BioE Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Ferrante '20
Article written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Amanda Ferrante graduated from Lehigh University in 2020 with a B.S. in Bioengineering, specializing in the Biomechanics and Biomaterials track. She is now a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer at Stryker in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her work directly impacts the way surgeons operate, improving outcomes and advancing patient care. With a blend of technical expertise and creativity, Ferrante is shaping solutions that make a real difference in the operating room.
Ferrante’s journey to bioengineering was inspired by a desire to improve healthcare—an interest rooted in her parents’ careers in the medical field. While she initially considered becoming a physician, she found her true passion in designing solutions that improve patient outcomes through engineering innovation. She writes, “Studying bioengineering provided me with a strong foundation in both engineering principles and the unique challenges of the medical field. It equipped me with the ability to design and analyze complex systems while maintaining a deep understanding of human physiology and clinical needs.”
After graduation, Ferrante began working at Stryker and simultaneously pursued a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, which she completed in 2023. At Stryker, she’s not only contributed to essential surgical tools but also found community through employee resource groups like Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and Stryker's Emerging Professionals. She currently has one patent pending—an exciting milestone she hopes will be the first of many.
During her time at Lehigh, Ferrante was deeply involved both academically and socially. She was an Orientation Leader and Coordinator, cherishing the opportunity to help new students feel at home. She also earned a Clare Boothe Luce research grant and conducted proteomics research in Dr. Pashuck’s lab, presenting her findings at the BMES conference and the Freed Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Ferrante encourages current and future students to embrace confidence as a deliberate mindset. She says, “In bioengineering, you’ll constantly face complex problems, new technologies, and unfamiliar challenges. Instead of waiting to feel ready, choose to trust your abilities, your education, and your ability to figure things out along the way.”
Outside of work, Ferrante is an avid reader, often finishing over 100 books a year, and prides herself on curating the best playlists around. Undoubtedly, Ferrante’s journey is a testament to the power of combining technical skills with purpose-driven passion. Her work at the intersection of engineering and healthcare is not only advancing surgical innovation but also setting an example for aspiring bioengineers. Her advice to students is a reminder that success isn’t about having all the answers from the start; it’s about showing up, speaking up, and staying curious.
“Growth happens when you lean into discomfort,” she states. “The more you act with confidence, the more natural it becomes. Believe in your potential, and others will too.”
