My name is Lauren Buchanan, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology with a minor in Psychology on the pre-physician assistant track, with plans to graduate in 2028. I am from Inverness, Illinois.

Over the past three years in the Yang Laboratory, I have gained extensive experience in endometrial cancer research. My work includes cell culture, drug screening studies, and analysis of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. I am particularly interested in monitoring and organizing PDX tumor growth data, which has helped me develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills while contributing to translational cancer research.

Outside the laboratory, I work as a nursing assistant at the University of Iowa children's hospital and participate in student organizations and volunteer activities across campus. My experiences in both research and patient care have strengthened my interest in healthcare and deepened my appreciation for how scientific discoveries can improve clinical outcomes. I am grateful for the mentorship and opportunities I have received as a member of the Yang Laboratory.