BioE Student Spotlight: Aditi Sathe

Article written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering

Aditi Sathe, a dedicated student from Bridgewater, New Jersey, is pursuing a BS in Biocomputational Engineering at Lehigh University. With a minor in Data Science and active involvement in the Society of Women Engineers, Sathe’s academic journey reflects the dynamic, applied nature of bioengineering at Lehigh.

For Sathe, Lehigh stood out because of its unique approach to bioengineering, offering one of the few undergraduate degrees in Biocomputational Engineering in the nation. Sathe explained “I decided to come to Lehigh University because it was one of the only schools in the nation that had an undergraduate degree in Biocomputational Engineering.” This, paired with the university’s strong emphasis on applied learning, gave her the ideal environment to thrive. Sathe credits this approach with providing her a hands-on experience that integrates both biomedical sciences and computational methods.

Her decision to major in bioengineering came naturally, given her interest in the intersection of biomedical sciences and mathematical methods. She said, "I chose to study bioengineering because it is at the intersection of biomedical sciences and computations/mathematical methods.” This interdisciplinary foundation equips her for future academic endeavors. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, and she feels confident that her biocomputational background will provide the necessary skills for such a program. “I think that my background in Biocomputational Engineering has given me the opportunity to further pursue this, through my applied learning classes and undergraduate research.”

Sathe’s time at Lehigh has not only been academically enriching but also personally rewarding. Reflecting on her experiences, she fondly remembers a Bioengineering Department potluck in December. “A good memory was the BioE potluck in December when I got to interact with many BioE professors and students,” she shared, highlighting the sense of community within the program.

When asked for advice for current or future bioengineering students, Sathe encourages them to embrace the many opportunities available at Lehigh. She advised, “A word of wisdom is to take advantage of the hundreds of opportunities here at Lehigh. Find something that really resonates with you, and do not hesitate to pursue it further.” With a wealth of resources and support, Sathe’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion in a field as transformative as bioengineering.

Beyond academics, Sathe enjoys sushi and is always on the lookout for more ways to connect with her peers and professors, further strengthening the bonds in Lehigh’s close-knit bioengineering community.