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Lauren Genest

3x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am a driven student at the University of New Hampshire's College of Health and Human Services, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. A Hamel Scholar and member of the Hamel Honors and Scholars College, GPA 3.82. Currently in my senior year, with a long-term goal of obtaining my doctorate. First gaining experience as a practicing OT and eventually becoming a college professor. I volunteer as a Dean’s Ambassador (Lead) and Peer Mentor (Lead) supporting all students. I am dedicated to community service through Neurodivergent Play and Girls on the Run, and I also participate in GIVE Club, Organic Gardening and Intramural Sports. I am an active member in SOTA, NHOTA, and AOTA, reflecting my passion for advocacy. I was the 2024 Health Innovation Ideathon winner for my app MindMatch. I work at the Center for Digital Health and Innovation, and Health Sciences Simulation Center and as a Home Health Aide. I hold certifications in Managing Seizures with IDD, Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia, Medicine Training/Administration, and CPR. For my research project I am developing a virtual reality-based wellness program aimed at supporting the mental health of rural caregivers. This project combines innovative technology with a community centered approach to address caregiver burden and access disparities. I live with non-visible disabilities, yet I embrace challenges, proving that barriers do not define me.

Education

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

Timberlane Regional High School

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Long-term goal is to obtain a doctorate in Occupational Therapy; first gaining hands-on experience as a practicing OT before transitioning later in life into academia as a professor of occupational therapy to guide future healthcare providers.

    • Home Health Aide

      Bee Helpful Home Care
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Student Administrator

      Health Science Simulation Center
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Student Administrator

      Center for Digital Health and Innovation
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Intern

      Atkinson Academy Elementary School, Occupational Therapy
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Intern

      OT Works 4 Kidz
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Intern

      Shepard Hand Therapy
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Direct Support Professional

      Life Visions
      2024 – 2024

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2019 – 20234 years

    Awards

    • Captain
    • 400m State Title 10thplace

    Basketball

    Varsity
    2019 – 20234 years

    Awards

    • Unsung Hero Award
    • Captain

    Soccer

    Club
    2015 – 20238 years

    Awards

    • Most Valuable Player

    Research

    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

      Center for Digital Health and Innovation — Researcher
      2025 – Present
    • Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General

      Timberlane Regional High School, AP Biology — Student Researcher
      2022 – 2023

    Arts

    • Timberlane Regional School Art Honor Society

      Visual Arts
      Bitter Injustice Project; WWII Japanese Encampment Art Piece, local & national Award
      2021 – 2023
    • Timberlane Regional School District

      Music
      1st chair, Chamber, Concert Master, Vice President
      2013 – 2023

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire — Lead Peer Mentor, ACE(Academic and Career Engagement)
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      No Brain is the Same - Neurodiversity Education — Support group play, social time for kids
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Girls on the Run — Mentor
      2020 – Present
    • Advocacy

      College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire — Deans Ambassador
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Healthy Kids Running Series — Mentor
      2022 – 2024
    • Advocacy

      Life of an Owl Student Assistant Program — Student Leader
      2019 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship