From Biochemistry To Biotechnology And Beyond: Dr. Lauren Cornell’s Limitless Career
The CEO and co-founder of NovoThelium credits her Texas A&M University education with helping her become the scientist she is today.
Dr. Lauren Cornell ’09 is not only a CEO and research scientist, but in 2021, she spent 45 days inside a ground-based habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
From starting her own business focused on women’s health care to participating in a NASA mission, Dr. Lauren Cornell’s career options have been limitless thanks to her Texas A&M University degree.
Cornell graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in genetics from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Today, she is the CEO and co-founder of NovoThelium, a San Antonio-based biotechnology startup, and a researcher for the U.S. Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base.
She credits her Texas A&M education with helping her become the scientist she is today.
“The beauty of a degree from A&M is it can take you truly anywhere that your imagination can take you,” she said.
The goal of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is to introduce students to the wonders of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular genetics and lay the foundation for a successful career in research or the allied professions.
The beauty of a degree from A&M is it can take you truly anywhere that your imagination can take you.
Not only did her teachers and mentors help Cornell see “the beauty of research,” she said, but the classes she took during her undergraduate studies also shaped the path of her scientific career. For example, a course she took at the College of Engineering required students to develop a patentable invention — Cornell went on to use this knowledge at her company to secure a patent for technology-related nipple reconstruction post-mastectomy.
Cornell has held several sensory trauma research positions with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research. Her research with the Air Force focuses on resilience, studying the impact of alcohol on the mental health and well-being of military personnel affected by stress, PTSD and other conditions.
Dr. Jeffrey Savell, vice chancellor and dean for agriculture and life sciences, presents Dr. Lauren Cornell ’09 with the prestigious Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award
In addition to her work as a research scientist, in 2021, Cornell was one of four participants selected to live and work for 45 days inside a ground-based habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The Human Exploration Research Analog mission was designed to serve as a simulated environment to study isolation, confinement and remote conditions during space exploration.
As described by leadership within the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell’s multi-faceted experiences demonstrate the value of a solid foundation in science, as well as the career opportunities available to students.
“If I had chosen any other path, I truly would not have been fulfilled. And if I hadn’t gone to A&M and interacted with those teachers who were so supportive, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today,” Cornell said.
Explore the many facets of Cornell’s career and discover how her time in Aggieland laid the perfect launching pad for her career.
