By Madelyn Ostendorf
Arianna Hyczko, senior in industrial technology, has always wanted to help people. When she was young, she thought she would be a doctor or a pharmacist. As she started her journey at Iowa State University, she was able to develop her love for science through exploring technology and computer-aided design, or CAD.
“I realized I wanted to be able to see the results of my efforts in front of me,” Hyczko said. “That’s what led me to industrial technology. Right as I made the switch, they started this new option called biological and biomanufacturing systems technology, and you got to figure out what that option meant for you. It was perfect.”
Hyczko discovered her area of interest while searching for anatomy and physiology classes, recommended by her advisor, where she stumbled upon BIOL 2570X: Bionics, a research-based class focused on engineering solutions for life sciences using bionics. In this class, Hyczko honed her desire to work in the biomedical engineering field, helping create and improve medical prostheses.
“Good prosthetics are so expensive,” Hyczko said. “There is a barrier to good quality medical equipment, and that’s where my research group comes in. We’ve been working on 3D printing hands to study the principles how to make a simple prosthetic. I can then apply that knowledge to engineer more affordable solutions for medical equipment.”
She has also applied her work with the Cardinal Space Mining Club, helping develop a bionic “arm” to affix to their robot, capable of manipulating items and performing maintenance.
Hyczko wants to help contribute to a future where aging and disability are more manageable and more affordable. Biological and biomanufacturing systems technology paved the way for her to do so.
“Arianna was the first student to knock on my door when we introduced this option,” said Kurt Rosentrater, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering. “That's what really strikes me is her enthusiasm. She's what makes it all worth teaching. She's so enthusiastic about learning, not just the theory but the application.”
Hyczko’s dream is to start a biomedical engineering company in the Midwest. First, she will return to Omaha to intern with a local company, creating medical technology like micro-medical devices or diagnostic equipment.
“I'm so grateful to have landed in this college because there are so many different opportunities and resources,” Hyczko said. “Even as a senior, I keep finding more things to try.”