Kayla Habermehl has more than a decade of experience translating complex content into compelling stories that effectively engage a broad range of audiences. As Van Andel Institute’s science communications strategist, she works with a collaborative team to develop and implement evidence-based initiatives to inform the public and build the Institute’s reputation.

As part of the Communications and Marketing team, Kayla is responsible for creating and executing comprehensive communications plans and marketing campaigns, and developing research news releases, website content, public-facing articles, blog posts, remarks, video scripts and more. She also supports several reporting and strategic planning initiatives, as well as the Institute’s robust scientific events portfolio.

Prior to joining VAI in 2014, Kayla was a writer for Neogen Corporation, where she conceptualized and created technical and public-facing assets for the food safety, veterinary, toxicology, agricultural and life sciences markets. She also previously worked as a reporter for The Flint Journal (MLive) and The Bay City Times (MLive), where she earned awards from the Associated Press and the American Legion.