Mikala Johnson, Ph.D.
Mikala joined the Kymeta Corporation in 2012 as a Mathematical Modeling Specialist. She rose through the ranks, taking on a variety of roles as a Senior Solutions Engineer, Solutions Engineering Manager and Product Manager before achieving her current position in 2020. In her role as Principal Systems Engineer for LEO Systems, Mikala is responsible for cross-functional workstreams that ensure LEO-ready user terminals for Kymeta’s customers with a special focus in software and algorithms for mobile LEO acquisition and tracking. She helped spearhead the development and launch of the company’s second-generation product, a flat-panel satellite antenna that provides a comprehensive connectivity solution for secure communications on-the-go as well as a host of new innovative features. While working as a Mathematical Modeling Specialist at Kymeta, Mikala earned her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington, after completing her Masters of Science in Applied Mathematics at the same university.
Since joining the company, Mikala also designed and implemented mathematical algorithms to address multiple components of Kymeta’s new technology, including holographic beam-forming, orientation sensing and acquisition and tracking in a mobile environment. She has used her expertise to guide customers through successful evaluation and use of the company’s LEO-ready user terminals regardless of application, market, size, location or system architecture. Mikala has received numerous awards and accolades for her achievements, including the Most Impactful 2016 Invention for submitting a patent application for a cylindrically fed antenna design. She also received the Boeing Teacher Award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student and a VIGRE Fellowship for her research pursuits.
Outside of work hours, Mikala spent many years educating local elementary school students through the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington. She designed and delivered hands-on activities for the students in her community to foster interest in math and science and help them engage with potential future career paths.
