April 12, 2018
Meet Lauren Grogan in our Medical Laboratory Sciences program
Meet Lauren Grogan in our Medical Laboratory Sciences program. She is our featured Student Highlight #UAMSCHP
My name is Lauren Grogan and I am originally from North Little Rock but recently moved to Beebe. I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field but I never felt the traditional medical route was for me. Laboratory science just feels like my niche. I am able to help patients in a more direct way by detecting and diagnosing illnesses.
I love the medical laboratory science program because we have a small class and are all very close. It feels like we have a better relationship with one another and with our instructors which greatly impacts the learning experience. I would tell future students to just talk with the instructors. We have very helpful and understanding faculty with this program. They are all more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with classes.
A huge influence in my life is my aunt who is also a laboratory professional. She has guided me through my educational career and my personal life. My mother passed away three years ago and before then we had an estrangement. My aunt has acted as a mother figure for me ever since and I honestly do not think I would be where I am today had it not been for her coming into my life. She is always in my corner to lift me up and show me how to be a better person.
The past several years I have dedicated quite a bit of time volunteering for science advocacy in the state of Arkansas. I participated in the March for Science and I regularly volunteer with the Museum of Discovery to help introduce kids to science. I also was the president of Women in Science while attending Arkansas State University. I believe through proper education, we can become a stronger nation by supporting science based legislation and funding scientific education and research. By supporting fellow women in science and volunteering with children, I feel as though I am doing my part to change the future of this country.
Upon completing my degree in Medical Laboratory Science, I plan to pursue a master’s degree focusing on epidemiology and finish some additional course work in disaster preparedness. I would love to work for the Centers for Disease Control… or even open a restaurant! I like to think that we are all still trying to decide what we want to be when we grow up, but who says we ever have to really grow up and settle for one course of action?
I will graduate in December 2018! I want to get some laboratory experience and I have lots of traveling I would like to do! I love to be crafty when I have free time. I love to experiment in the kitchen with savory dishes and sweets. I also love to do DIY projects such as making decorations and revamping furniture.
When I am faced with a challenging situation, I try to calmly assess the situation and ask others for help if necessary. One of my favorite quotes is “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore. I want to be a good role model for my two younger siblings. They are both in high school and starting to talk about college and what they want to pursue in life. I hope my hard work to get into the Medical Laboratory Sciences program in the College of Health Professions and not giving up will inspire them both to also follow their dreams.
