Background

Lauren is a research assistant on the STRIVE PNG project and is currently completing her Master of Science in epidemiology. In her role, she supports work surrounding infectious disease surveillance and preparedness, alongside health systems strengthening in Melanesia. 

She brings professional and volunteer experience within the NGO and emergency services sectors, as well as a background in microbiology (BSc), reflecting her passion in the intersection between infectious disease and emergency management. Lauren’s key interests include equitable health system strengthening and response to infectious disease, reciprocal knowledge translation, and infectious disease surveillance.

Qualifications

• Current: Master of Science (Epidemiology), University of Melbourne, Australia
• 2023: Bachelor of Science (Microbiology), University of Melbourne, Australia
• 2023: Essentials of Humanitarian Practice (EHP), RedR Australia
• 2023: Life Sciences & International Politics, University of Freiburg Exchange Program, Germany

Appointments

• 2023–ongoing: Governance Member and Youth Representative to the Victorian Divisional Advisory Board for the Australian Red Cross

Positions

• 2024: Project Manager, Emergency Management Planning at regional Neighbourhood House, Australia
• 2022: Material Aid Officer, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Australia