The following is an excerpt from the Spring 2026 issue of Drury Magazine
by Emma Schoeller
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.
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