As a kid, Lauren visited the Cockrell Butterfly Center when it first opened in 1994. She instantly fell in love with the butterflies and frequently returned throughout her childhood. She continually became more curious about insects and their relatives during her visits, influencing her to pursue a degree in entomology. In 2011, Lauren joined the museum as a staff member shortly after graduating from Texas A&M University. As the Butterfly Entomologist, she continually kept the rainforest exhibit stocked with healthy, happy butterflies and presented outreach programs to thousands of children and adults in the Houston area.
Lauren now manages the Cockrell Butterfly Center, the very place that first inspired her career path. Though she still gets to play with the butterflies occasionally, she spends most of her time working to maintain and enhance the facility, displays, and overall guest experience. Lauren’s mission is to ensure that the exhibit continues to spark curiosity and excitement within every guest who visits, in turn fostering a greater appreciation for the animals often disregarded as creepy, crawly pests.