Lauren Carr is the Program Assistant for Global Health Studies
How long have you been at the university and what’s your current role?
I am currently the Program Assistant for Global Health Studies, and I have been with Northwestern for 2.5 years now. Fun fact: my Chicago anniversary and Northwestern anniversary are the same day (August 15th)!
What’s your favorite part of the job?
- My favorite part of this job is the collaboration with other admins in the college and all the new things I get to learn, whether it’s a new (to me) process in NUFinancials or CAESAR/CLSS or getting to sit in on a lecture.
What’s your secret talent?
I’m a fencer! I started back in September and I’m really enjoying it so far. Not only is it exercise for my body, it’s also exercise for my brain.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to play music and travel! I’m a part of a symphonic band and a saxophone ensemble through an organization called Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles, an LGBTQ non-profit. Last year, I went to Los Angeles, Germany, Serbia, and Croatia. This year, I am going to Mexico in March and potentially Japan in November.
What is your perfect idea of a relaxing day?
A rainy fall day playing my favorite video game (currently Baldur’s Gate 3), and my cat Luna in my lap.
For people looking to try out something new (food, TV shows, places, etc.), what would you recommend?
Food: there’s an AMAZING trans-owned bakery in Lincoln Park called Jennivee’s. I get their chocolate tres leche cupcake for my birthday every year and it’s absolutely spectacular.
Places: Ping Tom Park in Chinatown! One of my favorite places in all of Chicago.
TV shows: I just finished watching Squid Game and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and both are masterclasses in storytelling. Highly recommend.