Myles Evangelista (he/they) is a second-year U2G student working towards an MS in biomedical engineering at the University of Iowa. His current research in Dr. Worthington’s lab, in collaboration with cornea specialist Dr. Christopher Sales from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, involves development of a sprayable and biodegradable polymer that protects corneal endothelial grafts from damage and loosens endothelial scroll behavior for ease of tissue handling. Myles is also investigating the potential of plugging corneal perforations with stoppers cut from preserved donor corneas.

Outside of the lab, Myles likes making noise – on the weekends, he is most likely playing a show in downtown Iowa City, whether that’s as his pop-rock alias mars hojilla or as the vocalist for local post-punk band Two Canes. Myles is also a big sudoku enthusiast and is currently trying to beat his fastest time to solve an expert puzzle (3:57).