While many of her peers were enjoying the time off between high school graduation and starting college, Luiza Owuor ’26 was participating in the University’s Career Acceleration via Rigorous Educational Experiences in Research (CAREER) program, which introduces students to the research opportunities available to them on campus.
The program helps students like Owuor become involved with research efforts early on in their academic careers, and for Owuor, the experience, especially a presentation from BioInspired Institute Director and Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Jay Henderson, ignited her passion for biochemical engineering.
Once Owuor officially embarked on her journey in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, she wanted to contribute to the Henderson Lab, which strives to improve treatments for individuals living with an injury or disease. Through experimental and computational approaches, lab researchers study and apply mechanobiology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
“I remember being especially drawn to Dr. Henderson’s presentation, and his work really sparked my interest in this field,” says Owuor, president of the Society of Women Engineers and a mentor with Catalyst Scholars, a new program for first-generation students.
“Being involved in his lab has been one of the most defining parts of my academic journey. I’ve co-authored two published papers through BioInspired [which examines complex biological systems], and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see our research make a real contribution to the field,” Owuor says. “I’ve built a strong, family-like bond with my lab members and that sense of support and collaboration has made the experience truly special.”
Owuor, a native of Kisumu, Kenya, was recently named as a 2025-26 Syracuse University Remembrance Scholar. She sat down with SU News to discuss her passion for biomedical engineering, her career goals, the important role of mentoring and how her time on campus has fueled her holistic development.
What sparked your interest in biomedical engineering and the STEM field?
I’ve always wanted to be part of the health care space, but not necessarily on the front lines. Biomedical engineering drew me in because it offers a way to make a real impact from behind the scenes, whether that’s through designing medical devices, developing therapeutic technologies or conducting research that leads to breakthroughs.
Once I got involved in research at Syracuse, I saw how engineering could be used to solve complex biological problems, and that solidified my passion for this field. I love that I get to blend innovation with purpose every day.
What are your career goals and ambitions?
To become a medical scientist and contribute to the development of innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes. I’m especially interested in translational research, taking discoveries from the lab and turning them into real solutions for people. Pursuing a Ph.D. is part of that path, and I hope to work at the intersection of research and innovation to help address some of the biggest challenges in health care.
What role has mentoring played in your development?
Mentorship has shaped so much of my growth. From research mentors in the Henderson Lab to peer leaders in student organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), I’ve been guided and supported by people who believed in my potential. Mentoring others—whether through Academic Excellence Workshops or Catalyst Scholar mentoring—feels like a full-circle moment. It’s my way of paying it forward.
How has your time at Syracuse University helped fuel your development?
Syracuse has been instrumental in my growth—academically, professionally and personally. Through leadership roles like serving as president of the Society of Women Engineers and alumni relations chair for NSBE, I’ve developed strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
The Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE) program has been a major support system, funding my research projects and giving me the platform to present my work. Syracuse has also connected me with the resources and guidance I needed to secure meaningful internships, including one for this upcoming summer. On top of that, my classes have equipped me with technical lab skills and data analysis that will directly apply to my field and my future career goals.
