Biological engineering junior Lana Malek. (Submitted photo)

When Lana Malek left Hoče, Slovenia, for West Lafayette, Indiana, she wasn’t just choosing a university — she was stepping into an entirely new world. As the first person in her family to pursue higher education outside of Slovenia, the decision to study in the United States came with excitement, uncertainty and ambition in equal measure.

Malek came to Purdue University seeking the rare opportunity to pursue a renowned engineering degree while competing as a varsity student-athlete on the Purdue women’s golf team. After visiting several universities, she knew almost immediately that Purdue was different. The atmosphere, the people and the sense of possibility stood out, making her decision feel clear.

She committed to Purdue before settling on a major, drawn by the breadth of academic pathways available. As she explored her options, biological engineering emerged as the perfect fit. The curriculum’s balance of rigorous theoretical foundations and hands-on laboratory experience aligned closely with her interests and long-term goals.

Now a junior, Malek balances the demanding schedule of a varsity student-athlete with leadership, research and service across campus. She serves as director of culture for Purdue’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, working to ensure that every student-athlete feels welcomed, valued and supported within the athletics community.

Beyond athletics, Malek is deeply involved in her academic discipline. She is a committee chair for professional development in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, where she helps connect students with opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. She also conducts undergraduate research in the Ristroph Lab, where she develops and tests nanoparticle formulations — work that aligns closely with her interest in pharmaceutical research.

Lana Malek in her golf uniform. (Submitted photo)

The path to Purdue, however, was not without challenges. In Slovenia, tuition is free, health care is affordable, and the cost of living is significantly lower. Studying in the United States presented financial hurdles, but support from Purdue Athletics — including scholarships, dining access and campus resources — helped make her education possible.

Adjusting to the demands of engineering coursework while competing at the Division I level brought another set of challenges. When the pressure became overwhelming, Malek leaned on the support system she found at Purdue. Some of her closest friendships began during her first week on campus through Boilermaker Gold Rush International, an experience she strongly encourages future students to participate in.

Looking ahead, Malek plans to pursue a doctoral degree after completing her undergraduate studies, possibly at Purdue. Her long-term goal is to work in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on research and development, and she sees advanced study as a critical step toward that future.

For students considering Purdue, Malek offers simple but powerful advice: ask for help. Whether the challenge is academic or personal, she believes no one has to navigate it alone. More often than not, someone nearby has faced a similar experience and is ready to help.