After completing her Honours BSc (Animal Biology) at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, BC, Lauren relocated to Lethbridge to complete her MSc and promptly transferred to the PhD program after one year. Lauren is now a PhD Candidate in Biological Sciences studying mixtures toxicology of microplastics and metals in freshwater systems in the Pyle Laboratory for Aquatic Health. Lauren has been the GSA President from May 2019 – May 2021 and stepped in as Interim President from February 2022 – May 2022. Lauren's experience in this position will allow for strong advocacy and representation at this most critical time. Lauren's experience having been in a leadership position when the COVID-19 pandemic changed our graduate student experience will allow her to continue helping graduate students navigate ever-changing situations.
While the graduate programs at the University of Lethbridge are very diverse, graduate students can all agree that their respective programs are both challenging and rewarding. As the GSA President, Lauren will aim to ensure that graduate students are equipped to succeed in their current programs and have the networking resources to confidently make the next steps in their careers. The dynamic manner of the GSA Council, representing many faculties across U of L, enables the GSA to successfully implement events and opportunities tailored to the needs of you – the graduate students that we work to advocate for! We look forward to hearing from graduate students across campus to ensure that the ever-changing needs of graduate students are met.