Akanksha Gavade ‘26

Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?

A: It’s a “small enough to feel seen, big enough to dream” kind of place. People at Lehigh genuinely want you to thrive. At Lehigh, you’ll find professors who open doors to job opportunities, peers who cheer you on (even if they have no idea what your project’s actually about), and upperclassmen who guide you through leadership roles and fellowship applications like wise older siblings. It’s the kind of place where a quick coffee can turn into a start-up pitch, and a hallway chat can lead to unexpected advice that sticks with you. Whether you’re launching something big or just figuring things out, there’s always someone ready to listen, brainstorm, or cheer you on from the sidelines. Here, support isn’t just available. It’s proactive, generous, and built into the fabric of the community.

Q: How has Lehigh prepared you to take on tomorrow’s challenges?

A: Lehigh taught me how to turn curiosity into action. I’ve learned how to go from “what if?” to “why not?” and I’ve had the support of mentors and peers who’ve said, “Let’s do it!” I built the courage to chase big questions, shape them into plans, and inspire others to come along for the ride. Through the Integrated Business & Engineering program, I’ve built the confidence, curiosity, and versatility to tackle the unknown challenges of tomorrow. It has shaped me into a problem solver who can think across disciplines, adapt quickly, and lead with purpose. The IBE curriculum brings together a technical foundation, strong business acumen, and a human-centered perspective—all in one place. I’ve been encouraged to approach problems with empathy, analyze them through a global lens, and explore creative, practical solutions that bridge innovation and impact.

Q: We often hear that Lehigh is special because our students are collaborative, not competitive, with each other. Have you seen this to be true? How so?

A: Absolutely. Collaboration at Lehigh isn’t just encouraged. It’s expected. There’s a shared understanding that we rise by lifting each other, and that spirit manifests in every class, club, and project. Through the Global Social Impact Fellowship, I worked with students from diverse disciplines to develop and deploy an educational gaming app across schools in Kazakhstan, under the guidance of Professor Khanjan Mehta. Here, students work on real problems with tangible outcomes, often outside the classroom and beyond the borders. We lean on each other’s strengths, help each other grow, and genuinely celebrate one another’s wins.

Q: What was it like coming to Lehigh as an international student, and how was your experience adjusting to life on campus?

A: Lehigh made crossing continents feel almost effortless, thanks to its warm, diverse, and welcoming community. The Office of International Students & Scholars supported me every step of the way. Along the journey, I’ve met people from across the globe, celebrated festivals from cultures I now call familiar, and discovered new cuisines through local restaurants that felt like home in unexpected ways. I’ve especially loved how multicultural student groups like SASA and Global Union bring the campus to life with events that celebrate the richness of our backgrounds. More than anything, I found a place that encouraged me to lead, share my diverse perspective, and build a meaningful legacy.

Q: You’re extremely involved on campus, how would you describe your work with the campus community?

A: I came to Lehigh to grow, and somewhere along the way, I found just as much joy in uplifting others. I love serving as a PreLUsion leader and Opportunity Guide with the Office of Lehigh 360, where I support students by helping them figure out how to make the most of their time here. Beyond this, Lehigh’s R1 status means I get to work alongside brilliant minds on complex, meaningful problems that push me to think deeper. Whether in mentorship or research, I’m always looking for ways to open doors for others, to help more people feel empowered to explore what excites them.

Q: How do you balance academics and all of your impressive extracurriculars?

A: Balancing is easier when I’m doing things that feel less like tasks and more like purpose. Planning is key. I carve out time for GPA-boosting focus hours as well as for weekly roommate dinners or gym sessions. Prioritizing my well-being directly fuels my productivity and motivation. I actually picked this up from a research project I’m part of through Lehigh@NasdaqCenter and the Office of Creative Inquiry, where we’re exploring the link between entrepreneurship and well-being. I’ve learned to spend my time like I spend my energy: impact-first, joy-driven, and with enough wiggle room for fun!

Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?

A: Lehigh never made me choose between my interests. I could be an engineer, a researcher, and a storyteller, all at once, and that interdisciplinary spirit made my experience truly unique.  At Lehigh, you’re allowed to bring your whole self. In fact, you’re encouraged to. It’s the kind of place where saying “I have a wild, wonderful idea” is met with, “How can we help?” I’ve had the most thought-provoking exchanges over cafeteria food, at bus stops, and on long walks back from late-night study sessions. The people here are smart, yes, but also generous, weird, and funny. It’s that combo of brainpower and warmth that makes Lehigh feel like home.

Q: Where is your study spot of choice on campus?

A: My biggest study hack is finding empty classrooms in academic buildings where I can focus for hours and work late without distractions. If I’m studying with friends, we love the new and renovated Clayton University Center! It has great food, comfy spaces, and enough room to hang out or lock in when we need to.