When Lilah Wilkinson ’25 walks across the stage at Commencement, she’ll be celebrating more than just earning two degrees — she’ll be marking a journey defined by hands-on projects, creative exploration, and a deep sense of community.
Originally from Freetown, Massachusetts, Lilah came to RPI to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. What she didn’t anticipate was how quickly she’d be drawn to a second major in design, innovation, and society — a path that revealed her passion for human-centered design.
Why did you choose RPI?
I found out about RPI my junior year when researching colleges that had good biomedical engineering programs. I toured the campus, and one of my physics teachers reached out to me because my high school wanted to award me the Rensselaer Medal. I was accepted to RPI, and I really loved the campus here, so it ended up being a really good fit.
What has been your favorite memory or experience at RPI?
Many of my favorite memories come from my design degree and the strong sense of community within the program. Because it’s such a small group, I met many of my closest friends there. We’ve worked on projects together over multiple semesters, and that experience has really helped us form close bonds.
What are you most proud of from your time at RPI?
I’m proud of how much I’ve gotten out of my undergraduate experience — especially figuring out what I’m passionate about and what I want to focus on in the future. I always knew I wanted to study biomedical engineering, but I hadn’t planned on adding a design degree. Choosing to add it during my freshman year truly added something special to my college experience.
How did RPI shape who you are today?
I’ve grown a lot since coming to RPI. I have struggled with chronic migraines, which got worse during my freshman year. Learning to manage that while keeping up with classes — and working with the Disability Office — taught me how to advocate for myself. I also used to dislike group work, but over time, I learned to really value working in teams. I found a wonderful community here. People lift each other up more than they compete, and that’s something that makes RPI truly special.
What’s next for you after graduation?
I’m planning to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Living overseas is something I’ve wanted to pursue since I was a kid, and I’m excited to make it a reality.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I have a strong background in art, and in high school, a lot of people encouraged me to pursue an art degree. I didn’t want to — but then I came to RPI and immediately added an art-related second major! I still draw often and focus on aesthetics in my work. I think more engineers should draw — it’s a skill anyone can build with practice.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Relax a bit. Just enjoy your college experience. You don’t need to do everything — it’s enough to find fulfillment in what you do enjoy.
