George grew up in Boise, Idaho, with a passion for understanding how things work, often taking things apart to see their inner workings. Now pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering, his research focuses on optimizing coatings for cochlear implants. George is passionate about improving brain-computer interfaces and reducing issues like fibrotic response. Outside of his research, George enjoys creating personalized workout programs and playing video games.

Ayushi grew up in India and has always been passionate about science and research. She began graduate school right after her undergraduate degree, focusing on biomedical sciences with a goal of making her innovations accessible to a broader audience. Ayushi hopes to bridge the gap between science and society, making complex concepts understandable for everyone. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, reading, and traveling.

Vishuka, originally from Sri Lanka, is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Passionate about innovation and creativity, Vishuka works on increasing crop yields through sulfide-based treatments, a project with potential global impact. Inspired to advance medicinal chemistry, Vishuka aims to develop sustainable and accessible healthcare solutions. Outside of research, Vishuka enjoys playing the piano, practicing yoga, and traveling.

Abby grew up in Burnsville, Minnesota, and developed a passion for cancer research during her undergraduate studies, where she explored cell death mechanisms in leukemia. Inspired by her grandmother's battle with cervical cancer, Abby is pursuing a PhD in Cancer Biology at the Carver College of Medicine. Her thesis focuses on overcoming hormone therapy resistance in endometrial cancer. Outside of her research, Abby enjoys reading, yoga, cross-stitching, and horseback riding.

Ashley grew up in Decorah, Iowa, and is passionate about developing therapies for genetic diseases, especially genetic lung disorders. A PhD researcher at the University of Iowa's College of Medicine, she has filed an invention disclosure and a provisional patent for her recent discovery. Ashley is committed to advancing genetic therapies and enjoys spending time with her three young boys at home.

Siddhanth grew up in Mumbai, India, with a deep curiosity about how medicines work in the human body. His passion for pharmaceutical biotechnology led him to pursue advanced studies, and he is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Pharmaceutics at the University of Iowa. Siddhanth’s research focuses on improving the stability and formulation of monoclonal antibodies, earning him an NIH grant and a provisional patent. He aims to work as a Biologics Scientist, advancing the development of safe and effective biologics. Outside the lab, Siddhanth enjoys long walks, exploring new cuisines, kayaking, and watching movies.

Mikayla Kamon, from Clarendon Hills, IL, is a Biomedical Engineering PhD student passionate about innovation. Her experience working in Emergency Medical Services has fueled her interest in developing multi-functional medical devices. Mikayla’s research focuses on improving patient outcomes by analyzing different mechanical ventilation methods and their impact on the lungs. She switched her academic focus from biological anthropology to biomedical engineering, driven by her desire to use knowledge of the past to enhance the future of medicine. In her free time, Mikayla volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician and enjoys hiking and rowing outdoors.

Maleeha is a clinician scientist whose passion for innovation began during her residency, where she helped develop a pediatric resuscitation device that later earned a patent. She aims to bridge clinical practice and research to advance trauma care.

Garret Caltrider is from Menlo, Iowa, and is pursuing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa. He loves the challenge of innovation, comparing it to solving a puzzle by combining resources to create new devices. His Senior Design project and graduate research have led to two patent-pending devices he hopes to bring to market. Garret enjoys golf, puzzles, video games, and outdoor activities in his free time.

Kaleb grew up in Norwalk, Iowa, surrounded by entrepreneurs in the financial sector. Drawn more to science and engineering, he’s now pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, focusing on pulmonary microfluidics. Kaleb enjoys solving complex problems and aims to develop innovative models for personalized medicine in treating pulmonary diseases. In his free time, he loves playing soccer, sand volleyball, traveling, and is currently working on his scuba certification.