BioE Student Spotlight: Luke Stallings
This article was written by Juliana M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Luke Stallings is a student from Dallas, Texas, studying bioengineering with a concentration in mechanics and materials. He’s also pursuing a business minor to better prepare for a future in medical innovation. From the moment he stepped onto campus, Stallings knew Lehigh was the right place for him. He liked the smaller size of the school, the strong focus on undergraduate research, and the welcoming atmosphere. “Everyone pretty much knows everybody else,” he says. “I’ve made some really good friends both inside of BIOE and out.”
Stallings’s interest in the medical field started early. He’s always known he wanted to work in healthcare, and bioengineering felt like the right fit. “I wanted to put myself in a position to solve problems that improve the lives of others,” he says. “Bioengineering is the best way to enter that industry and make a meaningful impact on the world.”
Outside of class, Stallings is involved in research with the Holten-Andersen Lab, where he’s helping adapt commercial 3D printers for bio-inspired inks. He’s also an active member of BMES, the Biomedical Engineering Society. “I enjoy getting to hang out with other BIOEs outside of class and destress from everything else going on.”
Something that Stallings enjoys about Lehigh’s Bioengineering department is the people! He appreciates how approachable many of the bioengineering professors are. “They know when to be laid back, and it makes lectures feel more relaxed and engaging,” he says. Two of his favorite classes so far have been BIOE 025 with Professor Seabra and BIOE 247 with Professor Cheng.
Stallings is also involved in several campus activities that bring him joy. He’s the president of the Cheese Club, sings in the Lehigh Melismatics acappella group, and has a soft-coated Wheaten Terrier named Odie waiting for him back home.
One of the most important things Luke has learned during his time at Lehigh is how valuable it is to manage time well. “Your time in BIOE is what you make of it. Don’t be afraid to fail,” he says. “Four years isn’t that long, but with good time management, you’ll realize you have more time than you think.”
After graduation, Luke plans to continue his education through a master’s or Ph.D. program in bioengineering, materials science, or mechanobiology. Eventually, he hopes to work in research and development, designing medical devices or prosthetics that can improve people’s lives. “Research and development is key to advancing medical technology,” he says. “It’s also a huge area for entrepreneurship, which is why I decided to minor in business.”
As a new Rossin Junior Fellow, Luke is excited to represent the Bioengineering department and support the community that has meant so much to him.