Lauryn Perry: Her journey toward medical school
Graduate Profile
With aspirations for a career in medicine, Lauryn Perry came to Governors State University (GovState) to pursue a Biology degree. While at GovState, she was actively involved with the Biology and Chemistry departments following her interest in conducting research on the negative impacts of the pharmaceutical industry.
Recently, Lauryn attended a symposium where she presented her work on Large Language Models (LLMs) and their applications in healthcare and research, winning awards for her oral and poster presentations. Sharing her research has been a highlight of her time at GovState and as she prepares to graduate, Lauryn is anticipating her next chapter, hoping to make a difference in the healthcare field.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Lauryn: I was familiar with the area and often visited. After completing cosmetology school, I began researching universities that aligned with my career goals, and Governors State stood out as the perfect fit for someone pursuing a future in medicine.
GovState Newsroom: What’s your degree and why did you choose it?
Lauryn: I’m earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Pre-Med concentration and a minor in Health Sciences. I chose this path to support my journey toward medical school. My goal is to become either a surgeon or an anesthesiologist.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with? Any memories stick out with one of them?
Lauryn: I’ve been involved in several organizations and roles at GovState, including the Black Student Union, the ARC tutoring, and working as both a Learning Assistant and Research Assistant for the Biology and Chemistry Department. I also worked as a receptionist at the GovState Library and served as a Research Assistant for UIC-UI Health Cancer Center. One of my most memorable experiences has been serving as a student ambassador for ILSAMP (Illinois Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation), where I present my scientific research annually at their symposiums (working with both UI Health and Argonne National Labs). I’ve even earned second and third place awards for my presentations.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Lauryn: I plan to use my degree to continue conducting scientific research, prepare for the MCAT, and pursue my medical education.
GovState Newsroom: What project or passions are you excited to explore post-graduation?
Lauryn: Through my coursework—especially a health sciences internship seminar—I developed a strong interest in researching the negative impacts of the pharmaceutical industry. I believe it’s important to inform and protect vulnerable communities that depend on medications for survival. There’s so much the public doesn’t know about how the medical system operates, and I hope to be a voice for those left out of those conversations, advocating for more transparency and equity in healthcare.
GovState Newsroom: What goal have you achieved that felt really far away your first semester at GovState?
Lauryn: As a Black woman living with lupus during my time at Governors State University, studying Biology and Health Sciences came with its ups and downs—but I pushed through to my goals with a smile. Balancing flare-ups, fatigue, and long lab hours wasn’t easy, but it taught me how strong and capable I really am. There were times I had to speak up for myself to be heard, especially when my symptoms didn’t show on the outside. Even with all the challenges, I stayed focused, found joy in learning, and grew even more passionate about making a difference in healthcare—especially for people like me.
GovState Newsroom: How are you celebrating your graduation?
Lauryn: I plan to take a gap year to prepare for medical school and enjoy some well-deserved rest. I’m also hoping to travel abroad and take time to appreciate this transition before beginning the next chapter.
GovState Newsroom: What album, movie, or TV show was on repeat during your time at GovState?
Lauryn: I’m a big fan of medical dramas and documentaries. Some shows that stuck with me during my time here were Nurse Jackie, Skin Decision, Dopesick, Painkiller, and Doc on Hulu.