When Loukia Agoudemos first set foot on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, she felt something click. “The campus tour in high school left a lasting impression,” she recalls. “The flipped classroom model and the collaborative design work really stood out. I could see myself growing here — and I have.”
Now a master’s student in biomedical engineering, Loukia is preparing to graduate in August 2025, and her journey has been anything but conventional. The daughter of a single father and a proud descendant of Greek and Japanese immigrants, Loukia’s path has been deeply shaped by her family’s sacrifices and work ethic. “My dad gave up his own dream of higher education to raise my sister and me,” she shares. “That commitment drives me every day.”
Starting college during the pandemic added another layer of complexity. Isolated from peers, balancing work as an essential grocery store employee, and navigating the academic rigor of her program, Loukia faced immense pressure. But her determination never wavered.
One life-changing moment came in the midst of the pandemic chaos: the day she learned she had been awarded the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars scholarship. “I was overwhelmed — working, studying, and applying to colleges all at once. Seeing that email… it was a moment of joy, relief, and pride. It meant I could focus fully on my education.”
That support didn’t just help Loukia stay in school — it helped her thrive. From volunteering at a local homeless shelter, to mentoring high school students in STEM through the PEOPLE program, to leading design projects that address real-world medical challenges, she’s used every opportunity to grow and give back.
“One of my proudest accomplishments was leading a team in designing medical training manikins for neonatal care,” she says. “It taught me leadership isn’t just about direction — it’s about listening, adapting, and bringing out the best in your team.”
Loukia’s path is now leading her to Pennsylvania, where she’ll intern with Merck before finishing her final master’s classes. Her eyes are set on a PhD in biomedical engineering or a career in biotech—where she hopes to innovate for impact and continue mentoring others along the way.
Reflecting on her college experience, Loukia shares a message of hope for other students facing obstacles: “You’re not alone. Some days will be harder than others, but believe in yourself and your worth. Keep moving forward, and remember—you are capable of amazing things.”