I’m Mikayla Kaczmar! I’m a Maximalist designer with a passion for adding fun and color to every corner of the home.

I’m a recent Virginia Tech Industrial Design with Honors Collaborative Innovation graduate. I’m a member of the second Calhoun Discovery Program (CDP) cohort, a transdisciplinary learning program that focuses on Industry 4.0 problem-solving techniques & technological innovation for societal impact. 

My current CDP project focuses on creating new innovative ways to make airlines more inclusive. In collaboration with Boeing and All Wheels Up, my team and I are researching and designing a space and securement to allow passengers to board and remain in their own personal wheelchairs for the duration of their flight. The WSSS project made the Crystal Cabin Awards 2023 Shortlist and was a Finalist in 2024 for the University Category. This project is near and dear to my heart and I love the impact I am making in the industry.

As a designer and inventor, I am passionate about creating inclusive and multifunctional designs. During the school year I work on campus as a lifeguard and am an IDSA Officer. Outside school I enjoy reading a good book and re-watching New Girl or Avatar the Last Airbender.