeline from Albany State to medicine.