What was like to be part of the first cohort of Bioengineering PhD students at the Knight Campus? 

The biggest thing that stood out from the very beginning was the fact there was a team ready to answer all of my questions. I would have one question, and 5 people would respond in an email, and if they didn’t have an answer, they would immediately point me to someone who has the answer. I felt from day one that I was part of a community that was celebrating me, helping me and was truly invested in my time. And I think that is really special to this campus.

How has your Knight Campus training prepared you for your next steps?

The diversity of what we have to offer for student’s training was huge. I got to learn everything about sensors: how to fabricate them, how to code, and how to collect data with them. This also created opportunities to work with big data sets, and I was able to learn how to analyze them, and present that data. Additionally, we have awesome science communication training — as a program, we not only have great scientific rigor, but we know how to show our science in a rigorous way, which was crucial for my development.

Can you tell us about your experience collaborating with the Lundquist College of Business? 

The main highlight was the mindset — I loved thinking beyond “What is this experiment doing?”, or “How do I answer the hypothesis I am trying to test?”  I loved expanding into the “so what” of what I am doing — thinking about how to translate my research to humans, and how to maximize my impact. I also enjoyed being able to think about risk in a different way. All of a sudden, I am thinking about “How do I get this out to humans and avoid major risk and roadblocks that may come along the way?” The change in mindset not only helped my research, but it also helped me be more motivated for what I was doing, because it really showed the potential impact of my work. 

Can you tell us about your post-graduation plans? 

I am fortunate to be stepping in as the clinical engineering director for Penderia Technologies — which makes implantable and other sensors, predominately for orthopedic applications, and is based in the Knight Campus Papé Family Innovation Center — starting in 2025. I am excited to still work in this building and be surrounded by this community that I have grown to love. I am excited to work on sensors for human applications and experiencing the impact of that. 

What has been the most memorable moment from your time at the Knight Campus? 

The most impactful thing for me at the Knight Campus was defending my dissertation. I was truly honored by how many people came out to listen to me talk about my research. Even after the fact, many people have come and celebrated me, congratulated me. I think it shows the power of community within the campus both within the beginning, and the end – it was a great day because of everyone around me. 

Kylie Williams, PhD, marks a significant milestone for the Knight Campus, ushering in a new era of graduates entering the workforce and making a meaningful impact on the world around them.