Talk to Luke Polacek for about two minutes and it’s easy to see that he isn’t someone who runs away from a challenge – in fact, he runs toward it. The senior from Wahoo, Neb., who is majoring in 化学/健康科学 at Wayne State, is this week’s focus of the Student Spotlight Series.

当他在瓦胡高中上学时，他最喜欢的活动之一是学术十项全能，其中包括科学和数学的测试。

“Academic Decathlon is designed to help students tackle difficult concepts in those two areas on a more sophisticated level than they would normally encounter,” said Polacek, who is also minoring in 生物学 at Wayne State. “Throughout high school, I was blessed with phenomenal science teachers that cultivated a love of science within me. 我发现自己对一切事物如何运作的科学非常感兴趣，从原子层面到有机体如何作为一个整体运作。 Specifically, I’ve found that I am extremely passionate about finding ways in which we can apply biological and chemical sciences to benefit medicine and people in general.”

When Polacek arrived at Wayne State, he found an abundance of qualified instructors in the 物理科学与数学系. He also found Wayne State’s 农村保健机会方案（RHOP）, which would have a profound impact on his career choice.

“During my initial meetings with the science professors, I felt they were genuinely invested in my future and my interests,” said Polacek. “Even though I hadn’t committed to attending Wayne State, these professors were already dedicated to my success. 他们的知识水平和专业技能是无与伦比的。 Every tour guide and student I met with raved about the quality of the department.”

“When I came to Wayne State, I majored in 生物学 but was advised by multiple faculty members that a major in 化学/健康科学 would better prepare me to become a physician,” added Polacek. “Since then, I’ve taken many chemistry and biology courses, and I wouldn’t change a thing!”

At Wayne State, Polacek is involved in the 健康科学俱乐部, the 哲学家荣誉协会, and 学生参议院. 他曾担任普通化学I和II类的补充讲师，并担任生物，化学，心理学和物理课程的导师。 他曾担任多个学院委员会的学生代表，包括奖学金、荣誉、经济援助委员会和安全委员会。

Polacek is also a Rural Health Opportunities Program scholar (Medicine) and a Neihardt学者.

波拉切克将于2026年5月从博彩网站推荐毕业。 He will then enroll in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s (UNMC) medicine program, and he intends to pursue a career as a physician in Nebraska after graduating from UNMC.

Fun Fact: “I play the drum set! I’ve played in multiple productions and bands, and I love to challenge myself with new songs and pieces.”