Lauren Burton
Graduate Student

Lauren is from Knoxville, Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in 2023. During her time at Iowa State University, she conducted undergraduate research under Dr. Eric Cochran to synthesize chemically modified PET that could allow for large-scale plastic recycling at milder and more economically feasible conditions. In the Smith Group, Lauren is currently studying mixed matrix membranes with a focus on modifying polymer matrices to enhance MOF-polymer compatibility for enhanced gas separations. During her free time, Lauren enjoys hiking, swimming, drawing, and playing guitar.