Master\u2019s degree student Ivy Milligan\u2019s journey on the engineering path was sparked in the way of many a \u201cborn\u201d engineer: Her favorite school subjects while growing up in Knoxville were science and math classes. She even laid a foundation early on for her chosen specialty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was involved in some pre-health extracurriculars in high school and enjoyed learning about the medical field,\u201d said Milligan. \u201cI decided to pick a major that included all of my academic interests. I lucked out, because I have really enjoyed my education in biomedical engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participation in both the Cook Grand Challenge Honors Program and the Chancellor\u2019s Honors Program encouraged her take on the reward of more challenging classes\u2014and to apply her Volunteer Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was influenced to give back to the community and volunteer 100 hours during my time as an undergraduate,\u201d said Milligan. \u201cThe honors Engineering Fundamentals course provided a strong base for my engineering education by developing my critical thinking skills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milligan served as vice president of the Biomedical Engineering Society, vice president and founder of Alpha Omega Epsilon (STEM sorority\u2014which won Best New Student Organization in 2022), and as a member of the Society of Women Engineers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has been really rewarding to help build a community of support in the field of engineering and science, especially among women,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milligan strives to expand her knowledge base across multiple areas in biomedical engineering, spanning biomechanics, orthotics, and prosthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am a non-thesis student, so I do not have a specific research project,\u201d she explained. \u201cInstead, I am taking a comprehensive exam at the end of March that will focus primarily on biomechanics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She has gained invaluable research experience in Assistant Professor Dustin Crouch\u2019s prosthesis lab, and draws motivation from her own experience dealing with injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am an avid distance runner and marathoner, and I broke my fibula a couple years back,\u201d said Milligan. \u201cI was in my first biomechanics course at the time and the material often related to my injury and experience in running, which I found fascinating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Crouch\u2019s lab, Milligan collected and analyzed data and helped with outreach efforts aimed at introducing orthotics and prosthetics science to younger students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlthough I have phased out of research this year, I am interested in picking it back up after I graduate and ultimately hope to break into the field of biomechanics research,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milligan keeps the idea of a PhD pursuit and potential faculty roles on her plate, but hopes to first gain some research and development experience in industry\u2014with an eye to connect her interests in injury prevention\/rehabilitation and athletics to professional endeavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milligan\u2019s name may sound familiar to longtime faculty or alumni: Her grandfather is Mancil Milligan, former MABE department head and Professor Emeritus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI definitely feel a connection to my grandfather through my time in engineering at UT,\u201d she said. \u201cHe has been very supportive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In classic terms of the UT Vol legacy, the torch is passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHis drive and motivation surrounding education has inspired me,\u201d said Milligan. \u201cI may eventually follow in his footsteps and pursue a faculty position.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ivy Milligan blends her passion for biomedical engineering, leadership, and running as she builds a career in biomechanics and injury prevention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":531,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[106],"class_list":["post-530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-ivy-milligan"],"yoast_head":"\n