BioE Student Spotlight: Hayley Whitney
Article written by Juliana M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Hayley Whitney is a PhD student from Manahawkin, New Jersey, with a dual major in statistics and bioengineering and also minoring in computer science. She is currently conducting research in the Seshadri Lab. Whitney’s work bridges machine learning, AI, and health performance optimization to improve human performance: particularly focusing on AI-driven image segmentation and the development of remote biosensor electronics
When asked why she chose Lehigh, Whitney highlights the opportunity-rich environment of its campus: “I value meaningful connections, and Lehigh’s campus felt like the ideal size to foster both relationships and opportunities.” This sense of connection drives her engagement both in and out of the classroom. Whitney credits her mother, a nurse in the CVICU and now a Clinical Nurse Specialist, as her biggest inspiration: “Growing up, I saw firsthand the impact of healthcare through her stories and tears. My mom would always come home with an 'I wish'—something she hoped could be improved. Now, I have the opportunity to grant those wishes to the best of my ability.”
Whitney’s research interests are deeply personal and impactful. She aims to optimize women’s health, particularly in the context of women’s sports. She notes the gaps in existing literature and is determined to address inequities: “Much of the current research focuses on the same groups of people. I want to help change that.”
On campus, Whitney is an active participant in academic and extracurricular life. She enjoys the “Lunch with the Seminar Speaker” series, which allows her to connect with experts in her field. A recent highlight was a discussion with Dr. Ben Wheatley, which Whitney describes as energizing and insightful. Beyond the lab, Whitney is also the manager of Lehigh’s Women’s Basketball team!
For future Lehigh students, Whitney offers advice: “You have everything you need right in front of you. Do not be afraid to acknowledge what you can handle and work to expand that range. The rest will fall into place. I promise.”
Her final words of encouragement? Don’t hesitate to attend a women’s basketball game this season—you might just catch Whitney in her element, combining her love for sports and community!
