Lauren Shields

Lauren Shields, PhD has a diverse work experience spanning from 2008 to the present. Lauren began as an Undergraduate Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where they focused on studying the influence of microRNAs (miRNAs) on hematopoietic cell differentiation and muscle cell differentiation. From 2010 to 2011, they worked as a Fulbright Scholar at Université de Lausanne, studying glucose-sensing and feeding regulation in the brain. Their research involved mapping the location of glucose-sensing neurons in the brainstem and their connections. Following this, they worked as a Graduate Researcher at Gladstone Institutes from 2011 to 2016, collaborating with Dr. Ken Nakamura to better understand the role of metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics in Alzheimer's disease. Lauren utilized various models, including primary neuronal cultures and mouse models, for their research. In 2017, they joined Benchling as a Scientist and later assumed roles such as Head of Customer Success, East and Regional Lead, Professional Services. Lauren most recently served as the Head of Technical Solutions Consulting and is currently the Head of Solutions Delivery.

Lauren Shields, PhD received their Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010. Lauren later earned their Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California, San Francisco in 2016.