BioE Student Spotlight and Dissertation Announcement: Praneetha Pulyala
This article was written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Praneetha Pulyala, a PhD candidate in Bioengineering at Lehigh University, is advancing research in polymer formulations to improve drug delivery systems while balancing an inspiring personal journey. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Pulyala’s path to bioengineering began with her master’s work on bone implants and later expanded through industry experience developing drug-eluting stents. "Bioengineering offers the perfect balance of scientific discovery and real-world application," she says. "I wanted to contribute to innovations that directly improve patient care." This drive led her to Lehigh, where she found a collaborative research environment and state-of-the-art facilities to pursue her work on enhancing the stability and biodegradability of polymer-in-liquid formulations.
Beyond her academic achievements, Pulyala has embraced the challenges of pursuing a PhD while raising twin boys. She shares, "It hasn’t been easy, but the support from my advisors and peers at Lehigh has been incredible.” Her ability to balance motherhood with rigorous research underscores her resilience and dedication. Among her fondest memories at Lehigh is attending Professor Perry’s annual pool party, where faculty and students connect outside the lab. Pulyala thinks, "It’s a great tradition that strengthens our sense of community.”
Looking ahead, Pulyala plans to enter the pharmaceutical or medical device industry, focusing on drug delivery technologies. Yet her vision extends beyond corporate research, and she hopes to bring these innovations back to India. "There’s a growing need for advanced medical solutions in India, and I want to help bridge that gap," she explains. Whether through industry collaborations or entrepreneurship, she aims to improve healthcare accessibility in her home country.
For aspiring bioengineers, Pulyala offers this key advice: "Embrace the field’s interdisciplinary nature and stay curious. The problems you solve and the connections you build will open unexpected opportunities." Pulyala also stresses the value of persistence, recalling how her industry experience before graduate school helped shape her research focus. "Every setback taught me something valuable. What matters is staying curious and keeping your end goals in sight." Her journey, which is marked by scientific curiosity, perseverance, and a commitment to global impact, serves as an inspiring example of how bioengineers can shape the future of healthcare.
You are invited to attend Praneetha's upcoming PhD Dissertation Defense:
"Fate of Polymers-in-Liquid-Formulations: Stability and Biodegradability"
Day and Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location: HST L101, and available via Zoom. Contact the BioE Department for the Zoom link
Presented in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering
PhD Advisor: Dr. Xuanhong Cheng
This event is free and open to the public. Please contact the Department of Bioengineering (inbioe@lehigh.edu) with any questions or comments.