From an early age, Lauren Bloxom embarked on her lifelong pursuit of discovering the world around her. “Growing up I was always surrounded by animals and exploring different kinds of biology — looking for snakes, turtles, or bugs while hiking or stopping to see deer or foxes off the road,” Lauren said.
Intrinsically curious, Lauren’s interests evolved over the years to include music, foreign language, and the humanities. However, her enthusiasm for one discipline emerged early in her childhood: science.
“I’ve always loved science,” Lauren said. “I would get science kits for Christmas, a microscope—all that stuff.”
Lauren, who is local to Springfield, knew she wanted to “do something in science,” but it was at Glendale High School that she honed in on her passion: neuroscience.
“I took a psychology class in high school and fell in love with the brain and everything that it does. But I didn’t think I necessarily wanted to go into psychology,” Lauren said.
Drury Fusion provided the path that Lauren was looking for. The curriculum’s unique philosophy allowed her to not only concentrate her interest in the brain but also explore additional fields of study. Her curated degree includes a Biochemistry major; certificates in International Immersion and Life in Up Close: Film, History, and Society; and minors in Behavioral Neuroscience, Spanish, and the Honors Program.
Lauren credits the smaller classes and the hands-on professors at Drury for empowering her to explore multiple interests at once.
“Because [Drury] is such a small campus, you really get to know your professors,” Lauren said. “That has just set me up for success because they’ve helped me build my confidence, discover what I’m passionate about, and given me these opportunities that I wouldn’t have had somewhere else.”
During her time at Drury, Lauren has capitalized on several different experiences. Through connecting with Dr. Megan Ealy, Associate Professor of Biology, who leads on-campus lab research of inner ear neuron development, Lauren discovered a love for research.
“[Lauren] was really interested in the research because we’re interested in neuron development on the inner ear, and that was tied to her Behavioral Neuroscience minor,” Ealy said. “She’s really been using that research opportunity to figure out how she wants to pursue research in her future career.”
photo by Bobby Hearn
“I’ve worked with [Dr. Ealy] for a year now and worked in her lab all summer,” Lauren said. “She’s really encouraged me to continue research in the future and really let me loose in the lab to figure things out for myself, which has been awesome.”
Additionally, Lauren faced and overcame her fear of needles during her first shadowing experience at CoxHealth as a freshman.
“They were doing a spinal tap, so it was the largest needle I have ever seen in my life,” Lauren said. “But I think that experience, just being thrown in there like that, really helped me kind of see what it is like when you’re in a hospital.”
According to Ealy, Lauren has fully leveraged the possibilities that Drury offers. “She has figured out a way to manage her time in such a way that she can give good attention to all of those different things that she is doing and doing them well.”
Lauren exemplifies this ambition and excellence outside of the sciences, too. She currently serves as the Vice President of Public Relations for the Student Union Board and Vice President of Learning & Development for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Moreover, she plays viola in Drury’s orchestra and plans to study abroad this summer in Spain.
When describing Drury Fusion, Lauren said the curriculum is a facilitator of diverse opportunities. “It just allows us to do so many different things.”
These experiences have also allowed Lauren to discern her goals post-graduation, which echo her long-held enthusiasm for science and exploration but also emphasize her more recently realized passions for research and neuroscience.
“I think Drury has just really helped me open more doors to figure out what I want to do,” Lauren said.
photo courtesy Lauren Bloxom
photo courtesy Lauren Bloxom
Specifically, Lauren said she hopes to attend medical school and is interested in a pathway specializing in neuroscience or women’s health. “I definitely want to do research and see patients in the future.”
According to Ealy, Drury University has only enhanced Lauren’s inherent inclination for achievement. “Her time here has allowed her to build that extra set of soft skills that will come in really handy in the future.”
Ultimately, Drury Fusion helped catalyze Lauren’s future in science, a path she had set her sights on long before her first microscope.
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Exceptional Outcomes
DRURY MAGAZINE SPRING 2026
PUBLISHER
Drury University
Dr. Jeff Frederick, President
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Levi Costello
DESIGNER
Janet Rock
WRITER
Cris Belvin
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emma Schoeller, Rex Ybañez
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Melanie Earl-Replogle ’99,
Debbi Joiner Brose ’05
DIGITAL DESIGNER
Max Prater ’17
PANTHER TRACKS EDITOR
Kayla Warner ’21 MComm ’23
Drury Magazine, a publication for alumni and friends of Drury University, is published twice each year. The mission of Drury Magazine is to engage readers in the life of the university, reflect the university’s values and capture the intellectual curiosity and distinct community that is Drury.
The views presented do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the editors or the official policies of Drury University.
Share your thoughts with us: editor@drury.edu
Drury Fusion™ is a registered trademark of Drury University.
