Sarah Noel

Class of 2025-2026

Virginia Tech, 2025
Biological Sciences

Capstone Project Abstract:

Enlighten Mobility, founded by ESTEEM alumni, is a healthtech company focused on advancing diagnostic and rehabilitative tools for neuromotor conditions. They work alongside patients, caregivers, clinical providers and researchers to harness data into thoughtful innovation. Since founding in 2017, improving the patient experience has been at the center of all of Enlighten Mobility's efforts.

 
This capstone project will bring together Enlighten’s work in early detection and rehabilitation technology together in a multidisciplinary initiative specifically for brain injury patients. The goal of The Human Resilience Project is to improve outcomes by ensuring the right care is received, at the right time, in the right setting. Extended ‘down time’ after a brain injury yields worse outcomes for the patient and higher costs for both the patient and healthcare system. The student will conduct comprehensive stakeholder interviews, assess the market landscape and create a business model that supports patient recovery and cross-hospital collaboration.

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I chose ESTEEM to learn how to translate a technical background into effective solutions. I wanted to learn how to combine the worlds of science and business. Through the program's experiential learning and the capstone, we learn not just how to identify current problems, but how to make a real-world impact. This environment has been constantly pushing me to be creative and develop an entrepreneurial mindset ready to tackle challenges across all industries.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

After ESTEEM I plan to work in the biotech/ biomedical device field. Taking all that I've learned through ESTEEM to improve the quality of healthcare and patient experiences is the goal!

What do you like to do in your free time?

Outside of class I enjoy staying active, reading and exploring new foods. Travel is a passion of mine and I hope to check a new country off my list soon.