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Lauren Hargrove

1x

Finalist

Bio

My goal is to become a Registered Dietitian specializing in functional medicine and holistic wellness. Long-term, I want to build a practice that serves underserved communities and makes evidence-based, whole-body care accessible to people who need it most. I'm most passionate about the intersection of faith, food, and healing. I'm a strong scholarship candidate because I've consistently proven I can do hard things at a high level. I completed my BS with a 4.0 GPA as a Division I athlete and Team Captain, and transitioned directly into graduate research providing real nutrition counseling to research study participants. I don't just study this field - I'm already working in it. Financial support would allow me to stay fully focused on my MS in Nutrition and Dietetics and take the next step toward a career dedicated to transforming how people approach their health.

Education

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Master's degree program
2025 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Minors:
    • Animal Sciences

Douglas Southall Freeman High School

High School
2017 - Present
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Health, Wellness, and Fitness

    • Dream career goals:

      Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in holistic wellness

    • Veterinary Assistant

      Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital
      2022 – 20253 years
    • Student-Athlete

      Virginia Tech
      2021 – 20254 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Club
    2016 – 20215 years

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2018 – 20213 years

    Research

    • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services

      Virginia Tech — Research Assistant, Nutrition Counselor
      2025 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Montgomery County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center — Walk shelter dogs in accordance with facility protocols, safely securing animals in and out of kennels while providing physical exercise, enrichment, and socialization to support their well-being and adoptability
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      New River United Youth Soccer Association — Lead soccer drills for young athletes, coach soccer scrimmages, actively encourage and motivate athletes through practice and scrimmage
      2023 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      FeedMore — Prepared fresh vegetables and packaged meals
      2025 – 2026
    • Volunteering

      Virginia Tech — Start-line coordinator, Water station volunteer
      2025 – 2026

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship