Meet Kayla Elizabeth McFail

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:31:43 -0500
fall2025, grad, graduatehighlightseries, inds

B.S.: Neuroscience and the Spanish Language

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

On and Off Campus Internships:

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