“Kyle joined our lab as a summer researcher through the Summer Cancer Undergraduate Research Program, and his dedication, resilience, and warmth immediately stood out. Over the past two years, we've had the privilege of watching him evolve into a confident scientist and take initiative in leading this project.” – Emily Witt

Hometown: Davenport, Iowa

Faculty mentors/advisors: James Byrne, MD, PhD, assistant professor of radiation oncology, Carver College of Medicine

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: BSE in biomedical engineering, Spring 2026

Kyle Balk develops gas-entrapping materials (GEMs) to serve as innovative drug delivery systems. Inspired by popping candy, the GEMs fizz and dissolve when exposed to moisture. GEMs can also be infused with medications commonly prescribed in chemotherapy. 

By working in James Byrne’s radiation oncology lab, Balk gained insight into the challenges children face during cancer treatment.  His research ultimately aims to ease the burden of taking medication for pediatric patients undergoing cancer treatments, making it easier and more enjoyable to take their medication as prescribed. 

“Research has taught me to look beyond the obvious and embrace the process of discovery,” says Balk. “Learning to persevere when experiments did not go as planned has strengthened my creativity and problem-solving [ability], helping me approach challenges in my engineering coursework with resilience.”

He plans to attend medical school after graduation.