ESP Biography



LAUREN KILLINGSWORTH, Stanford undergraduate




Major: Biology, History

College/Employer: Stanford

Year of Graduation: 2018

Picture of Lauren Killingsworth

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am fascinated by biochemistry, structural biology, disease ecology, and the history of cartography. I conduct research on proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and on nineteenth-century maps of cholera outbreaks.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

H6538: History of Cartography: All About Maps! in Splash Spring 2018 (May. 05 - 06, 2018)
Calling all map lovers! Join me as we learn about the history of cartography, by looking at some of the most unusual (and fascinating) maps from the ancient world to today! We will talk about sea monsters on Renaissance maps, mapping cholera in nineteenth-century England, and the commercialization of cartography at worlds fairs— among other exciting topics! There will be lots of maps (and fun facts!).


H5896: History of Cartography: All About Maps! in Splash Spring 2017 (Apr. 22 - 23, 2017)
Calling all map lovers! Join me as we learn about the history of cartography, by looking at some of the most unusual (and fascinating) maps from the ancient world to today! We will talk about sea monsters on Renaissance maps, mapping cholera in nineteenth-century England, and the commercialization of cartography at worlds fairs— among other exciting topics! There will be lots of maps (and fun facts!).


B4932: Regenerating the Human Eye with 3D Tissue Engineering: Can Stem Cells Treat Ciliopathies? in Splash Spring 2016 (Apr. 09 - 10, 2016)
Did you know that stem cells can be used to generate 3D human optic cups? Learn about 3D tissue engineering approaches that may revolutionize the field of ophthalmology! We will focus on ciliopathies, rare diseases that affect the photoreceptor, the main light sensing cell of the eye. Join us to learn how tissue engineering approaches are providing insight into the molecular mechanisms of these diseases.


B4933: Epidemiology in the Galápagos Islands: Are introduced diseases threatening endemic species? in Splash Spring 2016 (Apr. 09 - 10, 2016)
Have you heard of the blue footed booby, the flightless cormorant, or the Galápagos penguin? Join me in learning about these fascinating Galápagos species! We will discuss some of the most pressing threats to the Galápagos Islands, focusing on introduced pathogens and parasites. We will learn about some interesting molecular biology, immunology, and genetics topics! Along the way, I'll share stories and photos from my experience in the Galápagos.


B4632: Epidemiology in the Galápagos Islands: Are introduced diseases threatening endemic species? in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 07 - 08, 2015)
Have you heard of the blue footed booby, the flightless cormorant, or the Galápagos penguin? Join me in learning about these fascinating Galápagos species! We will discuss some of the most pressing threats to the Galápagos Islands, focusing on introduced pathogens and parasites. We will learn about some interesting molecular biology, immunology, and genetics topics! Along the way, I'll share stories and photos from my recent trip to the Galápagos.


S4237: disAbilities: More Alike Than Different in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 11 - 12, 2015)
What does it take to train a guide dog? What does it feel like to have trouble with your senses or communicating? Come learn about disabilities and see that we're more alike than different.


B4425: From Fibroblasts to Retinal Neurons: Can Stem Cells Treat Blindness? in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 11 - 12, 2015)
Learn how stem cells can be developed into photoreceptors- the main light sensing cells of the eye- to potentially restore vision. This class will include an introduction to stem cell biology, then dive into applications to blindness-related diseases such as macular degeneration. This class is designed for students with very little or no knowledge of stem cell biology.


H4430: Boba Tea: Analyzing the Tapioca Trend Through Taste-Testing in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 11 - 12, 2015)
Bubble tea, pearl milk tea, boba: it's quite the rising fad! Come learn a bit about the history and background of this drink over a boba tea party!


S3966: disAbilities 101: More Alike than Different in Splash Fall 2014 (Nov. 08 - 09, 2014)
What does it take to train a guide dog? What does it feel like to have trouble with your senses or communicating? Come learn about disabilities and see that we're more alike than different.


B3969: From Fibroblasts to Retinal Neurons: Can Stem Cells Treat Blindness? in Splash Fall 2014 (Nov. 08 - 09, 2014)
Learn how stem cells can be developed into photoreceptors- the main light sensing cells of the eye- to potentially restore vision. This class will include an introduction to stem cell biology, then dive into applications to blindness-related diseases such as macular degeneration. This class is designed for students with very little or no knowledge of stem cell biology.