A Wonderful Mind Leading to Stellar Opportunities | Lane Scheel’s Journey of Discovery
A first-generation college student from rural Wisconsin, Lane sought a place where he could grow academically and personally. “I knew I didn’t want a huge state school experience. Valpo had that smaller, more personal feel I was looking for,” he shares. After visiting the campus, Lane fell in love with the University’s supportive atmosphere and commitment to its students.
As a double major in physics and mathematics, Lane’s journey was fueled by wonder and a love for discovery from day one. “I’ve always been that kid asking questions, marveling at the night sky. I wanted to understand how everything fits together,” he says. This curiosity led him to embrace countless experiential learning opportunities at Valpo that would shape his academic and professional path. “At Valpo, it’s almost expected that physics students engage in research right away,” he notes.
Under the guidance of Professor Todd Hillwig, M.S., Ph.D., Lane delved into the mysteries of binary star systems, focusing on white dwarfs — stars that have reached the end of their life cycle, leaving behind dense, glowing cores. Together, they worked to model these celestial pairs, uncovering clues about their physical parameters and exploring how their orientations might shape the surrounding planetary nebulae. Not only did this experience deepen his understanding of the universe but also contributed to the broader knowledge of how stars evolve and interact. This work set Lane on a trajectory of further discovery, landing him competitive research positions, including a program at Montana State University and an international placement in South Australia. “These opportunities aren’t just rare — they’re life-changing,” he reflects.
Beyond academics, Lane found inspiration and support among Valpo’s faculty. “Professor Hillwig has been an incredible mentor. He genuinely cares about his students and will do whatever it takes to set them on the right path,” he says. His involvement with Christ College — The Honors College also enriched his journey. “Christ College taught me how to engage in intellectual conversations, listen respectfully, and respond thoughtfully — skills I’ll carry with me for life,” he shares.
But Lane’s time at Valpo wasn’t all equations and experiments — it was also a time of artistic expression and romantic inception. Not only did Lane enjoy singing tenor in the University Chorale, but he also met the love of his life, Aliena ’24, who would later become his fiancée. “Valpo brought us together,” he says with a smile. Their shared experiences and support for one another became a cornerstone of his time at Valpo. Whether navigating late-night study sessions or celebrating milestones, Lane says, “She’s been my partner in every sense, and we’ve grown together here.”
As Lane prepares for graduate studies in gravitational physics at some of the world’s top institutions, he reflects on his time at Valpo with profound thankfulness. “Four years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the opportunities I’ve had here. Valpo saw my potential and nurtured it,” he says. From the first night he marveled at the stars to the moment he realized his calling, Lane’s journey is a testament to the stellar opportunities that radiate from a community grounded in wonder. If you are inspired by his story, begin your own journey of discovery through Valpo’s physics and mathematics programs.
