Victoria Wagner
Victoria Wagner is an exceptionally motivated student and researcher currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Biomaterial Engineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering. A first-generation college student, Victoria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering with a concentration in Biomaterial and Mechanical Engineering, demonstrating her interdisciplinary interests and dedication to advancing medical technology.
Victoria combines her academic pursuits with hands-on research experience at Shriners Hospital for Children, where she serves as a Clinical Research Aide. In this role, she manages data for adverse event reporting and IRB submissions and analyzes MRI data for diverse studies. She has also participated in a Clinical Research Immersion Program, leading a research project on Osteochondritis Dissecans that she presented to medical professionals.
In addition to her clinical research, Victoria contributed to her university community as an Athletics Graduate Assistant at Lehigh University, mentoring student-athletes, coordinating logistics for practices and competitions, and ensuring NCAA compliance. She also gained experience in content strategy and marketing through an internship with Mustard, where she developed digital campaigns targeting European baseball audiences.
Looking ahead, Victoria envisions a career in prosthetic and medical device development for pediatric care and aspires to attend medical school with a focus on orthopedic medicine. Throughout her journey, she has overcome challenges like imposter syndrome and leveraged her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning to thrive academically and professionally.
• Lehigh University - BA
• Lehigh University - MS (in progress)
• Certicifacte of completion from Virtual Immersion in Biomedical Engineering (VIBE) program at Worchester Polytechnic Institute
• Top 6 finalist in Penn Medicine Healthcare Case Competition 2024
• BS
• Biomaterial and Mechanical Engineering
• Shriners hospital for Children Walk of Love
• Shriner Hospital for Children Christmas in July
• Helping immigrants study for citizenship test
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being too stubborn to quit. In my six-year journey in biomaterial engineering i have navigated the challenges of being a first-generation college student, and overcoming imposter syndrome while earning my bachelor’s degree, then going on to pursue my master’s at Lehigh University. Along the way, I’ve gained valuable experience working as a Clinical Research Aide at Shriners Hospital for Children and conducting research at Lehigh University, which has shaped my professional growth and perspective.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I was once told to always be curious, to always keep learning, because there is always something to learn.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is that confidence is key. Believing in yourself and your abilities opens doors to opportunities and allows you to take on challenges that may initially seem daunting.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in this industry is that many women don’t realize there are alternatives to some procedures or options beyond invasive surgeries. Educating patients and raising awareness about available medical solutions is a responsibility I take seriously.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value hard work, informing and empowering women, and contributing to meaningful advancements in medicine. What inspired me to pursue this path was witnessing miracles in children’s lives from a young age—starting at 14—which motivated me to dedicate my career to improving pediatric care and the quality of life for patients.