BioE Student Spotlight: Allyson Deihl '24
Article written by Juliana M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Allyson Deihl is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Bioengineering, concentrating on biomaterials. Deihl completed her Bachelor in Bioengineering here at Lehigh, ‘24, and enjoyed her experience so much that she decided to stay and continue her studies towards a master's degree! Her passion for bioengineering began in high school, particularly after taking an Anatomy and Physiology class. Deihl states: “I realized I wanted to explore the intersections of the human body, engineering, and innovation. These interests led me straight to bioengineering.” These interests also led her to Lehigh, where she found the perfect balance of rigorous academic challenge, research opportunities, and the time to pursue her passions, such as music and community outreach.
Beyond academics, Allyson is involved in Lehigh’s Society of Women Engineers, previously serving as Vice President and is now the current president. Deihl loves playing a leadership role in an organization dedicated to supporting women in engineering. To her, Society of Women Engineers “is incredibly fulfilling and is an amazing way to network with other women in engineering at Lehigh, faculty and staff, professional engineers, and other minority engineering groups at Lehigh.” Being involved in this society for so long has allowed Dehil to connect with a supportive group of like-minded individuals which has thoroughly enhanced her experience at Lehigh.
Looking ahead, Deihl’s goal is to lead research in developing advanced therapeutics and technologies that transform patient care. She is currently applying to PhD programs in bioengineering and related fields, where she hopes to use her expertise to make a contribution in groundbreaking research and make an impact in medical innovations.
Allyson’s favorite memories from her time at Lehigh Bioengineering come from her project-based coursework, especially during her undergraduate years. One of her favorite moments was working on a final project for Professor Chow’s Introduction to Biomaterials class. The opportunity to collaborate with her classmates on real-world applications of bioengineering reinforced her values of community and hands-on learning.
Outside of her courses and projects, Deihl spends her time reading, crocheting, and playing the clarinet. Her advice for current and future bioengineering students at Lehigh is: “Don’t be afraid to try things! Bioengineering is such a broad and interdisciplinary field, and there’s so much room for exploration. Lehigh has incredible resources, faculty, and staff who are eager to help you find your way.”
Deihl’s time at Lehigh reflects her dedication to both academic and personal growth. Her time here at Lehigh has allowed her to explore and innovate in the world of bioengineering, and she will continue to do so beyond graduation!