Jayla Whittaker was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. In May 2024, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. It was during her time at KSU that she discovered the field of genetic counseling. She realized that it was a field where she could pursue both her passion for genetics and helping others.
After graduating from Kennesaw State, Jayla joined the Bhattaram lab in Emory’s Musculoskeletal Research Center as a research specialist. At MSK, she helped research the underlying pathological features of FLS and their role in inflammatory joint disease. During her time there, she learned many valuable skills, including wet lab techniques, lab management, data analysis, and information sharing.
In her free time, Jayla enjoys relaxing at home and spending time with her family and cat Sky. She can’t wait to see where her journey in the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program takes her. She is happy to answer any questions and encourages prospective genetic counseling students to reach out.