Lauren Forney
Spotlight on Lauren Forney
I am a senior at Spelman College, majoring in Health Science. I plan to pursue a Master of Public Health and later apply to medical school with the goal of becoming a physician specializing in dermatology or gynecology. My academic and career ambitions are deeply rooted in my commitment to advancing healthcare access and equity, particularly for underserved communities.
Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of participating in a variety of research and clinical internship opportunities. I conducted breast cancer research at the Morehouse School of Medicine, collaborated with the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Health Equity Institute, participated in the American Academy of Dermatology’s Dermatology Career Prep Program in Washington, D.C., and completed the MobilizeGreen STEM Career Readiness Program, where I explored environmental justice and public health, developed a STEM-focused resume and personal pitch, and earned a digital badge in leadership and career essentials for the green economy. Each of these experiences provided me with valuable skills and insight into healthcare, research, and leadership, but my 10-week internship at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory was truly a game changer.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is the largest science and energy national laboratory in the United States. It is renowned for its advanced research in energy, biology, national security, and environmental science. My internship in the Health Services Division allowed me to be part of this innovative and multidisciplinary environment.
I am especially grateful to the MES/Pre-College University, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Dave Wess Sr. for believing in my potential, taking a chance on me, and providing guidance throughout this experience. Their mentorship began months before the internship with virtual cohort meetings and continued with a three-day professional development training in Virginia. This training gave me valuable expertise in crafting a professional pitch, mastering networking fundamentals, building financial literacy through a money-smart budgeting workshop, and learning key skills in project management, gap analysis, and risk mitigation. I also had the opportunity to visit the African American Museum in Washington, D.C., attend a presentation from a U.S. Department of Energy leader, and participate in professional headshot sessions. I was honored to conclude the training by presenting on my upcoming role at Oak Ridge, which helped me gain confidence and set the stage for a meaningful and impactful internship.
During the internship, I focused on data collection, literature review, and health outcomes analysis. I continued my research on breast cancer disparities and equity-centered healthcare leadership, deepening my understanding of health inequities and strategies to design more inclusive healthcare programs. The onboarding process was seamless, supported by an Internship Success Guide, safety week activities, and Lab educational programming that included Lunch and Learn sessions and intern coffee hours, fostering collaboration, networking, and ongoing learning. I also rotated through multiple clinical departments including Vision, Hearing, EKG, Spirometry, Phlebotomy, and Nursing, gaining hands-on experience with diagnostic procedures, patient assessment, and care protocols. These rotations enhanced my clinical competence and reinforced the importance of attention to detail, patient communication, and ethical practices in healthcare.
Beyond technical skills, I developed strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, honed my capacity to analyze complex datasets, and strengthened my professional skills including communication, teamwork, project management, and time management, all within a fast-paced research and clinical environment. This combination of research, clinical exposure, and professional development reinforced my commitment to serve as both a knowledgeable scientist and a compassionate healthcare provider prepared to lead initiatives that improve access and quality of care in underserved communities.
I am especially grateful to my research mentor, Rania Shourbaji, MPH, MBA, for her guidance and encouragement. I also valued the camaraderie and teamwork of my fellow interns. Beyond the lab, I had the opportunity to give back to the East Tennessee community through volunteer service with Second Harvest and The Love Kitchen, which strengthened my understanding of service and community impact.
Reflecting on my summer at the National Laboratory of Oak Ridge, I leave with new skills, lifelong lessons, lasting connections, and a stronger sense of purpose. I am excited to carry all that I have learned into my senior year at Spelman College and the next steps of my journey in healthcare.
