Kayla Sprenger is an Assistant Professor in the Chemical and Biological Engineering department. She received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. all in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington, before completing her Postdoctoral studies at the Institute for Medical Engineering & Science at MIT. Kayla's current research lab utilizes computational approaches to solve problems at the intersection of engineering, immunology, and biology. More specifically, her work focuses on holistic approaches to combating infectious diseases like influenza, HIV, and malaria, and neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. Apart from her passion for her work, she is passionate about promoting the participation of women and other underrepresented minorities in STEM.
What is your motto?
Don't stop until you're proud (from the wrapper of a Dove chocolate, but it stuck ;)).
One thing you’re willing to spend way too much on . . .
Clothes! In addition to my research, I have a passion for fashion.
What is your guilty pleasure?Â
I have a huge sweet tooth. I particularly love sour jelly beans and nearly any flavor of ice cream.
Which TV show do you never miss?
PBS Newshour with Judy Woodruff and Amna Nawaz.
Who was the most famous person you met and where?
Elizabeth Warren. We used to frequent the same park in Cambridge, MA.
What do you most like to do to unwind?
Read. I am an avid reader of epic fantasy books!