Originally born in Saudi Arabia, Luke Dosiek spent his childhood in Upstate New York, developing a love for outdoor activities, fine cuisine (think: poutine and Michigan-style hot dogs) and collegiate sports.
His college days in Potsdam brought frostbite, engineering courses and lasting friendships, including one that led to marrying his wife, Stephanie. The couple’s journey continued to Wyoming, where they got a marriage license, Ph.Ds, tattoos and some cowboy boots. Returning to New York, near Utica, they welcomed their first child, Evelyn, and shortly thereafter he joined Union in 2014. He is an associate professor of electrical, computer and biomedical engineering.
Luke Dosiek, associate professor of electrical, computer and biomedical engineering, with his wife, Stephanie, at Fort Niagara in Youngstown, N.Y.
Dosiek enjoys teaching, conducting research on power grid stability and actively participating in Union’s campus life. At home, his family expanded with the arrival of their second child, Teddy. Their household also includes three cats – Gemma, Wembley and Amante – and a dog, Carl, who occasionally makes appearances on campus.
He is an enthusiastic runner, competing in 5Ks and the Adirondack Half Marathon. He also indulges his passion for drumming, recently forming a punk cover band with fellow dad friends. The group is open to a creative band name, but they’re currently contemplating Dad Company, Dad to the Bone, Megadad or Gazebo Riot.
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING: The New York Times app. I wake up with some brain exercises as I make my way through Wordle, Connections and the Mini Crossword.
GO-TO BREAKFAST: Coffee and oatmeal. My favorite is steel-cut oats with milk and a dash of maple syrup.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT BOOK YOU READ? I don’t read nearly enough fiction as I’d like, but I think the last great book in that category was “American Gods” by Neill Gaiman. This was in summer 2017. I’ve read several great work-related nonfiction books recently, but they aren’t great in the same way as great fiction. I need to pick up a good work of fiction ASAP!
BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED: Conan O’Brien, as he was signing off of his final episode of the Tonight Show, said "Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard, and you are kind, amazing things will happen." I think of this quote often.
FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT: Laramie, Wyoming - the city is situated in a valley in the high plains at 7,200 feet of elevation. If you drive a half hour east or west, you end up in some amazing parts of the Rocky Mountains where the hiking is unbelievable, regardless of the time of year. The city itself is completely walkable, has a cute little downtown full of great restaurants and bars, and it's always fun visiting the university for a walk down memory lane. And if we can make it back during football season, attending a Division 1 game is always a blast (fun fact - the Bills superstar QB Josh Allen is a Wyoming alum!).
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?: I just finished up with season 5 of Fargo. For my money, Fargo is the best show on television.
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD: I would love to be able to play the piano. I have a tremendous amount of respect for people who can sit down in front of one and effortlessly make beautiful music. Maybe I’ll put off that fiction book and read about piano lessons…
THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased): The first two would be my parents, but specifically them from 1992 when they were my age. Don’t get me wrong, I love having dinner with my 2024 parents, but since this question implies some sort of magic, I’m requesting the 1992 versions. I think it would be fascinating to speak with them as contemporaries of sorts, and also heartwarming and nostalgic to see them again as I did when I was my kids’ age. My third guest would be Conan O’Brien. He would provide hours of entertainment, a little bit of wisdom, and he and my dad would seriously connect over their mutual love of American history. It would be a great time.
FIRST CONCERT: Deep Blue Something on Feb. 14, 1996, in the Warren Ballroom at SUNY Plattsburgh.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: I have two different colored eyes. Ok, they’re both brown, but one is way darker than the other. Does that mean I have heterochromia? I hear it's a very groovy mutation.
