Meet Kayla Elizabeth McFail

Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records

• Biological Science (B.A.)
• Minor in Psychology
• Certificate in Spanish 

Degree Mentors 

• Dr. Fernando Jaime Vonhoff, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, UMBC 
• Dr. Thania Muñoz Davaslioglu, Director of the M.A. Program in Intercultural Communication
• Eric Brown, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because it allowed me to design a degree that truly reflects both my academic and career goals. Before coming to UMBC, I knew I wanted to study Neuroscience, but at the time it wasn't offered as an official major. While planning my courses, I realized that a traditional Biological Sciences B.S. with a Psychology minor wouldn't provide the depth in neuroscience that I was looking for. Around that same time, I attended UMBC's Involvement Fest, where I learned about the INDS program from the Neuroscience Club president and then through an information session with Ms. Carrie Sauter. Through those conversations, I discovered that INDS would give me the flexibility to integrate my passion for Neuroscience with my interest in Spanish intercultural communication—something no single major could offer. This path allows me to prepare for my long-term goal of becoming a bilingual neurosurgeon that addresses the need for culturally competent healthcare.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, my plan is to pursue a Master's in Medical Science to strengthen my academic foundation and prepare for the rigor of medical school. From there, I intend to matriculate into medical school and ultimately pursue a career in neurosurgery. My INDS degree—integrating Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, and Spanish—has prepared me to approach medicine from both a scientific and cultural perspective. By combining research training in neuroscience with intercultural communication skills, I will be able to contribute to advancing neurological research while also breaking down language barriers in healthcare to provide more equitable and compassionate care.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

Clubs/Organizations:

• Social Media & Events Coordinator| Pre-Veterinary Society
• Event Planner| Retriever Essentials Student Leadership Board

Volunteer: 

• Retriever Essentials Free Grocery Store
• Hearts 4 the Homeless
• Neuroscience Club
• American Red Cross
• Pre-Medical Society
• Pre-Law Society
• Caribbean Student Union
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science  (SACNAS)
• Students of Applied Behavior Analysis Society  (SABAS)
• Biology Council of Majors
• Black Student Union 

• Undergraduate Research Assistant| FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health: Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories
• Undergraduate Researcher| The Vonhoff Lab
  
  

For More information on Kayla's INDS journey please click here