Laura Hand

Academic Interests

Genetics, Chemistry, & Biology

Fun Fact

I can play the flute!

Ever since my 9th grade AP Biology class, I have been enthralled with the thought of being part of the next biological revolution through helping develop and refine gene editing technology. I believe the possibilities are limitless, from curing genetic illnesses to stopping world hunger to fighting climate change, and my goal is to expand the scope of gene editing to epigenetic procedures to make things humanity once thought impossible seem routine. 

I admire science for the sake of science, but my ultimate goal is to help people through innovation in STEM. My commitment to serving others is underscored by my previous involvement with meal packing, homeless shelters, founding a youth-led ministry to raise funds for food-insecure families, and founding a tutoring program for those learning English as a second language, as well as my current involvement as a First Year Representative for The Backpack Project Durham, which provides necessities and tutoring to homeless families. 

Beyond simply helping others, I want to inspire them. Growing up as a young girl in a somewhat rural area, other women in STEM were something of a novelty. I have already learned to break glass ceilings through my participation in shooting sports, where I’ve had to beat out a majority male competition to win two consecutive regional championships and become one of the top ten junior competitors in the U.S. I want to continue to show other women like myself that no matter what others may say, achieving their dreams is possible, and they can change the world. By combining my passion for STEM with my propensity for trailblazing, I hope to create an inclusive world where people of all backgrounds can revolutionize technology and healthcare together.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

I love being part of a supportive, diverse community of others passionate about STEM! Learning from and about others always proves to be rewarding, and I enjoy being surrounded by people who understand that we accomplish more collaborating with each other than competing against each other.