Laila Gwathmey
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Psychology Next Steps: Registered Behavioral Tech at Above Par ABA Services
Hometown: Tappahannock, Virginia
Laila Gwathmey came to Bowie State University with a lifelong passion for helping children — a calling shaped by her large family and deeply rooted Christian values. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and will begin her career as a registered behavioral technician at Above Par ABA Services. She ultimately hopes to work in pediatric neuropsychology and support children with traumatic brain injuries and developmental disorders. Gwathmey exemplifies Bowie State’s mission to develop students who are dedicated to improving the lives of others.
“We always go by the motto of helping other people before we help ourselves,” she said.
Gwathmey excelled academically from a young age. She took high school courses while in eighth grade and later earned a place in the Chesapeake Bay Governors School, where she completed college-level coursework as a tenth grader. Her drive and early achievements set the stage for a college search full of strong options, but she based her decision on what matters most.
“I got accepted into all the eight or nine colleges I applied for, all with scholarship offers. But when I toured Bowie State, it reminded me of home, and that’s what made me fall in love with it,” she said.
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
Despite her academic strengths, Gwathmey often felt the weight of her studies and the pressure to succeed. To manage her stress, she sought learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
This past summer, Gwathmey participated in the BSOS Summer Research Initiative at the University of Maryland. During that experience she worked with Dr. Melissa Duchene-Kelly to create a research project titled “From Cribs to Code: How Pediatricians Feel About Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Care.”
Gwathmey’s work with Dr. Duchene-Kelly earned her the opportunity to present at a conference hosted by the American Society for Microbiology in San Antonio, Texas.
“She helped me tremendously throughout my entire career,” Gwathmey said about her experience with Dr. Duchene-Kelly.
Gwathmey has taken advantage of every career-focused opportunity Bowie State has to offer. She has also participated in a variety of other clubs and organizations on campus. She serves as vice president of the BSU Gospel Choir, is a member of the musical theater group T3 and belongs to the National Council of Negro Women.
These activities gave Gwathmey the space to step away from her coursework, recharge and return to her studies with renewed focus and energy.
“I always needed someone to talk to regarding just going out and having fun. These people remind me that it’s ok to pause on school stuff and just get some fresh air,” Gwathmey said about the friends she’s met from the various clubs she’s involved with.
After graduation, Laila Gwathmey plans to pursue a career in pediatric neuropsychology, supporting children with traumatic brain injuries and developmental disorders. She credits her mother and upbringing for shaping her passion for helping young people and guiding her toward this career path, and she also intends to continue her education to build on the foundation she developed at Bowie State University.