Amaya Walker poses in the laboratory of Jamel Ali, Ph.D., in the National High Magnetic Field Lab (MagLab), a center with FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, in Tallahassee, Florida. Walker is applying for a patent for a discovery she made during a summer research internship at Harvard. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
Amaya Walker, a junior in chemical engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, is helping pioneer new methods in drug delivery and tissue engineering. The 20-year-old student recently returned from Harvard University, where she developed an innovative protein that could transform medical treatment approaches.
Military Life to Scientific Career
Walker’s journey to engineering began with frequent moves as a military child, traveling from Colorado to Turkey, Hawaii, Ohio and California before settling in Florida. These moves sparked her curiosity about different cultures, particularly through cuisine.
“My passion for cooking ignited my love for science since it involves mixing new concoctions, learning through trial and error and embracing experimentation,” Walker said.
Research at Harvard
At Harvard’s Wyss Institute, Walker participated in the NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates program. “I worked alongside my mentor, Blake Hanan, on a project focused on controlling protein release from alginate hydrogels using a new protein we developed called GFP TM6-N4,” Walker explained. “In layperson’s terms, we created a protein that binds to a gel-like substance to help deliver drugs or engineer tissues. It was a rewarding experience and I’m thrilled that our research has been accepted for a conference publication!”
“Being at Harvard was an incredible experience,” she added. “Walking through the halls of Winthrop House, where legends like John F. Kennedy and Robert Oppenheimer once lived, felt surreal.”
Path to Engineering
“I’ve always had a passion for math and science, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered chemical engineering was the right match for me,” Walker said. “I wanted to solve problems on a large scale. What makes chemical engineering unique is the sheer variety of applications — from sustainable fuels that power the world to formulating new cosmetics and making safety enhancements through reduced emissions.”
Research at MagLab
At the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Walker works in Professor Jamel Ali’s NMR Lab with mentor Mary Jean Savitsky. “We focus on liver cell culture, explore 3D printing techniques,” Walker explained. “We are developing alginate hydrogels to replicate 3D printed cells to mimic liver tissue. It’s fascinating because we can model different health conditions of the liver.”
It was the connection to Harvard from the joint college’s NSF CREST and RISE grants that afforded Walker the opportunity. Ali’s lab is part of the CREST center, a main focus of which is to give students like her these experiences.
Life Outside the Lab
Walker is a member of the FAMU-FSU Engineering Ambassadors, a K-12 STEM outreach group sponsored by the Dean’s Office.
When not conducting research or representing the college, she plays tennis and hikes with her cat, Gus. “We even traveled to Harvard together this summer!” she said. “I also find joy in retail therapy and experimenting in the kitchen, where I can merge my love for science and cooking by trying new recipes that reflect the cultures I’ve explored.”
Advice to Others
“My advice is to steer clear of comparing yourself to others,” Walker said. “Each of us has unique strengths that make us who we are. While looking at others and feeling inspired by their successes is natural, remember that you’re on your own journey. Celebrate your achievements — big or small — because they mark your progress toward something great.”
Looking Ahead
Walker plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering after graduation. “It’s amazing to think that the little girl who used to mix random ingredients just to see what would happen had the chance to do research at Harvard in the same spaces once graced by some of the greatest minds in history,” she said. “The world of chemical engineering is vast, and I can’t wait to see where my research and passion for science will take me.”
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