BioE Alumni Spotlight: Joey Kelly '20
Article written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Joey Kelly ‘20, a proud Lehigh University bioengineering alumnus, has been making significant strides in the field of chemistry while also excelling as an athlete. Originally from Pittsburgh, Kelly now resides in Virginia, where he is completing his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Virginia (UVA), expecting to graduate this spring!
Kelly chose to attend Lehigh University not only for its prestigious academic reputation but also for the opportunity to compete on the track team. Reflecting on his time at Lehigh, he fondly recalls the camaraderie built with his teammates, particularly through a preseason scavenger hunt that served as an icebreaker for new athletes. These experiences, both academic and extracurricular, helped shape his journey.
His decision to major in bioengineering stemmed from its versatility. Kelly explains, “I chose bioengineering because of how many doors the degree opened for me.” The prog
ram allowed him to explore different career paths, from medicine to engineering and research. One of his most rewarding experiences was an upper-level lab course, where smaller class sizes fostered closer connections with professors and peers. He shares, “Since the class was small and specific to your bioengineering-specific track, everyone was super engaged in the work.”
Since graduating in 2020, Kelly has been pursuing his PhD at UVA while continuing his athletic career, earning one of the top marks in program history for pole vault. His academic achievements include four first-author publications and a research award from his department. He has also played a key role in mentoring younger graduate students to help his research group grow.
Beyond academics, Kelly enjoys life with his two cats, Lemon and Pepper. When asked if he had any advice for current bioengineering students, Kelly responded, “Explore all the possible ways you can use your bioengineering degree to find the career that will be the most interesting and most rewarding for you!” He also encourages students to build strong connections with their peers, calling them some of the kindest and most supportive people they will meet. As Kelly prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring bioengineers, demonstrating the versatility of a bioengineering degree and the power of perseverance in both academia and athletics.
