Kevin Bautista [‘23], is a Biomedical engineering major for the College of Engineering and placed second in the Undergraduate Research Pitch Competition held this past March. His research focuses on finding better ways to address neonatal hypothermia in low-middle income countries. With neonatal hypothermia being one of the most common ways for children to die in these countries, Kevin and his team focused on how to make the Kangaroo Mother Care method, also known as KMC, more effective. KMC is when a caregiver swaddles a premature baby to her bare body to give it warmth. His group’s project, Kanga, was to add a vital sign monitor and an automatic temperature regulator to KMC. This way the baby’s heart rate, temperature, and respiratory system can be monitored in the beginning and most vital stages of its life. Kevin’s motives are to create a safer environment for premature children.

Kevin’s main role in this research project was on the electronic side of the project. He designed circuit systematics, circuit boards, and code for Kanga and believes that “the best way to learn is by doing.” Through conducting the research, he learned how to work well independently with the help of Dr. Orlando Hoilett and Dr. Jacqueline Linnes for the past 2 years. 

“Dr. Linnes is an amazing advisor and mentor who is incredible at giving her students a place to grow. She’s given me a lot of opportunities to work on projects that match my interests, and the freedom to explore other fields as well. Dr. Hoilett has been an incredible inspiration in this entire process, and I owe a lot of the technical knowledge and skills I learned in research due to him.”

-Kevin Bautista

Kevin found interest in this research topic because he grew up in the Philippines where many people couldn’t access these technologies or opportunities. Kevin later on wants to help with other global problems and create more effective solutions in other countries. He found that research helps him “bridge a gap between accessibility and technology and effectiveness. ”Kevin has found that research is an amazing place to grow your skills and get prepared for your career. He wants to become a biomedical engineer to pursue careers that involve what he has learned throughout his Purdue experience. 

In regards to presenting research, Kevin encourages students to talk about their research projects they worked hard on and wants people to be proud of their work. Kevin admits to being nervous before he presented his research results, but he found that he truly enjoyed presenting his research to teach people about his project. The research conferences help develop these communication skills as a researcher. 

“A large part of research is being able to contribute new knowledge, and a key part of that is presenting your work. By presenting, you’re contributing to something a lot bigger than yourself. Those 10 or so minutes fly by when you’re presenting, and in those 10 minutes, you’re likely teaching someone something new.”

-Kevin Bautista