Lauren Furtick

Lauren Furtick, PhD-c, MSN, RN, is the recipient of the Miriam Powell Scholarship, awarded to an exceptional graduate-level nurse dedicated to clinical nursing leadership and scholarship. Lauren completed her undergraduate education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Following her undergraduate studies, Lauren worked as a registered nurse for about ten years in various neuroscience nursing settings before starting her graduate studies. She is currently a PhD candidate at UCLA, where she earned an en route Master of Science in Nursing and is now focused on her dissertation project.

Lauren's journey into nursing began with a strong interest in science during high school. She took additional vocational classes where she enjoyed learning the Latin origins of medical terminology along with various pathophysiological processes, such as the mechanics of the heart pumping blood, and the application of this knowledge in medicine. She had simultaneous exposure to aging family members receiving inpatient treatment, further solidifying her desire to pursue a career in medicine. She chose nursing because it combines current scientific knowledge, which is continually evolving, with the art of human connection.

After gaining experience in neuro clinic, step-down, and ICU settings, Lauren began working in UCLA’s Neurotrauma ICU in 2015, which quickly became her professional home. She found the experience of working with acutely ill patients with neurological ailments and traumatic injuries both challenging and rewarding. In this role, she frequently participated in difficult discussions with the families of patients who were unable to speak for themselves due to brain injuries. These experiences motivated her to pursue research to address the complexities of patient care beyond the bedside. She transferred to UCLA’s Clinical and Translational Research Center, where she worked as a research RN. Given her background and opportunities at UCLA, transitioning to the university's RN PhD program was a natural progression.

Currently, Lauren is dedicated to her dissertation project, which explores the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a tool to assess neuro-ICU patients experiencing disorders of consciousness following brain injury. In addition to her research, she assists in her advisor’s brain research lab and serves as a teaching fellow in nursing, writing, and bioethics courses. She also continues per diem RN work.

Earning the PhD will enable Lauren to delve deeper into the realms of coma research, paving the way for a career in research and innovation. Her goal is to advance the understanding and evaluation techniques for disorders of consciousness in acute clinical settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes through better assessment, prognosis, and treatment decisions.

Receiving the NEF Scholarship is meaningful for Lauren as it will alleviate some of her responsibilities, allowing her to focus more on her dissertation project. This support is crucial in her journey toward graduation and making significant contributions to patient care, particularly in brain injury and functional neuroimaging.