The Johns Hopkins University marked the arrival of its third cohort of Vivien Thomas Scholars earlier this year, officially welcoming the 19 new PhD students with a reception at the Evergreen Museum and Library on the Homewood campus. Among the new cohort is CS’ MaKhaila Bentil, who joins the department from Virginia State University.
First announced in May 2021, the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) addresses historic underrepresentation in STEM through an endowment of $150 million. Vivien Thomas Scholars will receive up to six years of full tuition coverage, a stipend, health insurance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
“Through VTSI, I have access to a strong community and mentorship network that empowers me to fully dedicate myself to impactful research,” says Bentil. “The Initiative’s mission to foster equity in STEM aligns with my goal to use computational methods to tackle critical public health challenges and promote systemic change.”
Advised by Casey Overby Taylor, an associate professor of medicine and biomedical engineering, Bentil will be involved in projects related to translational informatics, which focus on applying data-driven approaches to health care challenges, such as analyzing data related to opioid use disorders and assessing risk factors for trauma patients.
MaKhaila Bentil
“These projects are deeply personal to me because they address critical public health challenges that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations,” Bentil says. “The intersection of health care and informatics offers an opportunity to create real-world impact by not only understanding the root causes of these issues, but by also driving systemic changes. I am particularly motivated by the potential of combining computational techniques and social good to make health care more equitable and effective.”
Bentil says her passion for STEM is driven by a desire to solve meaningful problems and make a positive impact on the world.
“I have personally witnessed how systemic challenges—like limited access to resources and support in marginalized communities—exacerbate the burdens on those already struggling,” she says. “This, combined with a fascination for how technology can transform lives, drives me to innovate and advocate for equity. I see STEM as a platform to not only explore solutions, but to empower others and contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable world.”
Outside of her research endeavors, Bentil enjoys hiking and spending time in nature, where she says she finds both inspiration and peace. She is also passionate about exercise—particularly weightlifting, which she says helps her build strength, discipline, and focus, providing a sense of balance and renewal that fuels her academic and professional endeavors.
Learn more about the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative here.