Hometown: Alton, Illinois

Major: Biochemistry PreMed

Future Plans: Attend medical school

Makayla Cox has seen COVID-19 in the lab and on the front lines. She works as a medical laboratory technician for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and as a medical scribe in the Emergency Department at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

At IDPH, she processes COVID-19 tests and helps with research and development. “I have had the opportunity to learn new research techniques that help to make testing more efficient” she said.

At UIS, Cox plays on the UIS Women’s Soccer team, is secretary of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and president of the Biology Club and the Red Cross Club.

“I chose UIS, as the environment felt like home and the people provided an unmatched hospitality that guaranteed success,” she said.

Following graduation, she plans to attend medical school as a part of a dual program to earn an M.D. and master’s degree in public health (MPH).

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.