May 2026 | Story by Kerry Jarvis
Mika Spivey
2026 B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
GT Savannah Summer Programs Student Participant
GT Savannah Summer Programs Group Leader
Student Assistant for FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge
Q: When did you start summer programs at Georgia Tech Savannah, and what impact did they have on you?
A: I was in upper level elementary and middle school when I first started at the Full STEAM Ahead summer program that GT Savannah was offering at that time. For me, the most memorable part was helping to get into the mindset of a scientist and engineer. All the activities were about problem solving and finding solutions. We would redesign something to make it better or create something new.
Q: What was your experience like as a summer programs group leader and a student assistant?
A: This really helped to shape my love of service and volunteering. You learn as much as you teach, and that is a really important point to understand. I loved it when students started to really get something and you see that spark of understanding. I also loved working alongside so many great instructors and faculty at Georgia Tech.
Q: What does learning mean to you?
A: Learning is about processing new information whether it is a technical skill or new behavior. It is multi-modal work – maybe it is audible or visual - and being able to teach that to someone else. It is very specific to each person and helps them to grow in their skillset or mindset.
Q: What does it mean to be a Yellow Jacket?
A: For me being a Yellow Jacket, is about the feeling of being home and living out the Georgia Tech motto of progress and service. We all work hard in our course work, but having a sense of community and school spirit has made a lasting impact on me. We work hard and play hard as well as give back through clubs and capstones working with industry, etc. I get to see this everyday in what I do and what other Yellow Jackets do through poster symposiums, InVenture Prize, and so much more.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Long term, I want to become a medical physicist and get my Ph.D., and for now, I am staying in the lab in academia to continue to do research. I will either go directly to a Ph.D. in Medical Physics or get my master’s in that field first. I hope to eventually be working with different imaging systems on cancer diagnostics and treatments.
