Featuring Luke Polacek of Wahoo, Neb., who is majoring in Chemistry/Health Sciences.
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 Chemistry/Health Sciences at Wayne State, is this week’s focus of the Student Spotlight Series.
When he was attending Wahoo High School, one of his favorite activities was Academic Decathlon, which contained tests in both science and mathematics.
“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 Biology at Wayne State. “Throughout high school, I was blessed with phenomenal science teachers that cultivated a love of science within me. I found myself extremely interested in the science of how everything worked, from the atomic level to how organisms function as a whole. 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 Physical Sciences and Mathematics Department. He also found Wayne State’s Rural Health Opportunities Program (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. Their level of knowledge and expertise is unparalleled. Every tour guide and student I met with raved about the quality of the department.”
“When I came to Wayne State, I majored in Biology but was advised by multiple faculty members that a major in Chemistry/Health Sciences 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 Health Science Club, the Philomatheans Honor Society, and Student Senate. He has worked as a supplemental instructor for General Chemistry I and II classes, and serves as a tutor for biology, chemistry, psychology, and physics courses as well. He has served as a student representative on multiple faculty committees, including the Scholarships, Honors, and Financial Aid Committee and the Safety Committee.
Polacek is also a Rural Health Opportunities Program scholar (Medicine) and a Neihardt Scholar.
Polacek will graduate from Wayne State in May 2026. 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.”