BioE Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Condon '22
This article was written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Natalie Condon, a proud 2022 graduate of Lehigh University with a B.S. in Bioengineering, specializing in biomaterials and biomechanics, has swiftly carved out an impressive path in the MedTech industry. Originally from Skaneateles, NY, Condon now lives in Boston, MA, where she contributes her expertise as a lifecycle engineer at Johnson and Johnson Medtech, Heart Recovery, supporting the design and manufacturing of Impella Heart Pumps.
Condon's journey to Lehigh was driven by a desire to "balance athletics and engineering," a feat she clearly mastered as a middle-distance runner on the cross country and track and field teams. This ability to excel both academically and athletically was a key factor in her college choice. Her fondest Lehigh memories are rooted in the camaraderie of Brodhead during her sophomore year, where she forged lasting friendships that continue to enrich her life today. She recalls the vibrant campus life, saying, "It was so fun to be steps away from campus and the Goose!"
Her passion for bioengineering ignited from an early fascination with the kinematics of the body, along with a powerful desire to engineer devices that could genuinely help others. This foundational interest was significantly bolstered by her invaluable experience in the Chow Lab at Lehigh, which provided a hands-on introduction to research and development. Condon shares, "Professor Chow is a fantastic mentor and she created such a fun and compassionate environment to work in," highlighting a formative experience that cemented her dedication to the field of tissue engineering.
Upon graduating, Condon immediately applied her knowledge at a tissue engineering start-up in Boston. There, she engaged in intensive, hands-on lab work, developing biomaterial-based kidney implants complete with 3D-printed vascular and epithelial channels, which was an experience that directly mimicked the function of human kidneys. This rigorous work prepared her perfectly for her current role. Now, at Johnson and Johnson Medtech, her bioengineering degree remains critical to her success. Condon explains, "My background in fluid mechanics, biocompatibility and hemodynamics from Lehigh serve me every day."
For current and future bioengineering students at Lehigh, Condon offers valuable advice, which is that, "Don’t be afraid to reach out to any alumni whose careers or journeys you find interesting. The best way to learn what you want to do after Lehigh is to be exposed to various people and careers." Her own journey, marked by quick professional ascent in a cutting-edge field, stands as a powerful testament to the value of passion, dedication, and the robust education provided by Lehigh's Bioengineering program.
