Engineering through college, Izzy Evans transitions into medical planning

Since coming to The Ohio State University to study biomedical engineering, Izzy Evans kept an open mind when looking for opportunities to pursue. With a keen interest in medicine inspired by her radiologist mother, Evans discovered ways to combine it with engineering. 

In February 2022, Evans came to the Medical Modeling, Materials and Manufacturing (M4) Division at the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) because of her interest in working in health care. The experts in medical 3D printing in the M4 Division have given Evans an insight into medical modeling using 3D printing. She researched how to make protocols for bioprinting and how to use start-of-the-art medical printers. 

“I had absolutely no experience in 3D printing and knew nothing about it, coming into M4,” said Evans. “I have learned so much about it and I think it's so cool to have started my career based on my opportunities and the things I learned at M4. Students should always keep an open mind and jump at any opportunity to learn a new skill or software while they’re in school.” 

Since joining M4, Evans researched different materials for bioprinting, specifically for vascularizing tissue. Currently, she is working on a project that focuses on the creation of an oral cavity simulator for assisting neck surgeons. Throughout these projects, Evans learned many skills that are transferable to careers in medical 3D printing and technical software.  

Evans has been with M4 since her junior year. Megan Malara, director of the M4 Division guided Evans as she joined, giving her countless opportunities to learn new skills and programs, such as segmentation and computer aided design (CAD), manufacturing, post-processing and delivering quality products.  

“Izzy has been such a valuable member of M4 – she has honed a variety of technical skills here, but what’s perhaps most impressive has been her interest in initiating new projects to help grow M4’s reach,” said Malara. “As she soon graduates and continues her career with KLS Martin, Izzy is a great example of the benefit of industry collaboration both for our program and our partners.” 

Evans expressed her appreciation for her experience working at CDME, especially the network of people that have affected her life. CDME strives to prepare students for the postgraduate workforce and staff members trust students to complete project work. Evans credits this to establishing confidence amongst undergraduates to make a positive transition into the workforce. 

Immediately following graduation, Evans will join the KLS Martin Group as a planning engineer. Evans’ role will include planning bone graft reconstruction surgeries and trauma cases. 

KLS Martin and M4 are collaborating to bring industry and academic capabilities together to improve patient care, like creating individualized medical devices or planning complex procedures.  

Evans discovered KLS Martin through this partnership and received a summer internship last year after joining the M4 Division. There she focused on the innovation of an implant design by observing the characteristics of bones in the midface region. In addition, she used medical imaging analysis software to assist in planning orthognathic surgeries.  

As Evans moves forward in her career, she expresses gratitude for the faculty and staff at CDME who have made her time here so memorable and showed her what a great trusting work environment looks like. 

Ways to connect with Izzy Evans: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzy-evans-8678001b6/ 

By: Evahanna Cruz, CDME marketing and communications student assistant