WVU graduate students advance research focused on space discovery and patient advocacy as 2026 Ruby Fellows

The 2026 Ruby Scholars Graduate Fellows at West Virginia University are discovering links between the universe and Earth's environment and improving how patients learn about their diagnoses.

Fellows Logan Gold and Chyanne Reid will each receive a $34,000 stipend, a $2,000 travel grant, and a tuition waiver to allow them to advance their research at WVU.

Established in 2011 by the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust, the fellowship provides financial support that allows incoming doctoral-level scholars to dedicate themselves fully to expanding their studies and using their research to benefit the people of West Virginia, the nation and the world.

"The Ruby Scholars Graduate Fellowship recognizes students whose curiosity, determination, and commitment to discovery have the potential to improve lives far beyond our campus," Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beverly Wendland said. "Logan and Chyanne exemplify the very best of West Virginia University.

"Through their innovative research, they are tackling complex challenges that will strengthen our understanding of the world around us and benefit generations to come. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful to the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust for investing in doctoral scholars whose work will create lasting benefits for West Virginia and the world."

Logan Gold
Inspired by films "WALL-E" and "The Iron Giant," WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources graduate Gold was emboldened to think outside the box. The Westminster, Maryland, native saw his future when he discovered the University Rover Challenge lab on his first visit to WVU.

During his sophomore year, Gold and his Rover Challenge teammates developed cutting-edge whegs to use in space, making it easier for rovers to navigate rugged surfaces similar to the terrain on Mars. Gold was also an intern at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where he contributed to advanced material engineering for NASA's Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon, Titan.

As a WVU space systems researcher, Gold studied how satellite constellations can be optimized to improve the monitoring of tropical cyclones, research that could support more accurate forecasting and disaster response. He remains focused on discovery, innovation and service as he pursues a doctorate in mechanical engineering at WVU.

Gold continues to work in the Robotics Lab where he was first inspired to study engineering.

"I look forward to advanced coursework in material science, robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence," Gold said. "It will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of robotic development and how it can be leveraged for applications in manufacturing or emerging materials."

Chyanne Reid
Reid, of Martinsburg, is a biochemist who intends to replace patient worry and misunderstanding with confidence and information. When she was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis, a rare but life-threatening skin disease that causes the separation of layers of skin, she was scared.

"This experience led me to want to understand why and how people get sick at all different stages of life," Reid said. "I questioned why only some people are born with genetic conditions and others seem to never get sick with anything."

Among her undergraduate accomplishments, Reid trained to address aging issues in Appalachia. She analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to examine correlations among vision impairment, mental health, and economic status.

Reid also investigated water contamination in Ireland, studied human molecular genetics, and researched retinal degenerative diseases as she pursued her bachelor's degree at WVU. The first-generation college student is continuing her education in the biochemistry and molecular medicine graduate program at the WVU School of Medicine.

The Trust established the Ruby Scholars Graduate Fellows program in memory of McQuain, a community steward committed to improving quality of life in the Morgantown area and beyond. She supported academics, healthcare, recreation, and more at WVU through her giving.

Her generosity includes an $8 million gift to support the construction of WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, which is named in memory of her husband. McQuain was 93 years old when she died in 2002.

-WVU-

sw/8/11/26

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