McKenzie Murray '28
Student-athlete
For McKenzie Murray ’28, engineering is about impact. A mechanical engineering major with a minor in Spanish, Murray has embraced hands-on research and interdisciplinary learning that connect technical skills to global challenges.
During a summer research project, Murray worked on developing a cost-effective phototherapy device to treat neonatal jaundice in low-resource settings. “Conducting research with Dr. Lisa Murray has created a growth mindset that I will use for life. This experience helped me see that engineering isn’t just about numbers,” she said. “It’s about solving problems that can actually help people.”
Murray balances her academic work with athletics as a member of the women’s soccer and track and field teams, earning conference honors while building discipline and teamwork. She is also involved in emerging student organizations like the True Blue Robotics Club.
“Illinois College has shown me how I can use engineering to serve others,” Murray said. With strong mentorship and research experience, she is graduating READY to pursue internships, advanced study and a career rooted in purpose.