BioE Student Spotlight: Owen Holst
This article was written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Owen Holst is a Bioengineering student at Lehigh University who has found his purpose at the intersection of global health and hands-on research. Originally from Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Owen chose Lehigh for its strong engineering program and early research opportunities, which is a decision that he thinks has quickly paid off. In his first year, he joined a research team working on real-world medical challenges and soon found himself contributing to an international project focused on sickle cell disease. What began as an interest in engineering quickly evolved into a passion for using science to improve health outcomes globally.
Now specializing in Biomechanics and Biomaterials, Owen plays a leading role in the SicklED research team under Professor Xuanhong Cheng. The group focuses on creating a low-cost diagnostic test for sickle cell disease and designing educational resources for communities in Sierra Leone. It’s the kind of work that bridges engineering and global health, which is exactly what motivates him. He explains, “I am interested in using engineering skills and problem-solving to tackle large global health issues.”
His commitment has taken him far beyond the classroom. One of his most memorable experiences came during a trip to Sierra Leone, where the team met with local partners. Holst describes, “I remember driving long distances to reach our contacts in the cities… I would look around to see all of my peers and my professor fast asleep, tired from the adventures of the day before.” It’s a snapshot of how tightly knit his research team has become and how meaningful the work truly is.
Owen is also an active part of the Lehigh community. He’s a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), where he finds encouragement and camaraderie, and he serves as a Rossin Junior Fellow, representing Bioengineering across the College of Engineering.
After graduation, Owen plans to pursue a graduate degree focused on biomedical devices and mechanics, with interests that include prosthetics and diagnostics. The skills and experiences he’s built at Lehigh have helped prepare him to thrive in both research and industry.
His advice to incoming students is to take initiative. Holst advises, “I would encourage bioengineers to always try and make the most of every available opportunity… Whether it’s free food on campus, research with faculty, or a prestigious internship, I recommend you take care to act on it.” Outside of academics, Owen is a proud member of the Lehigh Running Club and has a well-known love for chocolate milk. Driven by curiosity and compassion, he is shaping a future where engineering improves lives on a global scale.
