Liana Leja ’17 never imagined that her research skills and entrepreneurial drive at Allegheny College would culminate in a healthcare career — today she serves as a nurse practitioner at the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute.
As a student-athlete, Leja sustained an injury while on the women’s soccer team during her junior year, ending her time on the field. The setback became the catalyst that sparked Leja’s curiosity in the field of healthcare as she navigated through her own recovery.
Leja became interested in identifying gaps in the healthcare system, leading her to the concept of a mobile office, called the Care Van. The van’s purpose was to provide medical care to low-income families in rural communities, who often rely on emergency services.
To nurture her idea, Leja submitted it to the Zingale Big Idea Competition, which evaluates students’ concepts by industry experts (similar in nature to Shark Tank). In 2017, Leja won first prize, granting her the opportunity to present her idea to the chief executive officer of Meadville Medical Center. She continues to give back to the program that sparked her career by mentoring the next generation of innovators and serving as a judge for the competition.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Allegheny College, Leja pursued a master’s in health administration and nursing after graduation. Leja now works in orthopedics, where she cares for patients with congenital musculoskeletal disorders, degenerative joint conditions, and sports injuries.
In the operating room, she is a first assistant in surgeries, including knee and hip joint replacements. When she’s not in the operating room, she assesses patients and tailors their treatment plans from physical therapy, pain management, and surgery. She also researches cartilage repair methods for knee injuries and has published work on regenerative cartilage techniques.
“The most rewarding part of my career as a nurse practitioner is seeing patients regain their mobility and confidence. Helping someone go from struggling with a knee or hip injury to walking, running, or simply living without pain is incredibly fulfilling,” remarks Leja.
She credits her foundational research skills, including asking insightful questions, critically analyzing information, and communicating findings clearly, to her Senior Comprehensive Project and her advisor, Scott Wissinger, professor emeritus of biology and environmental science.
“Wissinger’s compassion and commitment to his students made these skills stick, setting me apart early in my career and have remained essential in my work today,” notes Leja.
For current students, Leja advises them to “…embrace every opportunity to explore and build skills, even if the path isn’t straight. Dive into research projects to improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Don’t shy away from interdisciplinary experiences.”
The next Zingale Big Idea Competition will be held on April 10 and 11 2026 for interested students.
