Makenna received her BA in Biology: Neuroscience from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied CB1 receptor expression in sensory neurons, and later sensory neuron-expressed estrogen receptor involvement in endometriosis pain. In the Tawfik lab, Makenna is excited to investigate the mechanisms underlying chronic pain in aging and possible autonomic nervous system involvement in these processes.

Outside of the lab, Makenna enjoys spending time outdoors (mainly hiking, mountain and road biking, and camping), playing board games with friends, and sewing.