Cacie McDorman, a 2020 graduate of the University of Central Florida (UCF) in materials science and engineering, has been awarded the 2026 Innovation Prize by Alleima Advanced Materials for her significant contributions to the development of ultra-fine wires utilized in essential medical devices such as continuous glucose monitors, hearing implants, and pacemakers. McDorman, who serves as a global project manager at Alleima, credits her rewarding career to her educational background at UCF, where she completed her doctoral studies under Associate Professor Swaminathan Rajaraman in the NanoBiosensors and Systems Laboratory. Her research focused on micro- and nanoscale solutions, which ignited her passion for the medical device industry. At Alleima, 90% of her unit's business is dedicated to medical device manufacturing, showcasing the company's commitment to materials innovation. McDorman encourages new graduates to connect with UCF alumni and explore job opportunities within Florida's expanding manufacturing industry, particularly in Volusia and Flagler counties. She expresses gratitude for her role in improving patient outcomes through her work.