Hometown: Clarendon Hills, IL
Studies: PhD student, Biomedical Engineering
About Mikayla: Mikayla is a Biomedical Engineering PhD student at the University of Iowa’s College of Engineering, driven by a passion for innovation inspired by her hands-on experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Her time in EMS, where creative problem-solving is crucial, has shaped her approach to biomedical engineering. The unpredictable nature of emergency situations and the need for multi-functional, portable tools have fueled her desire to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of medical devices. Mikayla's EMS experience has taught her that often, the best tool isn't available in the field—necessitating the inventive use of what’s at hand, like using a simple sheet as a knee gatch, pelvic binder, or pillow.

Mikayla’s academic pursuits reflect her dedication to improving patient outcomes through engineering. In her qualifying exam, she proposed an innovative project to analyze the effects of positive and negative pressure mechanical ventilation on alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs. Her goal is to minimize cellular and structural damage during mechanical ventilation, thereby enhancing long-term patient care by contrasting these ventilation methods and informing healthcare practices.

Mikayla decided to switch her academic focus from biological anthropology to biomedical engineering, with a goal of using her knowledge of evolution and the past to solve problems in the present to better the future of medicine. Mikayla’s ultimate aim is to secure a role where she can innovate and improve medical devices, ensuring healthcare providers have the best tools to treat their patients effectively.

Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, Mikayla enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking or rowing, and contributing to her community as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician.