Lauren Bartel

Lauren Bartel is an award-winning writer, artist, and historian. Her literary work, essays, artwork, and photography have won numerous national and regional awards and have appeared in several literary magazines, academic journals, and podcasts. Her independent work in history won the National Academic and Research Prize, presented by the Nobel family, and her groundbreaking biology research regarding rare orchid propagation is pending publication in a scientific journal. Lauren’s life passions include the natural sciences, creative arts, and natural history. A changemaker, servant leader, and citizen naturalist, she studies and conducts lab and field research in genetics, zoology, and botany. She volunteers her time to environmental and conservation causes, as well as child literacy and education. For her volunteer work, Lauren has twice been the recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award and has been awarded the Congressional Award Silver Medal (the highest honor Congress can bestow on a youth civilian). Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Lauren is a student at Harvard College. class of 2026.