Kayla M. Nowakowski

Enthusiastic and dedicated nationally registered Paramedic with aspirations of continuing my education in medical school. With a compassionate and empathetic heart, I strive to be diligent and aggressive with my patient care. I am a very self-driven, adaptable person with a variety of leadership, clinical, and volunteer experiences. I am seeking to further expand my knowledge in the healthcare setting and embrace any opportunities for growth that may arise.

University of Pittsburgh Biological Science Research

• Duckweed Survivor: Worked first-hand in authentic research by comparing different lineages and ploidy of duckweed Spirodela Polyrhiza. Looking at the effects of common pollutant stressors present in the environment, the growth, development, and evolution of duckweed was studied utilizing both PCR and DNA sequencing (Spring 2023).
• Viral Genomes: Performed unique wet-lab experiments to investigate the activity of bacteriophage infection in their host cell, Gordonia rubripertincta . Successful isolation of the novel bacteriophage, Bugg, along with DNA extraction and whole genome sequencing. Utilization of bioinformatics programs to publish a genome annotation of previously isolated bacteriophage (Spring 2025).

08/2023 - 04/2024

While preparing to become a nationally certified Paramedic in the state of Pennsylvania, over 750 hours worth of clinical rotations were completed with over 350 patient contacts made.

• Specialty Facilities: Emergency Department (adult and pediatric), Obstetrical Unit, Burn Unit, Respiratory Unit, Medical Surgical ICU, ECT Lab, Psychiatric Unit, Medical Command Operator, STAT Medvac and Ambulance Services.

• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - 2024

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - 2024
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - 2024
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - 2024
• Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) - 2024
• Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) - 2024
• EMS Safety - 2024
• Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC) - 2024
• Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) - 2024

As a member of the University of Pittsburgh's Varsity Division 1 Dance Team, there is much more to my role than cheering at sporting events and competing at our yearly national competition in Daytona. Giving back to the Pitt community and serving at public outreach and awareness programs is the one element of our program that is the most impactful.

• Annual Community Service Events: Rock Steelers Style NFL Charity, Mark Milovats Christmas Show, Out of the Darkness walk, Read Across America, Walk for a Cure, Eq10 Run, Strong Girls, Pitt Dance Marathon, Boys and Girls Club, Pitt Dance and Cheer Summer Camps, and Diabetes Walk.