Tatum McMillan

Tatum McMillan enjoys that biomedical engineering requires a multidisciplinary approach of biology, medicine and engineering in its applications. She chose to study biomedical engineering at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University because she knew it would bring her closer to her mission to help people, the planet and animals alike.

“Biomedical engineering is really interesting because it requires a multidisciplinary approach of biology, medicine and engineering in its applications,” McMillan says. “Utilizing these various knowledge bases, new technologies and solutions can be created to ultimately improve the healthcare space as we know it.”

She knew she made the right decision to pursue engineering when she was in Kenya with Engineers Without Borders, or EWB, working on a rainwater catchment project to increase water access for a rural community

“While in Kenya, I witnessed firsthand how my technical engineering skills could improve livelihoods for the better,” McMillan says. “My heart had never felt so full and fulfilled as it did in that moment, knowing I had made a tangible and lasting impact on others.”

During her time at ASU, McMillan immersed herself fully by joining Barrett, the Honors College and the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, or GCSP. She participated in Venture Devils, the Barrett Mentor Program, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Order of Omega Honors Fraternity, Undergraduate Student Government and the Fulton Leadership Council.

She is most proud of her involvement in her global engineering efforts with EWB and Engineering Projects in Community Service, or EPICS.

“Being able to make a difference globally on three other continents — Europe, Asia, and Africa — was something I never imagined I would have been able to accomplish so young,” McMillan says. “I am so fortunate to have attended a university that truly helped me follow my passions and supported me in making the impact I desired.”

She received the Barrett Gold Standard Award, the EPICS Director’s Award and the Robert Chamberlain Biomedical Engineering Memorial Scholarship for her engineering efforts and reach.

McMillan will continue her education at ASU as she completes her Accelerated Master’s degree in biomedical engineering. 

“Fulton Schools has given me the mindset that if I can dream it, I can do it,” she says. “The Fulton community has truly been so supportive of my aspirations and has given me the confidence to pursue my goals, no matter how ambitious they are.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2025 class here.