Lauren Spiegel

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“During my undergraduate experience, I volunteered in homeless shelters, and I shadowed in hospitals at Emory University and abroad in India. Through these experiences I learned that not only did I like science, but I could interact with people of all ages, religions, cultures, and economic backgrounds.”

  • Program: 2010 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Augusta, GA
  • Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Age: 24

Biography

 

PROFILE: When Atlanta’s Lauren Spiegel was asked about the driving force behind her desire to be a doctor, she didn’t hesitate. “I want to give back to my community,” she said. It is a dream she has had since she was in middle school; when her mother was hospitalized with cancer, Lauren fell in love with the medical profession and the people who worked tirelessly to try to save her mom. “Growing up helpless beside her was difficult for me to accept,” Lauren said. But the experience galvanized her yearning for a career as a healer. Lauren’s plan is to pursue her passion: a medical degree with a potential specialization in neurology. During her undergraduate days, the aspiring physician learned to balance academics with extracurricular activities. At Emory, she excelled in her research of the peculiar mating behavior of voles (small rodents).

INSPIRATION: While at Emory, Dean Preetha Ram had the greatest influence on Lauren. “Though nervous about her high stature in the university as Assistant Dean of Science, Dean Ram soon became a mother figure for my college career,” Lauren said. “She nurtured me in research, helped me network, supported my trip to India, and gave me a job on campus that led me to significantly contribute to the university by establishing an Emory shadowing program and composite letter process.”

ASPIRATION: Lauren’s ultimate goal is “to become the best doctor for my patients.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Lauren was a member of two science teams that published two research papers. Though not the lead author on either paper, Lauren said publishing made her feel she helped contribute to the world of science. 

ACCOLADES: Lauren received the “Adopt-A-Scholar” award three times at Emory. She also won the Class Book Award, and won First Place for Best Poster Writing in biology. During commencement weekend, Lauren also received the Boisfeuillet Jones Medal Award. This award is given to three recipients per year at Emory who are selected for their good citizenship, outstanding leadership, devoted service to Emory and the community, academic performance, and potential to become a “Change Agent” in their chosen profession and society at large.

INTERESTING FACT: Lauren speaks Hebrew fluently.
 

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