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. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Lauren joined the museum staff as the butterfly entomologist. In this role she was charged with keeping the rainforest exhibit stocked with healthy, happy butterflies.
Lauren now manages the Cockrell Butterfly Center, the very place that first inspired her career path. Though she still has time to play with the butterflies, 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. She is the author of The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: Storybook, Insect Facts, and Activities and Butterflies for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to the Butterfly Life Cycle and Beautiful Species to Discover.
Lauren Davidson enjoys bringing her bug friends on field trips to visit schools and other venues as part of the museum’s Bugs on Wheels Outreach Program. She has presented to thousands of children and adults in the Houston area.
Exhibit Halls