Lauren Washington grew up in San Diego and attended Francis Parker High School and graduated from the University of San Diego in 2022 with a dual degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She then entered UC Santa Barbara as part of the very first cohort of PhD students in what was then the BioEngineering “program” and has since become the newest department in the COE. Washington is now a third-year PhD student in the laboratory of department chair, Beth Pruitt. 

“Being a part of the first Bioengineering PhD cohort at UCSB gave me an opportunity to customize my journey and pave my own way to my success,” Washington says, adding, “I chose UCSB over other schools, because I was inspired by the many impactful and successful women faculty members throughout the COE and within the BioE department. Being a part of the COE allows me to work on cutting-edge research with faculty who are esteemed experts in their fields. In addition to their academic and professional accolades, the BioE faculty are outstanding mentors committed to supporting and guiding the new wave of researchers while cultivating a collaborative environment in which to share ideas and experiences. All of that provides a better overall experience for every student, regardless of their background. 

Coming from a small private school, and given UCSB’s much-larger student population, I was surprised at how few Black engineers there were at UCSB at the undergraduate and graduate level. A consistency across both schools, however, has been the presence and support of the National Society of Black Engineers, which strives to provide community to Black students and increase the number of socially responsible Black engineers and scientists who excel at academics, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. “ I’ve enjoyed my time at UCSB and the resources and opportunities that the school has to offer. I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by great faculty who are committed to teaching and to implementing diversity in research and engineering, and at UCSB.

In terms of strengthening and expanding the Black community at UCSB, Washington says, “Now more than ever is the time for UCSB and the COE to advocate for, nurture, and get involved in the journey of Black engineers. Now more than ever I would like to see increased numbers of faculty and administration advocating for students of color and marginalized groups. We are at a time in our country when people are having to advocate for things that have been put in place to support and serve all people. I think it’s time to sharpen our teeth and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people. I challenge faculty, staff, and administration to learn about the experiences of Black students at UCSB and within the COE and to step up and defend groups of people who are already fighting daily battles to have a spot here.”  

When it comes to influences, Washington refers to her late grandmother as “a major influence” on her and the path she is taking. “Although she never received a college degree, she pushed me throughout my journey, throughout my life, to be high-achieving in all that I do, Washington explains. “She combatted the imposter-syndrome I experienced by convincing me that I was deserving to be in the spaces that I entered and ensuring that I knew that I was an asset at the table. She taught me that, even if I am the only Black person in the room, if I weren’t in that room, there would be no Black person present, and that the work I do every day is to ensure that more people can follow behind. She passed away from pancreatic cancer, but her legacy inspires me everyday to continue to push forward regardless of what I’m faced with."