Lauren Van Der Kraak, PhD

Lauren Van Der Kraak, PhD, has a strong background in scientific research and experience spanning from 2001 to the present. Lauren is currently a Scientist at BlueSphere Bio since February 2022. Prior to that, they worked as an Associate Research Scientist at the University of Pittsburgh from September 2021 to January 2022. And before that, they held the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate at the same institution from November 2015 to August 2021.

Lauren's academic and research journey began at McGill University, where they obtained their PhD. Lauren conducted their research as a PhD Candidate from September 2008 to April 2015. Lauren'sthesis title was "Identifying Genetic Determinants of Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility in Mice," and they focused on characterizing the response of mouse strains to colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Lauren successfully bred, genotyped, and maintained an animal colony with over 20 different mouse strains, including congenic and transgenic lines. Additionally, Lauren wrote grants and animal ethics protocols, supervised and prepared experiments for undergraduate project students, and performed routine animal colonoscopies.

Before their PhD, Lauren gained valuable experience as a Clinical Research Project Assistant at The Hospital for Sick Children from January to August 2008. Lauren also completed co-op placements as a Research Assistant at McGill University from May to August 2007 and as a Student Research Technician at The Hospital for Sick Children from January to August 2006.

In 2005, Lauren worked as a Co-operative Education Student at the Public Health Agency of Canada from January to April. Lauren began their journey in the field as a Lab Volunteer at the University of Guelph in May and June 2004.

Lastly, Lauren's earliest work experience was as a Camp Counsellor at YWCA Camp Tapawingo from 2001 to 2004.

Lauren Van Der Kraak, PhD, completed their education in a chronological order as follows. Lauren began their studies in 2003 at the University of Guelph, where they pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry Co-op. After completing their undergraduate studies in 2007, they then enrolled at McGill University in 2008 to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the field of Biochemistry. Lauren successfully completed their PhD program in 2015. Prior to their university education, there is no specific information available regarding their education at Centennial CVI.