Katia Avila and her classmates, of the 2017 and 2018 Garey High School Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam, invented a wearable device called Heart & Sole. The device uses sensors to gauge the progression of neuropathy and key disease indicators by measuring blood flow and oxygen content in a foot for diabetics. Katia, who had little knowledge of engineering prior to this experience, led the production of the oxygen saturation sensor for the InvenTeam project. She credits her experience with inventing as a turning point in her career path.

The team filed a nonprovisional application for patent in 2018 with pro bono support from the Microsoft #MakeWhatsNext Patent Program. They were awarded U.S. Patent 11,382,564 on July 12, 2022.

Katia's story

Katia works at Microsoft as an Explorer Intern while pursuing a computer engineering degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). At UCSC, she has found a passion for education and aims to continue supporting the community as a professor in engineering. Katia was a panelist at the 2021 and 2022 National Summer Teachers Institute and the USPTO's Invention-Con 2021. 

Related links

• Garey High School InvenTeam Granted U.S. Patent
• Inventor Stories: Katia Avila Pinedo
• How Invention Uplifted and Changed the Course of Students and Their Community
• Garey High School InvenTeam - #MAKEWHATSNEXT Patent Program Inspires Young Female Inventors
• USPTO's Patent Pro Bono Program

Are you the parent or guardian of a young inventor, maker, or entrepreneur? Contact us, we'd like to hear your story!