BioE Student Spotlight: Sara Oswald
Article written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Sara Oswald, a dedicated student from East Greenville, Pennsylvania, is pursuing a BS in Bioengineering at Lehigh University with a specialization in Biopharmaceutical Engineering. Her academic journey reflects her passion for regenerative medicine and the hands-on research opportunities available at Lehigh.
For Oswald, Lehigh stood out because of its strong student support system and its emphasis on research. Coming from a small town, she was drawn to the close-knit campus environment and the chance to gain real-world experience in bioengineering. She explained, “I chose Lehigh because it was evident that the institution supported its students and their achievements. This was particularly important to me as I was looking to enter the STEM field and interested in research.”
Her decision to study bioengineering was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. She shared, “I wanted to enter a profession that provides fulfillment in ways beyond monetary compensation alone. The reward of helping others is invaluable, to me at least.” This passion has guided her throughout her academic career, particularly in her research with The Chow Lab, where she focuses on 3D-printed polymer scaffolds for cartilage regeneration.
Oswald’s work in the lab has been instrumental in shaping her interests. “I love working in the lab, I always look forward to when I have to go in,” she said. “The work in this lab has really shown me how rewarding science can be—this feeling is why I joined bioengineering.” Through this research, she has developed vital hands-on skills, improved her technical writing, and discovered an interest in materials science.
After graduation, Oswald hopes to contribute to the field of regenerative medicine, particularly by advancing osteoarthritis treatments through nanoparticle drug delivery. Her specialization in biopharmaceuticals, combined with her research experience, provides a strong foundation for achieving this goal.
Beyond academics, Oswald has been deeply involved in Lehigh’s women’s rugby team, where she served as president for two years. Her time at Lehigh has been filled with memorable experiences, including a BIOE 210 lab where students placed electrodes on themselves to track neural and muscular responses. Oswald recalled, “It was funny to watch people try to perform the tasks at hand while attempting to keep the electrodes in place. I quite enjoyed this lab, it improved my ability to read EMGs and EKGs.”
When asked for advice for future bioengineering students, Oswald encourages them to embrace challenges and follow their passions. “As someone who switched into bioengineering late their freshman year, I can safely say the ‘risk’ is worth the ‘reward,’” she said. “If you're ever unsure of what to do or can't find motivation, just remember why you're here and what you're passionate about. It will all work out in the end. And always go to office hours!”
Oswald’s journey at Lehigh is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in bioengineering. With her drive and dedication, she is poised to make a meaningful impact in regenerative medicine and beyond.