Article by Kathryn Trupia
Jayla Jones proves that science and art don’t have to be separate worlds, but can instead play in perfect unison
For Jayla Jones, a single moment inspired her to become an engineer: watching a violinist playing with a prosthetic arm.
As a musician herself, she was drawn to the idea of creating devices that could help others continue to do what they love.
“Seeing the violinist play with such breathtaking sound and precision ignited my passion for engineering,” said Jones. “I want to develop prosthetics that don’t just replace limbs, but restore function and independence.”
Along with finishing her first year studying biomedical engineering at the University of Delaware, Jones is also a cellist in the UD orchestra, a pursuit she’s dedicated herself to for nearly eight years. Balancing the two disciplines isn’t easy, but she’s overcome the challenges and learned how to succeed as both a musician and a scientist.
“Initially, it was difficult to manage my time between orchestra and engineering, alongside navigating through my first weeks of college,” said Jones. “I realized that I needed to establish a solid academic routine so the two wouldn’t conflict.”
To make time for both music and engineering, Jones experiments with ways to finish her coursework by the end week. That frees up her weekends for orchestra rehearsals or making videos for her social media page, @jj_cello.
“I was motivated to find a good workflow when I noticed that the less homework I had during my weekends, the more I could practice.”
In the process, she discovered deep connections between her two worlds. Whether she’s learning a concerto or experimenting in the lab, Jones finds harmony between creativity and innovation.
“Music has taught me how to approach problems from multiple angles, experiment with different solutions, and develop essential skills like discipline, patience, and collaboration,” said Jones. “These skills have easily translated into my engineering studies, shaping the way I tackle
challenges and approach new discoveries.”
Outside of the classroom and concert hall, Jayla is actively involved in several organizations. She serves on the student council for Resources to Inspire Successful Engineers (RISE), is a general board member of Sisters On the Move (SOTM), and participates in the Grand Challenge Scholars Program, which focuses on solving global engineering issues through research and real-world application.
Jones has come to see her journey not as a balancing act, but as a blend of her passions for both art and science. The lessons Jones has learned from both fields will continue to shape her experience at UD and beyond.
“Being a Hengineer allows me to prepare for a career dedicated to improving lives through innovation,” Jones said.
And that’s music to everyone’s ears.