Lauren Uhr: a brain researcher motivated by personal experience
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lauren Uhr came to MIT for the research. Her first introduction to the Institute came through a research project she worked on in her hometown with John Chen ’84, a thoracic surgeon who studied chemical engineering and biology while at MIT. “Dr. Chen told me about his great experience at MIT and in Boston and encouraged me to apply,” Uhr says. After visiting during the Campus Preview Weekend her senior year of high school, she was convinced. “When I visited, I just saw that everyone was so passionate about what they were doing, and there was such a wide range of interests,” she says. “I also wanted to come to the East Coast for the seasons, and for a change of pace and lifestyle — I sort of regret the season part, especially when rowing on the Charles River in November,” she says, laughing. Throughout her time...